Citizenship & settlement requirements
Both routes — settlement (ILR) and British citizenship — include a knowledge-of-life-in-the-UK requirement. Here's the map, with the upcoming changes flagged.
最后核查：15 July 2026
British citizenship requirements
Naturalisation: residence, good character, the Life in the UK Test and English at B1.
ILR (settlement) requirements
Indefinite leave to remain: qualifying period, the knowledge-of-life requirement, and exemptions.
B2 English from 2027
The announced rise of the English requirement from B1 to B2 for settlement — dates and who it affects.
The part that stays constant
Whatever else changes, the Life in the UK Test (24 questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 18) remains a requirement for both ILR and citizenship for most applicants aged 18–64. A pass never expires — passing early removes one variable from your application.
Rules are changing — get alerts
B2 English from 26 March 2027, and an earned-settlement consultation in progress. One email when something is confirmed — nothing else.