British Citizenship - New Tests of Knowledge of Life in the United Kingdom introduced on 1 November 2005

With effect from 1 November 2005 all applicants (aged 18 or over) for naturalisation as a British citizen must evidence knowledge of the English language and life in the United Kingdom. This requirement can be demonstrated in either one of two ways: passing the new ESOL citizenship classes OR passing the new Life in the UK test.

Those applicants whose English level is below ESOL Entry Level 3 must complete new ESOL citizenship classes, which are English language courses involving additional learning materials on life in the United Kingdom. Passing this course will satisfy the requirement of knowledge of Life in the United Kingdom. These courses are available from public and private colleges through the United Kingdom. To find out your level of English, contact your local further education college or Learn Direct Centre.

Those applicants whose English level is above ESOL Entry Level 3 must pass a Life in the UK test. The test is available from testing centres across the United Kingdom. The subject matter of the test is contained in a handbook recently released by the Home Office entitled Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship. This handbook can be purchased from The Stationery Office or from most bookshops. Passing the test will show that you have sufficient knowledge of life in the United Kingdom, and you may then submit an application to the Home Office for naturalisation as a British citizen.

The test comprises of 24 multiple choice questions on such subjects as government, ethnic diversity, the role of women, and British customs and traditions. Once you have passed the test, you will be given a notification letter, which must then be included with your naturalisation application.

For more information on the test, please see the following website:

http://www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk/htmlsite/index.html

There is a discretion to waive this knowledge of life in the United Kingdom requirement. If you wish to discuss this further, please contact Nadine Goldfoot or Kate Chisholm at Gherson & Co.