UK Settlement English Test Exemptions: 4 Groups Who May Not Need to Prove Their English

The UK has set out four categories of people who can be exempt from the English language requirement when applying for permanent settlement, including applicants under 18, people aged 65 or over and some individuals with disabilities.

One of the less obvious exemptions applies to certain partners, parents and dependent children who have lived continuously in the UK for 15 years and meet additional language-learning conditions.

The rules also contain an important change coming into force on 26 March 2027, when the English level used in one part of the exemption assessment will move from B1 to B2.

For migrants planning to settle permanently in Britain, the change makes it important to understand not only whether they qualify for an exemption, but also when they intend to apply.

Who is exempt from the UK settlement English requirement?

Under the UK’s Immigration Rules, an applicant for settlement is exempt from the English language requirement if one of four conditions applies at the time of application.

The first three are largely based on age or personal circumstances.

The fourth is more specific and applies only to certain family members who have spent a long period living legally in the UK.

The exemptions are set out in Appendix English Language of the Immigration Rules.

1. Applicants aged 65 or over

Anyone aged 65 or older at the time they apply for settlement is exempt from the English language requirement.

This means an applicant does not have to demonstrate the required level of English simply because of their age.

The exemption is based on the applicant’s age on the date of application, making the timing of the settlement application relevant.

2. Applicants under 18

People who are under 18 when they apply for settlement are also exempt from the English language requirement.

The exemption applies because the Immigration Rules specifically exclude applicants below 18 from this particular settlement language condition.

However, being exempt from the English requirement does not automatically mean an applicant qualifies for settlement. Other immigration requirements can still apply depending on the route being used.

3. People whose disability prevents them from meeting the requirement

The third category covers applicants with a physical or mental condition that prevents them from meeting the English language requirement.

This is different from simply having a disability.

The rule specifically refers to a physical or mental condition that prevents the person from satisfying the English language condition. Applicants should consequently be prepared to demonstrate that the condition has the relevant effect if required as part of their application.

4. Some family members who have lived in the UK for 15 years

The fourth exemption is considerably more complicated.

It applies to a person applying for settlement as a partner, parent or dependent child aged over 18 who has spent a continuous period of 15 years in the UK with permission.

But 15 years of residence alone is not enough.

The applicant must also be able to show an English language speaking and listening qualification at A2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The Immigration Rules also recognise equivalent qualifications, including ESOL Entry Level 2 or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 3.

This is one of the most important distinctions in the rules because the exemption does not mean the applicant has no English-related conditions at all.

Instead, it provides an exemption from the normal settlement English requirement for people who have spent a very long period in the UK but are unlikely to progress to the higher level required under the rules.

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What changes on 26 March 2027?

A significant change takes effect on 26 March 2027.

For applicants using the 15-year family-related exemption, the rules currently require a qualified English teacher to confirm that the applicant has attended an English language class for at least 75 guided learning hours during the previous 12 months.

The teacher must also assess the applicant’s ability to reach the required level through further study.

For applications made before 26 March 2027, the relevant assessment is whether the applicant is unlikely to attain B1 level through further study.

From 26 March 2027, the assessment changes to whether the applicant is unlikely to attain the higher B2 level.

That makes the 2027 date particularly important for people who are considering when to apply for settlement.

Does the 2027 change mean everyone needs B2 English?

No.

The move to B2 does not mean every person applying for settlement must suddenly meet B2 regardless of their circumstances.

The government is introducing B2 as the standard English requirement for settlement across a range of immigration routes from 26 March 2027, subject to applicable exemptions. The affected routes include Skilled Worker, Global Talent, UK Ancestry, Long Residence, Private Life and several others.

The exemptions in Appendix English Language remain important because eligible applicants can still be exempt from the requirement.

Why the UK settlement English change matters to migrants

The change could be particularly relevant to people who are already building a route toward permanent settlement.

The government has said the wider B2 changes are intended to strengthen English-language requirements and support integration. The implementation date was set for March 2027 to give people already on settlement pathways time to prepare.

For migrants who do not fall within an exemption, the difference between B1 and B2 could mean additional preparation before applying for indefinite leave to remain.

For those who believe they qualify for an exemption, the details matter just as much.

Age, disability, immigration status, length of lawful residence, family route and the timing of the application can all affect which rule applies.

Is permanent settlement automatically granted if someone is exempt?

No.

Being exempt from the English language requirement does not mean an applicant automatically qualifies for settlement.

Applicants still have to meet the other requirements attached to their immigration route. Depending on the route, these can include continuous residence, suitability requirements, financial or employment conditions and the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement.

The English exemption only removes the applicable English-language condition.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about UK settlement English exemptions

Who does not have to pass the English test for UK settlement?

The Immigration Rules list four main settlement exemptions: applicants aged 65 or over, applicants under 18, people with a physical or mental condition preventing them from meeting the requirement, and certain partners, parents or dependent children over 18 who have spent 15 continuous years in the UK with permission and meet additional conditions.

Do people over 65 need an English test for indefinite leave to remain?

Applicants aged 65 or over at the time of their settlement application are exempt from the English language requirement under Appendix English Language.

Are children under 18 exempt from the UK settlement English requirement?

Yes. Applicants under 18 are included among the categories exempt from the settlement English language requirement.

Can disabled people be exempt from the UK English requirement?

Yes, where a physical or mental condition prevents the applicant from meeting the English language requirement. The rules do not simply exempt every person with a disability; the condition must prevent them from satisfying the requirement.

Can someone who has lived in the UK for 15 years avoid the English test?

Potentially, but 15 years of residence alone is not enough. The person must be applying as a qualifying partner, parent or dependent child aged over 18 and must meet the additional conditions set out in Appendix English Language.

What English level is required for the 15-year exemption?

The applicant must show a speaking and listening qualification at A2 CEFR, or an accepted equivalent such as ESOL Entry Level 2 or SCQF Level 3.

What changes to UK settlement English rules happen in March 2027?

From 26 March 2027, the standard English requirement for settlement on a range of routes increases from B1 to B2. For the specific 15-year exemption, the qualified teacher’s assessment also changes from whether the applicant is unlikely to attain B1 to whether they are unlikely to attain B2.

Do I need B2 English to get permanent residence in the UK?

From 26 March 2027, B2 will become the standard English requirement for settlement on a number of routes, unless an exemption applies. The exact requirement depends on the immigration route and the applicant’s circumstances.

Does an English exemption mean I automatically get indefinite leave to remain?

No. An exemption only concerns the English language requirement. Applicants must still satisfy the other settlement conditions applicable to their immigration route.