Jan 18 / Ricky Tam

Life in the UK Test for BN(O) Visa Holders: What You Need to Know

Introduction

If you hold a British National (Overseas) visa, the Life in the UK test is one of the final steps on your journey towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Unlike some other visa routes where settlement requirements have recently changed, the BN(O) pathway has retained its original timeline — five years to settlement, plus one more year to citizenship. This guide covers everything BN(O) visa holders need to know about the test and how it fits into your settlement journey.
A professional, sunlit photograph of a cozy British living room with a cup of tea and a notebook, representing the goal of a settled life in the UK for BN(O) visa holders.
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The Essentials for BN(O) Holders

The Life in the UK test requirement for BN(O) visa holders is the same as for other settlement applicants: you must pass the test before applying for ILR. The test itself — 24 questions, 45 minutes, 75% pass mark — is identical regardless of your visa type. What differs is your pathway to settlement and how recent immigration changes affect you.
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Your Settlement Timeline: The 5+1 Pathway

The BN(O) visa operates on what is often called the "5+1" timeline:
  • 5 years continuous residence — to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain
  • Plus 1 year with ILR — to qualify for British citizenship

The first cohort of BN(O) visa holders who arrived in early 2021 began receiving ILR in 2025, demonstrating that this pathway is functioning as designed. Importantly, the May 2025 Immigration White Paper explicitly preserved the BN(O) route's original timeline, even as other settlement routes face extension to ten years.
A close-up of a minimalist study planner showing a neat, handwritten bullet points notes for the BN(O) '5+1' settlement pathway, including the ILR milestones.
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Understanding Continuous Residence

To qualify for ILR, you must demonstrate continuous residence in the UK. This means you cannot have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. If you have spent extended periods abroad — visiting family, for example — calculate your absences carefully before applying. Exceeding this limit may mean you need to extend your visa rather than apply for settlement.
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Life in the UK Test Requirements

The test requirements for BN(O) holders are standard:
  • Format: 24 multiple-choice questions, computer-based
  • Time: 45 minutes
  • Pass mark: 75% (18 out of 24 correct)
  • Cost: £50 per attempt
  • Validity: Pass certificate does not expire

Your result is typically delivered digitally via your online account or an automated SMS shortly after you leave the centre. Staff instructions on the day may vary

You can take the test at any point during your BN(O) visa — you do not need to wait until your ILR application is imminent. Some people prefer to complete the test early to have one less requirement to worry about when settlement time arrives.
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Booking the Test with an eVisa

Most BN(O) visa holders now have digital immigration status (eVisa) rather than a physical Biometric Residence Permit. To book your test, you will need to generate a share code from your UKVI account. This share code allows the booking system to verify your immigration status.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, see our guide: Life in the UK Test eVisa Booking.

Important

When generating your share code, select "To prove my immigration status for anything else" — not the options for right to work or right to rent, which will not work for test booking purposes.
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How 2026 Immigration Changes Affect You

The UK government's 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed significant changes to settlement requirements for many visa categories. Here is what BN(O) holders need to know:

What Stays the Same

  • Your 5-year pathway to ILR is preserved
  • The Life in the UK test format and content remain unchanged
  • Your 1-year pathway to citizenship after ILR continues

What May Change

  • English language requirements may be tightened to B2 level for settlement
  • Minimum income requirements may be introduced
  • The Life in the UK test content may be updated (consultation ongoing)

Note: Immigration rules change. Always verify current requirements at GOV.UK before making applications or significant decisions based on this information.

Calm Tip: "Don't let 'potential' changes cause current panic. If you meet the B1 requirement now and take your test early, you 'lock in' that component of your application.
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Practical Planning Advice

Given the evolving immigration landscape, consider taking your Life in the UK test sooner rather than later. Your pass certificate does not expire, so passing now "locks in" that requirement regardless of any future changes to test content or difficulty. This is particularly relevant if reforms to emphasise British values over historical facts proceed as proposed.
Similarly, keep careful records of your UK residence, including:
  • Dates of any travel outside the UK
  • Evidence of UK address (utility bills, bank statements)
  • Employment or self-employment records


Calm Tip: For those balancing "Hidden Carer" duties, remember that your dependants (elderly parents or children) may have different English language or Life in the UK requirements based on their age.
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Key Takeaway

BN(O) visa holders retain the original 5+1 settlement pathway. The Life in the UK test is a standard requirement for ILR — same test, same format, same pass mark as other routes. Consider completing the test early to secure that requirement, and stay informed about evolving English language and income requirements as you approach your settlement application.
A minimalist horizontal infographic showing the four stages of the BN(O) settlement pathway: 5 Years Residence, ILR, 1-Year Wait, and British Citizenship.
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Prepare with Confidence

Our 20-Day Calm Sprint course provides structured preparation for the Life in the UK test, designed for busy professionals who want to pass without burning out. For eVisa holders, our Life in the UK Test eVisa Booking guide walks through the booking process step by step.

Return to our comprehensive Life in the UK Test 2026 — The Complete Calm Guide for the complete overview of your Life in the UK test journey.
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FREE RESOURCE

Ready to start preparing?

Our 3-Day Starter Kit gives you:
✓ Test format demystified
✓ The most-tested British Values
✓ Top 10 facts that appear in 80% of tests

About the creator

I'm Ricky — a digital learning experience designer with a background in UX and digital communications. Moving to a new country means navigating change on every front, and I've been through those transitions myself. I built this platform because I believe calm is a competitive advantage, and 'good enough' really is the new perfect. If you're preparing for the Life in the UK test while managing work and life, I know exactly what that feels like.

I know exactly what it's like to stare at 200+ pages of names, dates, and historical facts — wondering how anyone memorises all this while working full-time and managing real life.

The traditional approach felt all wrong to me: cram, panic, repeat. So I created something different.

This course is built on calm, structured learning — the same approach I used to pass first time. It respects your time, treats you like the capable adult you are, and focuses on what actually gets tested.

If I can pass calmly, so can you.

Ricky, creator — Embracing Imperfection Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Do BN(O) visa holders need to take the Life in the UK test?

Yes, BN(O) visa holders must pass the Life in the UK test before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The test requirement is the same as for other settlement routes — 24 questions, 75% pass mark, £50 fee.

When should BN(O) visa holders take the test?

You can take the test at any point during your BN(O) visa — you do not need to wait until your ILR application is due. Many people take it early to have one less requirement to worry about. The pass certificate does not expire.

Has the BN(O) settlement pathway changed in 2026?

The BN(O) route retains its original "5+1" pathway: 5 years continuous residence for ILR, plus 1 year with ILR for citizenship. Unlike other visa routes facing extension to 10 years, the May 2025 Immigration White Paper explicitly preserved the BN(O) timeline.

What is the continuous residence requirement for BN(O) ILR?

You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying residence. If you have exceeded this limit due to extended travel, you may need to extend your visa rather than apply for settlement.

Are there English language requirements for BN(O) settlement?

Yes, you must meet English language requirements for ILR. Currently this is CEFR B1 level, though requirements may tighten to B2 level from April 2026. Check GOV.UK for the most current requirements before applying, as immigration rules change.

References

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