You passed the Life in the UK Test. What happens next?
The test is one step, not the finish line. Here is the rest: what you get straight after passing, how settlement differs from citizenship, what naturalisation costs and what happens at the ceremony. Every figure checked directly on gov.uk.
1. What you get straight after passing
From gov.uk: "You'll get a 'unique reference number'. You'll need this number to complete your citizenship or settlement application."
Keep it safe. You will need it whether you apply next month or in three years.
2. Settlement and citizenship are not the same thing
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) — "the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you're eligible". You are not a citizen: no British passport, no vote in general elections.
- British citizenship — full citizenship, passport, the vote. Usually the step after settlement, not an alternative to it.
The Life in the UK Test is required for both. You take it once.
3. Citizenship — the requirements
For naturalisation when you already hold ILR or settled status, gov.uk states you must:
- "be over 18" and "be of good character"
- have "lived in the UK for 5 years" and held your status for 12 months — this waiting period does not apply if you are married to a British citizen
- have "passed the life in the UK test"
- "prove your knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic"
Absence limits — the most common reason for refusal. You must not have spent "more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5 years before your application", nor "more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months".
Cost: "£1,839 (£1,709 to apply and a £130 citizenship ceremony fee)". A decision usually arrives within 6 months.
4. The citizenship ceremony
"You must attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months of receiving your invitation from the Home Office." Your local authority organises it and you may usually bring 2 guests.
You make "an oath of allegiance (or an affirmation if you prefer not to swear by God)" and a pledge. At the end you receive your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack. The ceremony cost is included in the application fee.
5. If you fail
"You can rebook the test as many times as you need. You'll have to pay each time." There is no stated limit and no stated waiting period — but each attempt costs the full £50.
6. Who does not have to take it
You are exempt if you "are under 18" or "are 65 or over". Also exempt: those who passed the test previously, and people with a long-term physical or mental condition, with medical evidence.
Booking the test
Online only, "at least 3 days in advance". You need an email address, a debit or credit card and an accepted form of ID.
Watch the name: "The name you give on your test booking must be an exact match with the name on the ID you use to book the test."
Book only through gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test. No agent is needed and none can book it more cheaply.
All that is left is passing it
The whole handbook as audio, 614 questions in English, and a counter that tells you when you are ready. Polish course available now.
See the course