Who is exempt
- People under 18 or aged 65 or over on the day they apply.
- People with a physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting it, with a doctor's exemption form.
- Nationals of the majority English-speaking countries on GOV.UK's list.
- People with an academic degree taught or researched in English: a UK degree, or one Ecctis confirms.
- Partners or parents with 15 years in the UK with permission who hold A2 in speaking and listening and a teacher's letter after 75 hours of classes in the last 12 months.
Partners and children of Skilled Workers
A dependent partner, or a child aged 18 or over, settling with a Skilled Worker needs B1 in speaking and listening if they apply before 26 March 2027, and B2 on or after it (Appendix Skilled Worker SW 44.1). Unlike the main applicant, they do not count as having proved it already.
Work routes
Skilled Workers and the other work routes on GOV.UK's settlement page need no new proof before 26 March 2027. From that date they need B2 in speaking and listening, unless their visa was granted on B2 evidence.
Tests that show B1
| Test | B1 needs | Where |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI IELTS SELT Consortium | 4 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| PTE Academic UKVI Pearson | 43 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert Academic SELT LanguageCert | 40 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert General SELT LanguageCert | 40 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| Trinity ISE (Integrated Skills in English) Trinity College London | ISE I, pass | In the UK |
| Skills for English UKVI (4 component) PSI Services | B1, pass | Outside the UK |
| IELTS Life Skills IELTS SELT Consortium | B1, pass | In and outside the UK |
| PTE Home Pearson | B1, pass | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT (speaking and listening) LanguageCert | B1, pass | In and outside the UK |
| Trinity GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English) Trinity College London | Grade 5, pass | In the UK |
| Skills for English UKVI (2 component) PSI Services | B1, pass | Outside the UK |
Questions
Do dependants need an English test for ILR?
Yes, if they are 18 to 64: B1 in speaking and listening before 26 March 2027 and B2 on or after it, unless another exemption applies. Children under 18 are exempt.
Is there an English test exemption for ILR at 65?
Yes. People aged 65 or over on the day they apply do not need to prove their English for settlement.
Should I take B1 or B2 for ILR?
It depends on the day you apply: before 26 March 2027, B1 in speaking and listening; on or after it, B2. A B2 result meets both.
Can I use my old B1 test for ILR?
Before 26 March 2027, a B1 or higher qualification accepted for another UK application still counts after it runs out, if the test is still on the current list.