British overseas territories citizens no longer need an English test for UK settlement or citizenship. On 24 November 2022 the Home Office updated its knowledge of language and life in the UK guidance to reflect the Autumn 2022 changes to the Immigration Rules, under which British overseas territories citizens are accepted as majority English speakers.
Key facts
- What BOTCs accepted as majority English speakers
- Guidance Updated 24 November 2022
- Who Settlement and citizenship applicants who are BOTCs
- Still needed Life in the UK test pass
What being a majority English speaker means
Nationals of the countries on the Home Office list of majority English-speaking countries are treated as meeting the speaking and listening part of the requirement automatically. They show this with a valid passport or travel document. If that document is lost, stolen or held by the Home Office, other evidence such as a current national identity document or an original letter from the home government or embassy confirming nationality can be accepted.
The Life in the UK test is separate
Being treated as an English speaker covers only the language half of the requirement. The guidance says nationals of majority English-speaking countries must still show that they have passed the Life in the UK test, unless an age or medical exemption applies. The test costs £50, has 24 questions in 45 minutes and needs 75% to pass.
What this means
If you are a British overseas territories citizen applying for settlement or citizenship, you should not need to book an English test, but you should check that your passport or other evidence clearly shows your status. You will still need to pass the Life in the UK test, so allow time to study and book it before you apply. Check the current list and evidence rules in the caseworker guidance.