Who is exempt from the ILR English test? Age, medical and nationality

You usually do not need to prove English for ILR if you are under 18 or aged 65 or over on the date you apply, or are a national of a majority-English-speaking country on the GOV.UK list. A long-term physical or mental condition can also lead to an exemption, but that is decided case by case.

Age

Under 18 or 65 or over on the date of application. The age on that day is what counts. See My child turns 18 before we apply.

Medical conditions

If a long-term physical or mental condition prevents you from meeting the requirement, you can ask for an exemption. GOV.UK says you need a completed exemption form from a doctor and original copies of current relevant medical reports. The decision maker decides, so it is not automatic.

Nationality

Nationals of the countries on the GOV.UK list (for example the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica or Malta) do not need to prove English. Countries where English is only one official language are not on it. Full list: Which nationalities do not need a test?.

Routes with no settlement English test

GOV.UK lists, among others: refugees and people with humanitarian protection, adult dependent relatives, victims of domestic abuse, people with discretionary leave, and a Commonwealth citizen on discharge from HM Forces, including Gurkhas. The EU Settlement Scheme has no English requirement. Two routes stay at B1: British National (Overseas) and partners and children of HM Armed Forces members.

What we are not sure about

Bereaved partners: HC 1691 moves the route to B1/B2, but GOV.UK's exemptions page still lists them as not needing to prove English. Domestic Worker in a Private Household: GOV.UK lists it as exempt today and Trinity says it stays at B1, but we could not confirm the 2027 position in the Rules text. Irish citizens normally do not need ILR at all. For these, check GOV.UK or a regulated adviser.

Quick check

A degree taught in English also meets the requirement (see Does my degree count?). The free checker goes through all of this in 6 questions.

Last checked against GOV.UK: 21 October 2026.

Sources

1. Prove your knowledge of English: who does not need to prove it (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
2. Immigration Rules: Appendix KoLL (updated 26 March 2026) (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
3. Exemption form: long-term physical or mental condition (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
4. Immigration Rules: Appendix English Language (GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026)

This is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your own route, or speak to a regulated immigration adviser (registered with the IAA, formerly OISC). Find a regulated adviser on GOV.UK.