Becoming a Permanent Resident
To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:
- Speak and read English
- Have a good understanding of life in the UK
How You Can Be Tested
There are currently two ways you can be tested on these requirements:
- Take the Life in the UK test. The questions are written in a way that requires an understanding of the English language at English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 3, so there is no need to take a separate English language test. People here on work visas, including those on Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system, normally must pass the Life in the UK test to become permanent residents.
- Pass an ESOL course in English with Citizenship. You will need to take this course if your standard of English is below ESOL Entry Level 3. The course will help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. At the end of the course you will take a test.
After Passing the Test
Once you have passed one of these tests, you can make an application for permanent residence or British citizenship. The form that you have to complete and the evidence that you need to provide will depend on your personal circumstances. There is a fee for submitting an application, which is different for the various types of application.
Updated Requirements
From October 2013, the requirements changed. For settlement or permanent residence, you need to:
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Produce acceptable evidence of speaking and listening skills in English at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3.
The requirements for citizenship applications may also change in the future. You should check the information on the UK government website for current requirements before applying for settlement or citizenship.
Check that you understand
- The process of becoming a permanent resident or citizen
- The different ways you can be tested on your knowledge and English skills
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
申请成为英国的永久居民或公民，你需要：
- 能够使用英语进行口语交流和阅读
- 对英国的生活有良好的了解
考核方式
目前有两种方式可以测试你是否满足上述要求：
- 参加 Life in the UK 考试。 考试题目的编写要求考生具备相当于 ESOL（English for Speakers of Other Languages）Entry Level 3 的英语水平，因此无需另外参加英语语言测试。持工作签证在英国居留的人士，包括积分制体系下 Tier 1 和 Tier 2 签证持有者，通常必须通过 Life in the UK 考试才能获得永久居留权。
- 通过附带公民教育内容的 ESOL 英语课程。 如果你的英语水平低于 ESOL Entry Level 3，则需要参加此课程。该课程将帮助你提高英语能力，并进一步了解英国的生活。课程结束时需要参加考试。
通过考试之后
一旦通过了上述任一考试，你就可以提交永久居留或英国国籍的申请。你需要填写的表格和提供的证明材料取决于你的个人情况。提交申请需要缴纳费用，不同类型的申请费用有所不同。
更新后的要求
自 2013 年 10 月起，相关要求发生了变化。申请定居或永久居留，你需要：
- 通过 Life in the UK 考试
- 提供可接受的证明，证明你的英语听说能力达到《欧洲语言共同参考框架》（Common European Framework of Reference）B1 水平。 该水平相当于 ESOL Entry Level 3。
公民身份申请的要求未来也可能会有所调整。在申请定居或入籍之前，你应当查阅英国政府官方网站上的最新要求。
检查你是否理解了以下内容
- 成为永久居民或公民的流程
- 考核知识水平和英语能力的不同方式
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
Translations are provided as a study aid only. The English version is the sole authoritative source.
To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:
- Speak and read English
- Have a good understanding of life in the UK
How You Can Be Tested
There are currently two ways you can be tested on these requirements:
- Take the Life in the UK test. The questions are written in a way that requires an understanding of the English language at English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 3, so there is no need to take a separate English language test. People here on work visas, including those on Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system, normally must pass the Life in the UK test to become permanent residents.
- Pass an ESOL course in English with Citizenship. You will need to take this course if your standard of English is below ESOL Entry Level 3. The course will help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. At the end of the course you will take a test.
After Passing the Test
Once you have passed one of these tests, you can make an application for permanent residence or British citizenship. The form that you have to complete and the evidence that you need to provide will depend on your personal circumstances. There is a fee for submitting an application, which is different for the various types of application.
Updated Requirements
From October 2013, the requirements changed. For settlement or permanent residence, you need to:
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Produce acceptable evidence of speaking and listening skills in English at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3.
The requirements for citizenship applications may also change in the future. You should check the information on the UK government website for current requirements before applying for settlement or citizenship.
Check that you understand
- The process of becoming a permanent resident or citizen
- The different ways you can be tested on your knowledge and English skills
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
Test your knowledge of Chapter 1
Practice Chapter 1 (72 questions)The study guide content on this site is based on information from Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition, published by the Home Office. © Crown copyright. This is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Home Office or the official test provider. For the official handbook, visit officiallifeintheuk.co.uk.