UK Settlement and Citizenship Requirements Study Guide

Section 1.2

Becoming a permanent resident

“Permanent resident” is an everyday description, but official applications normally use a specific legal route such as settlement or indefinite leave to remain. The route, evidence and exemptions depend on the applicant’s circumstances, so a historical summary cannot replace current official guidance.

Two requirements that are often confused

Knowledge of life in the UK and knowledge of English are commonly assessed separately. Passing the Life in the UK test demonstrates knowledge of the topics in the official guide. It does not automatically prove that an applicant meets a separate English-language requirement.

• Check whether your application route requires the Life in the UK test.
• Check separately what English-language evidence the route accepts.
• Confirm exemptions, documents, fees and forms directly on GOV.UK.

Visa labels and processes change, so old route names should not be used to decide what a person must provide today. If the rules are unclear or a decision carries legal consequences, use regulated immigration advice.

Targeted practice

Questions about Becoming a permanent resident

These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 1 practice set.

1. Sample question 1

   What do you need to apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK (choose two options)?

   • A British driving licence
   • To be able to speak and read English
   • A British university degree
   • A good understanding of life in the UK
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: To be able to speak and read English; A good understanding of life in the UK

   To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to speak and read English and have a good understanding of life in the UK.

   Review Becoming a permanent resident

2. Sample question 2

   Which two of the following responsibilities will you have as a permanent resident or citizen of the UK?

   • To respect and obey the law
   • To go to church on Sundays
   • To look after the area in which you live and the environment
   • To complete compulsory military service
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: To respect and obey the law; To look after the area in which you live and the environment

   Permanent residents and citizens should respect and obey the law and look after their local area and the environment.

   Review Becoming a permanent resident

3. Sample question 3

   To look after yourself and your family is one of the responsibilities that you will have as a permanent resident or citizen of the UK.

   • TRUE
   • FALSE
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: TRUE

   This statement is true.

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4. Sample question 4

   Which of the following statements is true?

   • To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to have a university degree
   • To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to have a good understanding of life in the UK
   • To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to have British relatives
   • To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to have knowledge of the British laws
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to have a good understanding of life in the UK

   To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to have a good understanding of life in the UK and be able to speak and read English.

   Review Becoming a permanent resident

5. Sample question 5

   What does the UK offer to its permanent residents or citizens?

   • Free undergraduate tuition fees
   • A right to a fair trial
   • VIP tickets for local events
   • Free parking across the country
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: A right to a fair trial

   The UK offers permanent residents and citizens the right to a fair trial.

   Review Becoming a permanent resident

More Chapter 1 questions