The Life in the United Kingdom test is required of anyone seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom or naturalisation as a British citizen. Its purpose is to demonstrate that the applicant has a sufficient understanding of British culture as well as a competent command of the English language. The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act of 2002 mandates the test.

Purpose of the Life in the United Kingdom

One of the most important requirements when applying for settlement or British citizenship is to pass the Life in the UK test. This test is necessary to help you learn about the country you are moving to and become acquainted with its geography and history. It comprises questions that cover topics including British values, history, traditions, and daily life. A passing score on the test is a must to prove that the applicant has a satisfactory understanding of life in the United Kingdom, which was implemented for naturalisation on November 1, 2005, and settlement on April 2, 2007. It also meets the language requirement by demonstrating that you have adequate knowledge of the English language.

Who can apply for the Life in the United Kingdom Test?

Any foreign individual who is over the age of 18 but under the age of 65 who wants to become a British citizen or settle in the UK can easily take the Life in the UK test.

Language provisions:

Although a good hold over the English language is a must, legally, if the applicant is well versed in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, it will be sufficient to satisfy the language requirement. According to Home Office instructions, if someone chooses to take the test in one of these languages, provisions will be made. In practice, only a small percentage of people take the test in a language other than English.

How to Book the test?

As part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK, you must take the Life in the UK Test. Applicants can only apply for the same through the official UK government website (https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test). The test is conducted online using a computer-based setup and consists of multiple-choice questions.

You must schedule your Life in the UK Test at least three days ahead of time. It will set you back £50. In the United Kingdom, there are approximately 30 exam centres. When you book your test, you can choose where you want to take it.

Documentation:

Here are the following documents you must keep handy while applying for the test:

• Personal id: A valid personal id is a must while booking the Life in the UK test. It’s important to remember that the name on your ID must match the name on the test booklet; otherwise, you won’t be able to appear for the test. Here are the following IDs that are accepted:
• A biometric resident card or a biometric residence permit – These two ID cards are stand-alone cards that are not attached to any documents. They must be current.
• A current passport– Passports that are more than ten years old will not be accepted as proof of identity. The hard copy of the document, not a digital version, must be presented.
• A photocopy of a valid travel document.
• A card that identifies you as a member of the European Union – It must be current; else, the identity proof will be rejected.

• Valid email address.
• Credit and Debit Card details.
• A proof of postcode: An address proof document must be provided to book the Life in the UK Test. The postcode evidence must be an original document that is no more than three months old. For the validation of the postcode, you can provide-
• A bill for the council tax
• Bills for gas, electricity, and water
• Statement from a bank or credit card
• Photocard driver’s licence in the United Kingdom
• A Home Office certified letter with your name and address on it.

How to prepare for the Test?

The 45 minutes long test includes 24 multiple-choice questions. The candidate must answer 18 out of the 24 questions correctly to pass the test. A minimum score of 75 per cent is compulsory. The questions are drawn from the official manual for the Life in the United Kingdom test.

The contents were mostly about England when the test was first introduced, but the second version of the handbook included more detail about aspects of life in the United Kingdom that varied in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Applicants take a version of the examination that is adapted to their location.

One must prepare thoroughly before applying for the exam. UK Visas and Immigration (which replaced the UK Border Agency in 2013) does not administer the test directly; instead, Learndirect, a commercial company, does so. The cost of the test is £50 from July 20, 2021.

Cracking the Life in the United Kingdom test

The average pass rate of the Life in the UK test is around 70%. You will be given a ‘unique reference number’ if you pass the test. You can use this number to finish your citizenship or settlement application. It will be referred to the Home Office to ensure that you have passed.

If you fail the test, you must wait seven days before reapplying. You can take the test as many times as you want. However, each time a new booking and payment for the test will have to be done.

When the test isn’t required?

You don’t have to take the Life in the United Kingdom Test under the following conditions:

• You are under the age of eighteen.
• You are 65 years old or above.
• You have already passed this test as part of your settlement application – for example, if you are wanting to become a British citizen and have already passed it as part of your settlement application, you will not be required to take it again.
• You have a long-term physical or mental condition for which you must present a letter or a form from an authorised doctor.

A Y & J Solicitors are here to help

Our much-experienced immigration lawyers at A Y & J Solicitors have been actively helping many candidates to prepare and crack the Life in the UK Test. Our success stories got us recognition across the world. Feel free to contact us for expert advice.

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