Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the English language component of the citizenship application will change to B2 for incoming BN(O) visa applicants.

The Government remains steadfast in its support for members of the Hong Kong community in the UK and is committed to maintaining lawful routes of entry for people from Hong Kong, including the BN(O) route.

BN(O) visa holders will attract a 5-year reduction in the qualifying period for settlement, meaning they will continue to be able to settle in the UK after 5 years’ residence, subject to meeting the mandatory requirements.

We are seeking views on earned settlement through the public consultation A Fairer Pathway to Settlement and will continue to listen to the views of Hong Kongers. Details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following that consultation, including any transitional arrangements and exemptions from the mandatory requirements.

In the meantime, the current rules for settlement under the BN(O) route will continue to apply.

We will also consider the requirements for English language qualifications in nationality applications, and any changes will be announced at a later date.