Dear Mr Bassie,

I was reading one of your articles in the newspaper recently, talking about UK immigration.

I'm curious to know what is the 'Life in the UK test' and what does it comprise?

Let me know because I want to migrate to the UK soon.

- Paul

Dear Paul,

You did not indicate on what basis you intend to migrate to the UK. However, if you are applying for indefinite leave to remain, or naturalisation as a British citizen, it is mandatory that you will need to show that you know and understand life in the UK.

If you are living in the UK, you can demonstrate this by either taking the Life in the UK Test or by taking combined English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship classes. Provided you meet all the criteria to apply for indefinite leave to remain, or naturalisation as a British citizen, you should take the test before you apply. The ESOL and citizenship classes are designed to help you learn more about life in the UK and improve your English. If your level of English is ESOL Entry 3 or above, you should take the test. However, if your level of English is below ESOL Entry 3, you will need to attend combined English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead. These classes are usually held at community colleges and institutions that offer further education. If you are not sure what your level of English is, the institution that you are planning to attend should be able to give you an initial assessment. If you need help finding somewhere to take an initial assessment, call the Life in the UK Test helpline at 0800-0154245.

Although the test is normally offered in English, if you are in areas such as Wales or Scotland, it is possible to request to have the test in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic.

Passing the test

The test is a series of 24 questions that are computer based. It is based on the book Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship. In addition, you should also familiarise yourself with the United Kingdom: Official Citizenship Test Study Guide and Passing the Life in the United Kingdom Test: Official Practice Questions and Answers. These are available online and can be downloaded.

When you arrive to take the test, your full name, date of birth, nationality, country and place of birth, along with your Home Office reference number, will be recorded. Your purpose for taking the test will also be noted and your photo ID will be checked. After paying for the test, you will be allowed to complete a practice test prior to taking the actual test.

The pass mark is 75 per cent and, after completion, the person supervising the test will advise you whether you have passed or not. If you are successful, you will be provided with a notification letter that you will be required to sign before leaving the exam centre.

It is important that you submit your application for citizenship or indefinite leave to remain as soon as possible after taking the exam and attach your pass notification letter to the application and then submit these to the Home Office. If you failed the test, you will have to wait a minimum of seven days before you may retake.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises in Jamaica. He is a Supreme Court-appointed mediator and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com or editor@gleanerjm.com.