Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Who can apply and what is not required
You can apply if you are 18 or older and either a British national (overseas) or the child of one born on or after 1 July 1979. Your permanent home must be in Hong Kong if you apply from outside the UK (gov.uk).
You can choose to stay for 2 years and 6 months or 5 years, and you can extend as many times as you want. The guide's only English point at the application stage is that documents not in English need a certified translation.
English for settlement and citizenship
After 5 continuous years you can apply for indefinite leave to remain. The settlement page says you must book and pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English requirement with an English qualification at least B1 in speaking and listening or a degree taught or researched in English.
You can usually apply for British citizenship 1 year after you settle (gov.uk). Gov.uk's English page says people aged 65 or over do not need to prove their English (gov.uk).
| Stage | English requirement on gov.uk |
|---|---|
| BN(O) visa application | None listed |
| Extension | None listed |
| Settlement (ILR) after 5 years | B1 speaking and listening, or English-taught degree, plus Life in the UK Test |
| British citizenship | Usually 1 year after ILR; English proof as for ILR |
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Practical points
Time on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa or Student visa does not count towards the 5 years, gov.uk says, but time on visas that lead to settlement (such as a Family or Global Talent visa) can count if your last visa was a BN(O) visa.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk BN(O) visa guide before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do children on a BN(O) visa need an English test?+
The English requirement on gov.uk's general English page applies to people aged 18 or over applying for settlement or citizenship.
Which test proves B1 speaking and listening?+
An approved Secure English Language Test, such as IELTS Life Skills B1. Gov.uk also accepts an academic degree taught or researched in English.
Can I use a B1 test that has expired?+
Gov.uk says an expired B1 or higher qualification can be used for settlement if it is on the current list of recognised tests and was accepted in another UK immigration application.
When can I apply to settle?+
No earlier than 28 days before you reach 5 continuous years in the UK; gov.uk says an earlier application will be refused.
Keep reading
Related
- English level for ILR and British citizenship
- IELTS Life Skills explained
- UK Ancestry visa and English
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy