Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL)
Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK — usually shortened to KoLL — combines an English-language requirement with knowledge of life in the UK. It applies to naturalisation and to settlement routes that require KoLL, subject to applicable exemptions and route-specific rules.
On this page
What is Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK?
KoLL has two parts: knowledge of language and knowledge of life in the UK. Where the requirement applies, both parts normally need to be addressed unless an exemption, waiver or route-specific provision applies.
The rules are not identical for every settlement route and for naturalisation. Check the requirement that applies to the application you are making.
English-language requirement
You may be able to meet this through an approved English test, an eligible academic qualification or an accepted nationality route.
English-language requirement →Life in the UK test
The knowledge-of-life component is normally demonstrated by passing the official Life in the UK test.
Life in the UK →Does KoLL apply to your application?
KoLL applies to ILR applications under routes that require it. Some settlement categories are not subject to the requirement, so you should check the rules for your particular route rather than assuming KoLL applies to every ILR application.
Naturalisation applicants generally need to meet both parts of KoLL unless an applicable exemption or waiver applies.
Route matters. This page explains the general KoLL framework. Your settlement route may contain specific rules or exceptions, so check the relevant route page before applying.
How can the English-language part be met?
The guidance identifies several ways in which the English-language component may be met. Which one applies depends on your circumstances and, for some settlement routes, the route-specific rules.
Approved English test
One route is an approved speaking-and-listening SELT at B1 CEFR or above.
Degree taught in English
An eligible academic qualification taught or researched in English may satisfy the language component, subject to the required evidence.
Majority English-speaking country
An accepted nationality may satisfy the English-language component without a separate English test.
Read the full English-language requirement →
Meeting the English-language component does not by itself satisfy KoLL. Unless an exemption or other provision applies, the Life in the UK component must also be addressed.
What is the Life in the UK part?
The knowledge-of-life component is normally met by successfully completing the approved Life in the UK test. The test is based on the official Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents handbook. Use GOV.UK for current booking arrangements and other live test information.
Is KoLL the same for ILR and citizenship?
The same two broad components are relevant, but the detailed rules are not identical. For ILR, KoLL applies where the settlement route requires it. Naturalisation has its own statutory and guidance framework, including different treatment of some exemptions and previously accepted English evidence.
Indefinite leave to remain
Check whether your settlement route requires KoLL and whether route-specific English rules or an exemption apply.
British citizenship
Naturalisation generally requires both parts, but the guidance contains its own waiver and evidence provisions.
If you relied on an accepted B1 English qualification for a successful ILR application, the guidance allows that qualification to satisfy the English component for naturalisation in the circumstances it describes. The Life in the UK requirement must still have been met where required. See British citizenship.
Can an exemption or waiver apply?
Yes. The guidance contains exemptions and waiver provisions, but they depend on the application type and individual circumstances. An exemption should not be assumed simply because a particular factor is present.
Age
Age provisions apply, but the treatment of age is not identical for ILR and naturalisation.
Physical or mental condition
A waiver may be considered where a condition makes it unreasonable to expect the applicant to meet one or both parts of KoLL.
An exemption is not automatic. A physical or mental condition may affect one KoLL component without preventing you from meeting the other, and supporting evidence may be required. An exemption obtained for ILR does not automatically carry over to naturalisation.
Is your exemption or waiver likely to be disputed, or has your application been refused?
Get help with a complex KoLL issue →What evidence might you need?
The evidence depends on how you intend to meet the requirement. Depending on your circumstances, the relevant evidence areas may include:
- English-test reference or verification information;
- academic qualification and, where required, evidence concerning its UK equivalence and language of study;
- evidence of an accepted nationality;
- Life in the UK test reference information;
- evidence of age where an age provision is relied on;
- appropriate medical evidence where a physical or mental condition is relied on.
Check the detailed English-language and Life in the UK pages before preparing evidence.
Do you need to review KoLL or an exemption?
Use this short guide to identify the KoLL requirements and evidence areas you may need to review.
Guide only: this tool identifies requirements, issues and evidence areas that may need review. It does not determine eligibility or an exemption, give a score or probability, or predict a Home Office decision.
Not the right page?
Check your ILR route requirements
See the settlement routes and whether KoLL applies to yours.
Settlement hub →Check qualifying residence
Continuous-residence requirements for settlement.
Continuous residence →Check suitability requirements
Suitability considerations for settlement and citizenship.
Suitability →Citizenship and naturalisation
British citizenship routes and requirements.
British citizenship →Frequently asked questions
What does KoLL mean?
Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK. It combines a language requirement with knowledge of life in the UK.
Do all ILR applicants need to meet KoLL?
No. KoLL applies where the relevant settlement route requires it, and the guidance identifies categories and circumstances where it does not apply or an exemption may be available.
What are the two parts of KoLL?
Knowledge of language and knowledge of life in the UK. Where KoLL applies, both normally need to be addressed unless an applicable exemption, waiver or other provision applies.
Do I always need to take a B1 English test?
No. An approved B1-or-above speaking-and-listening test is one way of meeting the English component. The guidance also recognises certain academic qualifications and accepted nationalities, while some settlement routes have their own English rules.
Can a degree taught in English meet the English requirement?
An eligible academic qualification taught or researched in English may meet the language component. The evidence required depends on the qualification and where it was awarded.
Do I still need the Life in the UK test if English is my first language?
Meeting the English-language component does not by itself meet the knowledge-of-life component. The Life in the UK requirement must still be addressed unless an applicable exemption or other provision applies.
Is the age exemption the same for ILR and citizenship?
No. The guidance treats age differently for ILR and naturalisation, so the rules for the application being made must be checked.
Does a medical condition automatically exempt me from KoLL?
No. A physical or mental condition may support a waiver where it makes meeting one or both parts unreasonable, but the effect of the condition and supporting evidence must be considered.
If I used B1 English for ILR, do I need another English test for citizenship?
The guidance allows a B1 qualification relied on for a successful ILR application to satisfy the English component for naturalisation in the circumstances it describes. You must still ensure the Life in the UK component has been met where required.
ENS provides immigration advice and assistance on straightforward matters within our IAA Level 1 authorisation. If your circumstances involve complexities outside our authorised level, we will identify this and, where needed, help you find an appropriately authorised adviser. How our IAA Level 1 scope works · Refusal or complex issue → specialist referral.
How ENS can help
ENS can help you identify how KoLL applies to a straightforward settlement or citizenship application, review the evidence you intend to rely on and identify issues that may need further attention. Where a medical waiver is disputed, an application has been refused or another complexity falls outside our authorised level, we will identify this and, where needed, help you find appropriately authorised assistance.
Source basis: Home Office, Knowledge of language and life in the UK, version 31.0, published for Home Office staff on 18 December 2025. Immigration Rules and guidance can change; confirm the current position on GOV.UK before applying.
Need help checking your KoLL evidence?
Get advice on the KoLL requirements that apply to your application and the evidence you may need to prepare.