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SELT Practice
English test for ILR
The English test for ILR (indefinite leave to remain, also called settlement) is a speaking and listening test. GOV.UK says it is B1 for applications made before 26 March 2027 and B2 for applications made on or after that date, as of 9 November 2026.
The level by date of application
The level depends on the date you apply, not the date of your test.
| Date of application | Level | Skills | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 26 March 2027 | B1 | Speaking and listening | Appendix KoLL and GOV.UK |
| On or after 26 March 2027 | B2 | Speaking and listening | Appendix KoLL, HC 1691 |
Sources: Appendix KoLL, HC 1691 memorandum, GOV.UK.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
Who is covered by the 2027 change
The 2027 change covers many routes, including Skilled Worker, Scale-up, Innovator Founder, Global Talent, UK Ancestry, Minister of Religion, Representative of an Overseas Business, International Sportsperson, Long Residence, Private Life, Bereaved Partner, Child Relative, and partner and parent settlement under Appendix FM (HC 1691 memorandum).
Skilled Worker and Scale-up main applicants had no separate English test at settlement before. From 26 March 2027 they must show B2 speaking and listening. Hong Kong BN(O) settlement stays at B1 in the Rules text (Appendix Hong Kong BN(O)). Read more on B2 English test for ILR.
Test options at B1 and B2
B1 (before 26 March 2027): five speaking and listening tests are on the GOV.UK list: Trinity GESE Grade 5, LanguageCert B1, IELTS Life Skills B1, PTE Home B1 and PSI Skills for English B1 (outside the UK only). Compare them on B1 English test.
B2 (from 26 March 2027): as of 9 November 2026 the GOV.UK list has no B2 speaking and listening only test. Trinity sells GESE Grade 7 for this purpose, but it is not on the list files. See B2 English test. Check GOV.UK before you book.
Exemptions and other ways to show English
GOV.UK lists exemptions for settlement. They include people aged 65 or over, people with a long-term physical or mental condition (with a doctor's form), some nationalities, and some degree holders (GOV.UK).
Read English test exemptions in the UK. The Rules also have a route for people who show efforts to learn English with teacher evidence. That route moves from B1 to B2 benchmarks from 26 March 2027 (Appendix KoLL).
What happens in the test, step by step
- Pick a test on the GOV.UK list and book it at an approved centre.
- Take the test. It is speaking and listening, with a live examiner or a computer, depending on the provider.
- You get a result by email. If you pass you get a reference number (called UER, UKVI number, Candidate URN, SELT URN or URN, depending on the provider).
- You give the number in your application. You do not send papers. The result must be awarded within 2 years before you apply (GOV.UK).
How to prepare
At B1 you talk about experiences, plans and reasons. At B2 you also give advice, compare ideas and lead a discussion.
- Practise talking for one to two minutes on a topic without notes.
- Practise giving reasons, past events and future plans.
- Practise asking questions and giving opinions.
You can practise with an AI examiner on this site. It asks questions out loud and you answer out loud.
Not sure of your level? Take the free level check. It takes a few minutes.
Related guides
What English test do I need for ILR?
GOV.UK says B1 speaking and listening for applications made before 26 March 2027 and B2 speaking and listening on or after that date. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Is the ILR English test B1 or B2?
B1 before 26 March 2027 and B2 from 26 March 2027, according to the Immigration Rules for most routes. The date of your application decides.
Which tests can I use for ILR at B1?
Trinity GESE Grade 5, LanguageCert B1, IELTS Life Skills B1, PTE Home B1 and PSI Skills for English B1 (outside the UK only) are on the GOV.UK list files.
Is there a Life in the UK test too?
The Life in the UK test is a separate test. This site does not cover it. See GOV.UK for the requirements.
How long does an ILR English test result last?
GOV.UK says a SELT result is valid for 2 years from the date it is awarded.