The UK has always been the dream place for many people for many years. Whatever the reason maybe it has been one of the most visited places by foreigners. Foreigners who wanted to go there to study, work, etc or are living for many years can and willing to stay permanently in the UK needs permanent citizenship. Getting British citizenship is not that easy at all. The candidates have to pass the “life in the UK test”. “Life in the UK test” is also known as the British citizenship test which is conducted to test the candidate’s eligibility. To get permanent citizenship candidates to have to prove themselves. The test was conducted with a prime motive to check the knowledge an applicant posses about the U.K and British customs, culture, traditions, laws, regulations, language, etc. Applicants have to pass the “life in UK test” at any cost if they wanted to apply for naturalization or settlement. In case, if the candidates fail to pass the examination he/she will not be eligible to apply for permanent citizenship.
By now, you must have understood the examination level. It’s not at easy as you are thinking. It takes a lot of hard work and truly dedicated preparation to excel in the examination. At times it might appear to be stressful but trust me with the right strategy you can easily qualify it.
Who has to take the Life in the UK test?
As I told you earlier, the “life in UK test” is not compulsory for all foreign people out there. Rather this test is only given by the candidates who are willing to stay in the UK permanently and wanted to get permanent citizenship. Also, certain criteria need to be considered and fulfilled if you are seeking a UK residency. These are listed below-
- If your age is below 18 or above 65, then you will not be allowed to sit for the examination.
- If you have some physical issues or are suffering from bad mental health, then in that case you need to show a confirmation letter from your doctor.
- You need not give the “life in UK test” twice if you have already passed the examination. All you have to show is an examination certificate as proof of your examination.
What happens during the Life in the UK test?
Many people get confused about the test due to a lack of proper knowledge. In case you want to excel in the examination the very first thing you need to know is what happens during the test. It will help you to pass the hurdle easily. Here are some of the things about the “life in UK test”-
“Life in UK test” is a fully computer-based examination and a total time of 45 minutes is given to the applicants to complete the examination. There will total of 24 questions based on British customs, traditions, laws, regulations, politics, etc. All the questions are in a multiple-choice format which means four options will be provided to you and you have to select the right option among them. You will consider being passed if you attempt at least 18 questions correctly.
Once the test has been conducted successfully, the result will be announced and according to your performance, you will be given a pass or fail certificate. Also, one thing which you must keep in your mind if you are appearing for the test does not to forget to carry your identity proof and address proof along with you. Try the reach the allotted center before 2 or 1 hour of the examination to get all formalities done at the right time.
What benefits come with obtaining British citizenship?
The benefits of obtaining a British passport are numerous. One of the most significant benefits is the mental comfort that comes from knowing that, regardless of future government actions, you have just as much of a right to stay in the UK as someone who was born here.
Additional benefits include:
- You are free to enter and exit the UK whenever you like.
- You are able to use your right to vote and take part fully in all municipal and general elections.
- You will be qualified for all public assistance programmes including healthcare.
Where can I take the Life in the UK test?
Since this test is conducted all around the UK it means that there will center all over the major areas in the country. There are 30 centers in total where the “life in UK test” is conducted. While filing the form you will be asked to choose 5 different locations close to your present location and the center will be allotted accordingly.
How can I prepare for the Life in the UK test?
If you are planning to appear for the “life in the UK test” then referring to a handbook will be a good option for you. This official handbook covers areas like-
- UK history
- The British government
- UK geography
- Local culture
Not only this, there will be ample sample questions and a study guide provided to you in the book to practice well for the test.
All the questions asked in the examination are from this handbook but one cannot predict which question is to be asked. So! To bring good marks you need to read the handbook thoroughly.
Tips: do not answer the question in hurry. It is advised to read the entire question thoroughly and then answer the question.
What happens if I pass the Life in the UK test?
Passing the test will give you a passing certificate which will increase your chance of being a permanent citizen of the UK. Once you receive the certificate, you will have to apply for an application regarding ILR or citizenship.
What happens if I fail the Life in the UK test?
As you know to fill out any form you will have to pay the form chargers. Similarly, if you are applying for a “life in the UK test” you will have to some fees. So! If you failed to pass the test, then the money you spent will be a total waste. Also, to again pass the test you can re-take your test after one week.
How do I book the life in the UK test?
If you are willing to sit for the test, then you have to book your seat at least 3 days before the day of the examination. To book the test, you will need an e-mail address along with the required amount. Not only this, but booking for a test requires ID proof too. You can use the following documents to prove your ID-
- Passport
- UK driving license or photo card.
