Which nationalities do not need an English test for ILR?

Nationals of the countries on the GOV.UK majority-English-speaking list do not need to prove English for ILR: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA. If your country is not on the list, you need to prove English some other way, even if English is an official language there.

Countries that are not on the list

This is where many people are caught out. English is an official or widely used language in India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe and the Philippines, but none of them is on the list. GOV.UK says: "If you're from a country that's not on the list you'll need to prove your knowledge of English, even if English is an official language."

What about Ireland?

GOV.UK lists Ireland "for citizenship only". Irish citizens normally do not need ILR at all, because of the Common Travel Area, so check GOV.UK if this is you.

It is your nationality, not where you live

The exemption depends on being a national or citizen of a listed country, shown with a valid passport or travel document. Living in one of these countries, or studying there, is not the same thing, although a degree from one of them can help: see Does my degree count?.

If your country is not listed

You can still meet the requirement with a degree taught in English, an approved test, or an exemption for age or a long-term condition. See Who is exempt? and Which tests count?. The free checker asks for your nationality first.

Last checked against GOV.UK: 21 October 2026.

Sources

Prove your knowledge of English: who does not need to prove it (GOV.UK, checked 21 Oct 2026)
Immigration Rules: Appendix KoLL (updated 26 March 2026) (GOV.UK, checked 21 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.