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Life in the UK Test

Please note: once you have passed the Life in the UK Test as part of your qualification for an Indefinite Leave to Remain, you are NOT required to take it again to qualify for UK Citizenship.

About the Life in the UK Test

If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you will need to show that you know about life in the UK.  In order to do this, applicants must take a Life in the UK Test.

The test is computer-based, lasts 45 minutes and is a series of 24 questions. It is based on 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship'.  It is important that you read the second edition of 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship' as this is the only official handbook for the Life in the UK test.  It is the only required preparation text for the Life in the UK test and has an RRP of £9.99.

Most of the test questions will be about life in the UK, as described in the 'Life in the United Kingdom' handbook. The test will also include a number of questions which ask you about the part of the UK you live in - England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

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Life in the UK Test costs

The Life in the UK test currently costs £34, although the fee is subject to change and could increase in the near future due to the HMRC's decision that it is liable to VAT.  To take the test, applicants are required to use one of almost 100 test centres based around the country.

 Need help with advice regarding the ILR or Life in the UK test?  Arrange for a free consultation

ESOL Course

If your level of English is lower than ESOL Entry 3 and you wish to apply for naturalisation or indefinite leave to remain, you will need to attend combined English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead. Most local further education or community colleges run these courses.

The ESOL course includes citizenship materials, and progressing from one ESOL level to the next.  It is stated that on average students require between 200 and 450 hours of tuition for each ESOL level.

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Get prepared for your Life in the UK Test with the UK Visa Bureau!

Our exclusive, subscription-only service gives prospective test candidates the chance to take a 3 month subscription to our practice test software, database of over 1,000 original questions and all the necessary test materials you'll need to be as prepared to take the test.  For more information, view our Life in the UK Test Preparation page.