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Many people come to the UK whether through work, study, or joining family. If you’ve put down roots and want to stay for the long term, it’s important to understand the steps that lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship (naturalisation) – and how to prepare for them.
If you moved to the UK on a Skilled Worker, student, or family visa, you may be eligible to apply for ILR after five years of lawful residence. For people on a family visa (as a spouse, partner, or parent), this five-year route often involves applying to extend your visa after 30 months (2.5 years), then applying for ILR after completing five years in total.
ILR gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently, access healthcare and benefits (if eligible), and enjoy a more secure immigration status. If you’re married to a British citizen, you can usually apply for citizenship straight after getting ILR. Otherwise, you’ll typically need to wait 12 months.
British citizenship brings even more benefits. You can vote in all UK elections, apply for a British passport, and sponsor family members to come to the UK more easily. Most importantly, while ILR can be lost if you spend two years outside the UK, British citizenship is permanent, no matter how long you spend abroad.
To apply for a visa extension, ILR or citizenship, one of the key requirements is proving your knowledge of English – and that’s where LANGUAGECERT can help.
UKVI-approved SELT English tests that work for you
To meet the Home Office English language requirement, you’ll need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at A2 level for a visa extension or at B1 level for ILR and naturalisation. LANGUAGECERT SELT English tests are UKVI-approved and accepted for all visa categories.
- Book your test online up to 24 hours in advance
- Take your Speaking test with a real person online
- Get your results fast — within just 3 working days
- Access free preparation material
- Benefit from a free re-sit option (limited-time offer)
With test centres across the UK – including London, Manchester, Leeds, and more, it’s simple to find a convenient location. LANGUAGECERT also offers test locations around the world, for those outside the UK.
Not quite ready? Get confident with our free online preparation tools
Worried about your English or unfamiliar with the test format? We’re here to help. At selt.languagecert.org, you can access free preparation materials designed to boost your skills and your confidence.
For the B1 SELT test, try Step to Success: ESOL SELT B1 — our free, interactive online tool that helps you get test-ready in just a few hours. You’ll be able to:
- Practise with engaging activities and get instant feedback.
- Record your answers and improve your speaking performance.
- Take two full interactive mock tests.
- Study at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.
Whether you’re brushing up or starting fresh, our resources are here to support you every step of the way.
Thousands of people have already trusted LANGUAGECERT to support them with this important step. Whether you’re applying for a visa extension, ILR or British citizenship, LANGUAGECERT is ready to help you move forward.
Book now using PROMO CODE F9C6FC and get 10% off your test!
https://selt.languagecert.org
