Becoming a Permanent Resident
To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:
- Speak and read English
- Have a good understanding of life in the UK
How You Can Be Tested
There are currently two ways you can be tested on these requirements:
- Take the Life in the UK test. The questions are written in a way that requires an understanding of the English language at English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 3, so there is no need to take a separate English language test. People here on work visas, including those on Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system, normally must pass the Life in the UK test to become permanent residents.
- Pass an ESOL course in English with Citizenship. You will need to take this course if your standard of English is below ESOL Entry Level 3. The course will help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. At the end of the course you will take a test.
After Passing the Test
Once you have passed one of these tests, you can make an application for permanent residence or British citizenship. The form that you have to complete and the evidence that you need to provide will depend on your personal circumstances. There is a fee for submitting an application, which is different for the various types of application.
Updated Requirements
From October 2013, the requirements changed. For settlement or permanent residence, you need to:
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Produce acceptable evidence of speaking and listening skills in English at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3.
The requirements for citizenship applications may also change in the future. You should check the information on the UK government website for current requirements before applying for settlement or citizenship.
Check that you understand
- The process of becoming a permanent resident or citizen
- The different ways you can be tested on your knowledge and English skills
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
UK의 Permanent Resident 또는 Citizen이 되기 위해 신청하려면 다음이 필요합니다:
- English를 말하고 읽기
- Life in the UK에 대한 충분한 이해
How You Can Be Tested
현재 이 요건들에 대해 테스트를 받을 수 있는 두 가지 방법이 있습니다:
- Life in the UK test를 치릅니다. 질문들은 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 3 수준의 English 언어 이해를 요구하는 방식으로 작성되어 있으므로, 별도의 English 언어 테스트를 치를 필요가 없습니다. Points-based system의 Tier 1 및 Tier 2를 포함하여 work visa로 여기에 있는 사람들은 보통 Permanent Resident가 되기 위해 Life in the UK test를 통과해야 합니다.
- English with Citizenship의 ESOL course를 통과합니다. English 수준이 ESOL Entry Level 3 미만인 경우 이 코스를 수강해야 합니다. 이 코스는 English 실력을 향상시키고 Life in the UK에 대해 더 많이 배우는 데 도움이 됩니다. 코스 마지막에 테스트를 치르게 됩니다.
After Passing the Test
이 테스트 중 하나를 통과하면 Permanent Resident 또는 British citizenship 신청을 할 수 있습니다. 작성해야 하는 양식과 제출해야 하는 증거는 개인의 상황에 따라 다릅니다. 신청서 제출에는 수수료가 있으며, 신청 유형에 따라 다릅니다.
Updated Requirements
2013년 10월부터 요건이 변경되었습니다. Settlement 또는 Permanent residence를 위해 다음이 필요합니다:
- Life in the UK test 통과
- Common European Framework of Reference의 B1 수준에서 English 말하기 및 듣기 기술에 대한 인정 가능한 증거 제출. 이는 ESOL Entry Level 3와 동일합니다.
Citizenship 신청 요건은 향후 변경될 수 있습니다. Settlement 또는 Citizenship을 신청하기 전에 UK government 웹사이트에서 현재 요건에 대한 정보를 확인해야 합니다.
Check that you understand
- Permanent Resident 또는 Citizen이 되는 과정
- 지식과 English 기술을 테스트할 수 있는 다양한 방법
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
Translations are provided as a study aid only. The English version is the sole authoritative source.
To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:
- Speak and read English
- Have a good understanding of life in the UK
How You Can Be Tested
There are currently two ways you can be tested on these requirements:
- Take the Life in the UK test. The questions are written in a way that requires an understanding of the English language at English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 3, so there is no need to take a separate English language test. People here on work visas, including those on Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system, normally must pass the Life in the UK test to become permanent residents.
- Pass an ESOL course in English with Citizenship. You will need to take this course if your standard of English is below ESOL Entry Level 3. The course will help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. At the end of the course you will take a test.
After Passing the Test
Once you have passed one of these tests, you can make an application for permanent residence or British citizenship. The form that you have to complete and the evidence that you need to provide will depend on your personal circumstances. There is a fee for submitting an application, which is different for the various types of application.
Updated Requirements
From October 2013, the requirements changed. For settlement or permanent residence, you need to:
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Produce acceptable evidence of speaking and listening skills in English at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3.
The requirements for citizenship applications may also change in the future. You should check the information on the UK government website for current requirements before applying for settlement or citizenship.
Check that you understand
- The process of becoming a permanent resident or citizen
- The different ways you can be tested on your knowledge and English skills
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
Test your knowledge of Chapter 1
Practice Chapter 1 (72 questions)The study guide content on this site is based on information from Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition, published by the Home Office. © Crown copyright. This is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Home Office or the official test provider. For the official handbook, visit officiallifeintheuk.co.uk.