- Certificate of Identity Document.
- Convention Travel Document (CTD)
- Stateless Person Document (SPD);
- EU identity card
- Immigration status document endorsed with a UK residence permit on a passport with a photo
- Biometric residential permit.
Life in the UK test for British citizenship
Having British citizenship has its importance or value. Being a citizen of the UK, you will be legally allowed to take part in the election process, express your thoughts, have access to public services, etc. not only this, being a citizen of the UK you will have a right to ask for a British passport. Once you have completed all the formalities along with the fess submission, your application is said to be completed. Although there always has been confusion regarding supporting documents needed at the time of applying for the examination. If you are among them and are confused then you need to read the above paragraph.
Life in the UK FAQs
-
Does “life in the UK test” expire?
No, there is no specific expiry date for the test. Once you have cleared the test, you can use its certificate for immigration purposes in the future.
-
How many questions are there in the test?
There is a total of 24 questions in the test.
-
What amount is charged while applying for the “life in the UK” test”?
If you are applying for the examination you will be charged £50 every time you appeared for the test.
-
What are passing marks for the “life in the U.K. test”?
For passing the examination you will have to score at least 75% marks in the test.
-
Who may take this test?
This Life in the UK test is an essential prerequisite if you are over 18 but under 64 and want to apply for settlement (ILR) or British citizenship. You could be excluded if there’s a likelihood that you’re mentally or physically unwell.
-
Do I have to take a test when applying for both British citizenship and settlement?
You can only take this exam once. There is no need for you to retake this test if you already took it as part of your ILR or settlement application. Your Life in the UK exam certificate is admissible as proof.
-
Is this test really challenging?
In general, the Life in the UK exam is not challenging. A few questions will be asked of you to gauge your familiarity with UK culture and way of life. The history, geography, governance, way of life, and places of the United Kingdom will all be topics covered in the quizzes.
-
Do I have to take the Life in the UK test while I’m in the UK?
You may only administer the Life in the UK test in locations authorised by the UK. This does not, however, imply that you must go to the UK in order to take the test. While submitting an online application, you may select from a list of test centres that have been approved by the UK.
-
Where can I apply?
You must submit your application online via the UK government’s official website. The application deadline is three days before the test. You must provide documentation of your identification, including a debit or credit card number and email address.
Any national identity document featuring your photo, such as a passport, can serve as your identity card. This includes your biometric residency permit.
This exam requires a payment of £50.
-
How should a person get ready for this exam?
The test includes inquiries about the broad history, geography, governance, culture, and locations of the UK. For the government-recommended test on a day-in-the-life in the UK, you can study from the official manual.
-
How much should I score to pass the test?
There will be 24 multiple-choice questions in the exam. To pass the test, you must receive a score of seventy-five per cent, which entails answering properly at least 18 out of 24 questions.
If you pass the exam, you will receive a special reference number with which you may submit an application for British citizenship.
Complete preparation is the key to acing this test. While many applicants succeed on their first try, many others need two tries. Your preparation and exam answers will determine everything.
-
What if I didn’t succeed on my first try?
If you were unable to pass the exam on your first try, it is completely acceptable. After an interval of seven days, you may reapply. You’ll need to pay the costs once again.
-
Can I be excused from the examination?
If you are over 65 or if there are other strong and difficult reasons why you are not medically qualified to take the exam, you may be excused from it. For which the Home Office will only waive your test provided you have a current medical certificate.
-
Do I require legal counsel for this?
You can get legal aid from UK immigration attorneys. Many of their customers have benefited from the accurate advice provided by A Y & J attorneys regarding the Life in the UK exam. Additionally, they have over 4000 clients with successful immigration records in their more than ten years of practice.
Final Verdict
By reading the whole article, I hope that you must have gained enough knowledge about what exactly the “life in the UK test” is all about and why it is conducted. Well! This test is conducted for the people who live in the UK temporarily and wanted to take permanent citizenship. There is no limit on the number of attempts you give to pass the test but on each attempt, you will have to pay £50. On passing the examination you will be allowed to move ahead and do the other formalities for the application regarding citizenship. In case you have any confusion regarding the test and the supporting documents required we suggest you contact the experts out there.
Stay woven into the fabric of legal discourse with our Legal Blog; connect, contribute, and make a lasting impact by writing for us – your status as a top immigration lawyer in the USA adds a distinctive layer to our conversations
