Can I apply for ILR without Life in the UK test?

Life in the UK test and Indefinite Leave to Remain

The Life in the UK test is an essential part of the eligibility requirements to be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. To become eligible for ILR, you must prove that you have passed a Life in the UK test. The UK test requirement is mandatory.

However, there are some instances in which you may be exempt from taking the Life in the UK test. If you are exempt for any reason, you must be able to produce evidence of this reason to be excused from the test.

Often the Life in the UK test can seem daunting, but it is a straight forward procedure . The test can be taken at a local UK test centre on a day of your choice, you must book before you can take the test at any of the UK test centres.

For more information on how IAS can help you, call our friendly team of advisors today on 0333 305 9375 for immediate assistance.

Who is exempt from taking the Life in the UK test?

There are a number of circumstances that result in an individual being exempt from taking the Life in the UK or English language test. You will not need to take the test if you:

• Are under the age of 18 years old
• Are aged 65 or over
• Have a physical or mental condition

If you believe you are exempt due to a physical or mental condition, you should ensure you have written proof of your condition from your doctor confirming your exemption. In addition, you must ensure you fill out an online exemption form.

It is important to note that you may not be exempt for the following reasons:

• If you have a visual or hearing impairment
• If you are illiterate

You can seek guidance on an exemption from a trained immigration lawyer.

What is the Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK test is a short series of questions based on British life, traditions, and customs which is required to be taken by those applying to settle in the UK through Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship.

You have 45 minutes to answer 24 multiple choice questions which will be based on a range of British topics which can include British traditions or politics.

In order to gain a pass mark, you must score at least 75%, which is roughly 18 correct answers.

You will be told if you have passed or failed at the end of the test.

Your pass mark will then allow you to proceed with your ILR application process.

Taking the life in the UK test with a disability

Having a disability does not automatically make you exempt from taking the Life in the UK test. You may still need to take the test under these circumstances, but if you feel you may be eligible for exemption, you should speak to a medical practitioner for further advice.

If you still have to take the test, you may be eligible for additional assistance. If this is the case, you should contact the Life in the UK test helpline for further guidance on your disability.

How do I apply for the Life in the UK test?

You can make a test booking for the Life in the UK test online. You must ensure that you book the Life in the UK test at a local test centre; you will be given the option of five different test centres which are reasonably close to your home address- you should make sure you choose one of these 5.

You will need to provide the following identification to book:

• Passport
• Photo driving licence (full or provisional)
• Travel documents
• EU Identity card
• Immigration status document
• Biometric Residence Permit

You should apply for your Life in the UK test at least three days before you wish to take the test.

How much is the Life in the UK test?

For each attempt at the test, it will cost £50.

You must pay for this before you take the test at the time of booking. You should ensure that you enter all of the details correctly before booking as no refunds will be given more incorrect information on test bookings.

You also may not request a refund if you fail the test.

If you require a refund after cancelling a test, you should make sure you request this within 3 days of the test being due.

Do you need to prepare for the Life in the UK test?

It is essential that you prepare well before you take your Life in the UK test.

You can access the handbook which will give you the opportunity to see the types of questions you may be asked. On the day of the test you will be given a random selection of questions but it is a good idea to take practice tests before you take the official Life in the UK test.

You will be tested on the following topics during the Life in the UK test:

• UK based geography
• UK history
• British culture
• The UK government
• Political affairs
• British traditions

Common Life in the UK test booking errors

It can be easy to make a mistake when booking the Life in the UK test, however, making a simple mistake in the booking stage can result in your test being voided. Some common errors include:

• Not including your full birth name as it appears on your identification documents
• Typing or spelling errors
• Not taking the specified ID documents to your Life in the UK test at the test centre
• Incorrect credit card details

These mistakes can be easily avoided by double-checking your booking for the Life in the UK test before confirming it.

Passing the Life in the UK test

You need to score at least 75% to pass the Life in the UK test. When you pass, you will be issued with a Unique Reference Number (URN) which will be used throughout the ILR application process.

You will not be issued with a printed pass notification letter anymore, you can now access your Life in the UK test results online using your URN, which you will also need to share with the Home Office directly.

How can IAS help?

Taking the Life in the UK test as part of the ILR application process can seem daunting, but it is very important to ensure you meet all of the requirements.

Our trained immigration lawyers can help you with preparing your ILR application carefully to ensure the best possible chance of approval.

Call our friendly team of advisors today on 0333 305 9375 for more information on how we can help you.