SELT Practice
English test exemptions in the UK
English test exemptions for UK visas, citizenship and settlement include some nationalities, some degrees, age 65 or over and some medical conditions. This page lists what GOV.UK says as of 9 November 2026. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Nationality list
GOV.UK lists these majority English-speaking nationalities: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA. Ireland is added for citizenship only (family visa, citizenship and settling).
Nationals of other countries must prove English even if English is the main language there.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
Degrees and Ecctis
A degree-level qualification taught in English and awarded by a UK institution can count, even if you studied abroad. For citizenship and settlement it can be taught or researched in English. For a degree from outside the UK, an Ecctis assessment must confirm that it equals a UK bachelor's degree or higher and was taught in English. For citizenship and settlement the degree must be academic, not vocational (GOV.UK degrees guidance).
HC 1691 replaces the word "Ecctis" in the Rules with "the qualification and language assessments provider" (memorandum).
Age and medical reasons
- Age 65 or over: exempt.
- Long-term physical or mental condition: a doctor's exemption form with original medical reports is needed for citizenship and settlement.
- Under 18: exempt under Appendix KoLL.
- Family visas: children and adult dependent relatives are exempt.
Sources: family visa, GOV.UK, Appendix KoLL.
Other settlement exemptions
GOV.UK lists victims of domestic abuse, bereaved partners, certain adult dependent relatives aged 18 to 64, refugees, people with discretionary leave or humanitarian protection, retired persons of independent means, Commonwealth HM Forces dischargees and exceptional circumstances (GOV.UK). On family visas, after 5 years as a partner or parent you are exempt from the English requirement (GOV.UK family visa).
Earned settlement, announced on 2 November 2026, keeps existing exemptions for children, people aged 65 or over and people with a qualifying condition. Its rules are not yet in force (consultation response).
What to do next
We cannot tell you if you are exempt. Open the GOV.UK page for your route and read the exemption list. If you are not exempt, read UK visa English test to find your level. See also English test for ILR, English test for spouse visa and English test for citizenship UK.
If you need a test, take the free level check (no sign-up).
Who is exempt from the English test for a UK visa?
GOV.UK lists some nationalities, some degree holders, people aged 65 or over and people with a long-term medical condition. Exemptions differ by route. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Is Ireland on the exempt list?
Ireland is added to the nationality list for citizenship only, says GOV.UK.
Does my degree count?
A UK degree, or a degree taught in English that Ecctis confirms is equal to a UK bachelor's degree, can count. For citizenship and settlement it must be academic. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Am I exempt if I am over 65?
GOV.UK lists applicants aged 65 or over as exempt. Check GOV.UK for the page for your route.
Is English the main language in my country, so am I exempt?
No. GOV.UK says nationals of other countries must prove English even if English is the main language there.