The United Kingdom has published an official list of 19 countries and territories whose nationals are exempt from proving English language proficiency when applying for settlement or British citizenship in 2026.
According to updated guidance on the UK government’s website, applicants from these places do not need to submit an English language qualification.
The exempt nationalities are: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Overseas Territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland (for citizenship applications only), Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States of America.
The government stressed that nationals of countries not on the list must still prove their knowledge of English, even if English is an official language in their home country.
This applies to applicants from nations such as Nigeria, Ghana and India, among others.
For citizenship applications specifically, a valid English language qualification is required at the time of submission. Those previously exempt when obtaining settlement are not automatically exempt for citizenship and must submit a new exemption form if eligible.
The exemption for Irish nationals applies only to citizenship applications and not to settlement.
The UK government advised prospective applicants to consult the latest immigration guidance to confirm their status before applying.
