Knowledge of language and life in the UK
This page contains details of the knowledge of language and life in the UK that you need to have before you make an application for naturalisation as a British citizen.
You can demonstrate your knowledge of language and life in the UK in three ways:
- If you speak English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic to a reasonable standard, you will need to pass the 'Life in the UK test'.
- If you do not have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic, you will need to take and pass an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course in English and citizenship.
- If you passed the Life in the UK test or completed an ESOL course to meet the 'knowledge of language and life' requirement when you applied for settlement, you will not need to show that you meet this requirement again. Simply tick the appropriate box in section 1.22 of the application form.
You cannot be exempted from this requirement because you have lived in the UK for a long time, have certain qualifications, are illiterate or are from an English-speaking country. The requirement to demonstrate knowledge of life in the UK is specified in law, and these are not grounds for exemption.
You may be exempted from the requirement if you are over the age of 65, or have a serious physical or mental condition that would prevent you from meeting this requirement for the foreseeable future.
Documents required for naturalisation applications
These are details of the documents that you must send the UKBA to support your application for naturalisation.
You should send the original documents, not copies. You should provide translations of any documents not in English.
If you want the UKBA to return your valuable documents by secure post, you must enclose a pre-paid, self-addressed Royal Mail special delivery (or recorded signed-for delivery) envelope with your application. The envelope should be able to accommodate the size and weight of your documents, and should be insured to the appropriate level for the documents' value. If you do not enclose this envelope, the UKBA will return your valuable documents to you by Royal Mail 2nd-class post. See the Royal Mail website for further information.
The documents required depend on the basis of your application. The list below has been split into 5 sections; you should ensure that you read all the sections that are relevant to you. If you do not send the UKBA all the documents that they need, they will write to ask you for them; this will delay your application.
You can download a
document checklist (PDF 25K opens in a new window) containing details of the evidence they require. You should read the information below for details of the types of documents they will accept as evidence.
All applications
Evidence of your identityYou should provide:- your passport; or
- your nationality identity card; or
- your Home Office travel document; or
- your Home Office entitlement card; or
- your Home Office application registration card; or
- your birth certificate; or
- your photo driving licence; or
- bank, building society or credit card statements issued to you in the last 6 months.
If you used one of these documents to prove your identity when you took the 'knowledge of life in the UK' test, you should supply the same document to support your naturalisation application.
Evidence of knowledge of English and of life in the UKIf you are applying from the UK, you should provide:
- your certificate of progression from one English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) level to another, with a letter from the college confirming that you completed an ESOL with citizenship course; or
- your letter confirming that you have passed the 'Life in the UK' test, stamped and signed by the test supervisor; or
- your confirmation that you met this requirement in order to obtain settlement.
If you are applying from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you should contact the Lieutenant Governor for details of the evidence required.
If you are applying from any other country, you should contact your nearest British diplomatic post for details of the evidence required.
Exemption from the 'knowledge of English and life in the UK' requirementYou should provide evidence from your doctor that it is not a temporary condition.
Applications on the basis of residence in the UKEvidence of lawful residence during the residential qualifying period
You should provide your passport. If you cannot provide your passport, you should explain why on page 13 of the application form. If you do not provide your passport, you should provide letters from employers, educational establishments or other government departments indicating your presence in the UK during the qualifying period.
If your passport is not stamped when you enter the UK (because you have the right of abode in the UK, or you are a national of Taiwan or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), you should send your passport and alternative evidence of residence. This evidence could take the form of letters from employers, educational establishments or other government departments to show your presence in the UK during the qualifying period.
Evidence that you are free from immigration time restrictionsYou should provide:
- your passport showing permission to remain in the UK permanently; or
- the Home Office letter giving you permission to remain in the UK permanently.
If you came to the UK as an asylum seeker, you should provide evidence that you were not in the UK without permission between exhausting your appeal rights and being granted indefinite leave to remain.
If you entered the UK before 1971 and were not put under immigration time restrictions, you should provide evidence that you were freely landed as a Commonwealth citizen before 1971 or because you arrived as a child on your parent's passport.
Evidence required from European Economic Area and Swiss nationalsEvidence of your nationality
You should provide:
- your passport; or
- your nationality identity card.
Evidence of exercising treaty rights for 5 yearsWe require evidence to cover the relevant 5-year period. You should provide:
- P60 tax certificates; or
- an employer's letter confirming employment; or
- a benefits letter confirming job seekers' allowance claimed; or
- a benefits letter confirming incapacity benefit claimed; or
- documentary evidence confirming pension received.
If you are
self-employed or a businessperson, you should provide evidence from HM Revenue & Customs confirming that you have paid tax over the relevant period.
If you are a student, you should provide:- a letter from the educational establishment confirming that you were enrolled on a course of study throughout the qualifying period; and
- evidence that you have comprehensive sickness insurance cover for you and your accompanying family members.
If you are self-sufficient, you should provide:- bank statements covering the qualifying period to show evidence of funds; and
- evidence that you have comprehensive sickness insurance cover for you and your accompanying family members
.
If you are retired, you should provide evidence that you are receiving a state pension.
If you have been unable to work due to ill health, you should provide a doctor's letter or medical report confirming that you have been unable to work. The letter or report should state whether you are likely to be able to return to work.
Applications on the basis of marriage or civil partnership to a British citizenYou should provide:
- your partner's passport or birth certificate; and
- your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
Applications on the basis of Crown service or of marriage to a British citizen in Crown or designated service
You should provide a letter from the relevant employer confirming:
- the date and place of recruitment; and
- the position held; and
- the extent to which it would be in the employer's interest for the application to be granted.
Applications from self-employed peopleIf you do not pay tax through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) arrangements, you should provide the most recent HM Revenue & Customs self-assessment statement of account.