SELT Practice
English test for ILR as a dependant
Whether a partner or child needs an English test for ILR depends on age and route. GOV.UK says a partner aged 18 to 64 applying on a family route must show English at B1 speaking and listening. Under-18s are not stated as needing a test. Settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027 are set at B2 for many routes, as of 10 November 2026.
Who must pass
On the GOV.UK partner ILR page, if you are 18 to 64 you need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement, with a recognised English qualification at least B1 in speaking and listening, or a degree taught or researched in English.
- Partner aged 18 to 64: yes, English and the Life in the UK Test.
- Child under 18: the GOV.UK child ILR page does not state an English test requirement for under-18s. Children must have had permission as a dependant before they turned 18 (GOV.UK child page).
- Child aged 18 or over: GOV.UK lists the Life in the UK Test and the English requirement for them, so check the page for your case.
- Aged 65 or over: exempt (see below).
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
Which level: B1 now, B2 from 26 March 2027
The level depends on the date you apply. This is the same table as on our B2 English test for ILR page.
| Date of application | Level | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Before 26 March 2027 | B1 | Speaking and listening |
| On or after 26 March 2027 | B2 | Speaking and listening |
The Statement of Changes HC 1691 moves partner and parent settlement under Appendix FM, and the dependants of a Skilled Worker, from B1 to B2 for applications on or after 26 March 2027 (HC 1691 memorandum, Appendix KoLL). The GOV.UK family ILR pages still describe B1, which is correct for applications made before that date. Hong Kong BN(O) settlement stays at B1 in the Rules text. Read English test for ILR for the full picture.
Exemptions
GOV.UK lists these exemptions from the English requirement (GOV.UK exemptions, family visa page):
- You are aged 65 or over.
- You cannot take the test because of a long-term physical or mental condition. You need a completed exemption form from a doctor.
- You are a national of a listed majority English-speaking country, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA.
- For settlement, GOV.UK also lists some circumstances, for example a victim of domestic violence, the partner of someone who died, a refugee, or someone in exceptional circumstances.
A degree taught or researched in English can also be used to meet the requirement. Check the full list on GOV.UK. See English test exemptions in the UK.
Which tests you can take
At B1, the speaking and listening tests are 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. As of 10 November 2026 the GOV.UK list has no B2 test in speaking and listening only, so check B2 English test before you book for a date after 26 March 2027.
Using an older result
A result must normally be awarded in the 2 years before you apply. GOV.UK says that if you passed B1 or higher for a family visa you can use that result again for settlement after 5 years, if the test is still on the list and has not been withdrawn. Use the validity calculator to check your date.
How to prepare
Each person on the application needs their own result. At B1, practise talking about experiences, plans and reasons for one to two minutes at a time.
Take the free level check to see where to start, then practise out loud with the AI examiner. Results here are estimates.
Do dependants need an English test for ILR?
A partner aged 18 to 64 applying on a family route does, according to GOV.UK. A child under 18 is not stated as needing one. Check the GOV.UK page for your route.
What level of English test is needed for ILR as a dependant?
B1 speaking and listening for applications made before 26 March 2027. For many routes, including dependants of a Skilled Worker, B2 on or after that date.
Who is exempt from the ILR English requirement?
People aged 65 or over, people with a long-term physical or mental condition (with a doctor's form), nationals of listed countries and some other circumstances listed on GOV.UK.
Does my child under 18 need an English test for ILR?
The GOV.UK child ILR page does not state an English test for under-18s. Children aged 18 or over may need one.