Life in the UK Test
So I’m thinking of doing the Life in the UK test and getting my British passport. Eeeeek. Can’t believe I’m thinking of doing that because I’ve never once considered it before! I’ve lived here for 15 years now and not once, until now, have I thought I might do this. I have so many questions.
- What are the benefits?
- What is the cost? I’ve heard it’s expensive. Just HOW expensive?
- What are the drawbacks, if any?
- What will this mean for my identity?
- Will this have an impact on my children?
- How weird will it be to become British??
- Am I being disloyal to my home country?
- Can I still call myself American?
- What is the procedure?
- How difficult is the test? Will I be able to pass it?
- Is it worth all the hassle AND the cost?
Over the next few months I’ll be researching these things to see if I want to go ahead with it.
However, if anyone has done this or has already researched it, please add your hints and tips or answers to my questions in a comment. I would really appreciate it. Plus, this post can be a source of help and guidance for others who are thinking about taking the Life in the UK Test with a view to becoming a British national. Oh yeah and is that what it’s called? Or is it citizen instead of national because I wasn’t born here?
Here we go…….. !!
To start, here is a link to a helpful website www.thelifeinuktest.co.uk I think this will answer some of the practical stuff. And there are practice questions on it too so very useful. A fantastic website for those preparing to take the Life in The UK Test. There are also other suggested websites for info and preparation which are below in the comments section – please do take a look.
I suppose I’m more concerned about the ‘intangibles’, if that makes sense. What will this (if I decide to do it) mean for me as an American?
I look forward to reading your comments 🙂
http://esol.britishcouncil.org/knowledge-language-and-life-uk-statement-intent
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Meghan Peterson Fenn is the author of Bringing Up Brits and co-author of Inspiring Global Entrepreneurs with Heidi Mulligan Walker. Meghan is also the Director and Chief Designer at her own design company, White Ochre Design Ltd. And, she is an award winning expat blogger.
I had to take the test 3 years ago to get my Indefinite Leave to Remain visa and passed it the first time. They may have changed it a bit since then, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to pass as long as you study for it. There are practice tests online as well and I found those helpful. I look forward to seeing what you come up with in your research. A while ago an acquaintance told me that I wouldn’t be able to be a dual national because I’d have to renounce one citizenship to take up the other. I never looked into it, but I’m not sure I trust their knowledge. I didn’t get the impression they were really up to date on the topic.
Oooh I didn’t have to take it to get my indefinite leave visa! They must have changed the rules since I got mine. And I always thought I’d have to choose – keep my American citizenship or go British but not be able to have both. However, I saw on the FB group for American expat women in the UK that you can have both. I need to research that further though because it might depend on when you were born?? I was always told that American’s can’t have both. Now, it seems they can? Haven’t had a chance to ask this question to the US embassy yet! Thanks for your comments Anna-Liisa. Has reminded me to confirm this very important factor.
You do not have to denounce your citizenship to the US, you just have to tell them that is not your intention. The US is fine with people being dual citizens who are not originally from the US. I do know Americans that have given up their US citizenship for taxes reasons. http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/legal-considerations/us-citizenship-laws-policies/citizenship-and-dual-nationality/dual-nationality.html
I also had to turn in my Life in the UK test too for my ILP. You should be fine if you study, it is meant to gauge your understanding of English, which by reading your blog you do 🙂
Good Luck!
Kimx
American to Britain
*ILR
Thank you Kim, great information!
The official link to the website would be https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test
And Some Practice tests http://www.ilrtest.com
Thanks for posting that info John.
I took the test a few years ago but never got round to getting the passport. Now we are away from the UK I no longer meet residency requirements. The test was easy but the questions frustratingly pointless. No bearing on life in the UK at all, how many Brits know what percentage of the population of Scotland is Scots Presbyteryan?! Just cram for a day before the test and forget it all the next. The UK has no objection to dual nationality, I think the US is ok with it as well.
Thanks Ersatz Expat, funny question and a bit random. I had a minor panic yesterday when I was talking to someone about it. I started to feel proud about my American citizenship and having an identity. Not sure I want to muddy that by having dual nationality. Then again, might make me proud to have created a life for myself in a foreign country!
Hi Meg
Really nice post. thanks.
I hope you don’t mind me posting a website here: http://www.testlifeinuk.com
I took the test a few months back and felt that most of the websites for the test are a bit old fashion. So I took some time developed it with some new tech and modern favours. I hope you and your reader will love it.
Thanks, John
Hi John, thanks for posting your link. I will take a look!
Meg good luck.
buy the book from http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1240167 the cost of the 3rd edition book is £7.99. And get some practice questions from online websites as you mentioned in the post. also try this for free practice tests http://www.lifeinuktests.co.uk
Thank you. Will do!
I wouldn’t overthink it with regards to identity, it’s a sensible decision. The UK Passport is very useful to have if you’ve been there for so long. It enables you to work in the EU and if you ever leave the UK for a time, you don’t lose the eligibility and benefits you’ve worked hard for.
With regards to dual citizenship – Americans are absolutely allowed to hold 2 passports – as a commenter mentioned above. It’s a ridiculous urban legend. You just have to use your US passport when flying to the US, and your UK passport when flying into the UK. Easy. You are in no way disloyal to the US by applying for UK citizenship – merely forward thinking. After 14 years in London, I now live/work in Germany – which would have been a far more complicated process without the UK passport.
Agree with commenters above about cramming for the test. I found the review book helpful but it’s clearly developed for those from non-Western countries with random questions like, “When is Easter? Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall”…and then far more difficult history questions. If memory serves, the test is short, and multiple choice. If you’ve read the book and reviewed it, you should be able to deduce most answers.
Hope this is helpful! Californian Brit in Germany
Thanks so much Jennifer! I really need to put it on my priority list. I get so busy with work and stuff that I keep putting it off. I need to plan it into my schedule!
Also check out http://www.test4citizenship.com – which has all the book content to read to prepare for the test
Thank you for posting this information.