Many of those currently undertaking Life in the UK tests rely on physical learning materials before attending a government centre for testing, but UKVI has plans to modernise the service

The Home Office has revealed plans put in place a £100m-plus engagement intended to support a transformed “digital-by-default approach” for the test undertaken by those applying for UK citizenship.

Successful completion of the Life in the UK Test (LITUK) – which features “24 questions about British traditions and customs” – is a requirement for anyone seeking to be awarded citizenship or settlement in the UK. Guidance enabling people to prepare for the test can be ordered via GOV.UK and is available as a book, an eBook, an audio version, or an app-based subscription service. The test itself must then be sat in-person at a government-run centre, and is administered by UK Visas and Immigration – which sits within the Home Office.

UKVIA is currently engaged in an “evolution of existing services… [which] pursues the transformation and modernisation of services in a manner that enhances customer experience and ensures accurate and efficient outcomes”, according to a commercial planning notice recently published by the agency.

This encompasses plans to revamp and modernise the citizenship test, including both the test itself and the government materials provided to support those planning to take it. These changes will see the increased use of digital technologies, the notice explains.

Related content

• Home Office works with GDS to assess possible remote English proficiency tests
• Age-estimating AI face scans could be ‘fully integrated’ into asylum and immigration processes next year
• Fraud risk too high to host citizenship test remotely, immigration minister claims

The document’s publication marks the start of a market engagement exercise in which UKVI intends “to seek insights from the market regarding the desired solution” to support the long-term future of LITUK.

“The Life in the UK Secure Digital Test and Digital Online Learning Materials Service Project is procuring a new service; enabling the continued delivery of front-end services, balancing continuity with improvements and transformation,” the notice says. “LITUK aims to move to a ‘digital-by-default’ approach, while upholding the rigorous standards necessary to support UKVI immigration decisions. The successful provider will deliver a service that combines technological innovation with security assurance, enabling customers to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK with confidence and convenience throughout their UK immigration journey.”

Companies wishing to participate in the engagement process have until 13 February to do so. They are advised that the exercise “will inform and support departmental decision-making processes [but], at this stage, no final decisions have been made regarding the preferred solution”.

While these details are still to be determined, UKVI currently expects to enter into an initial five-year contract with its chosen supplier in May 2027. The deal, which is expected to include an optional two-year extension, is likely to be worth £132m to the provider.