Not quite, but almost!

BN(O)s have a choice of two different ways of acquiring British citizenship - naturalisation under section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981, and registration under section 4(2) of the BNA 1981. Both provisions have similar residence requirements - five years in UK, absent for no more than 450 days, absent for no more than 90 days in the last 12 months, ILR for the last 12 months.

BUT there is one difference between the two provisions: people applying for naturalisation under section 6(1) must be able to speak English (or Welsh or Scots Gaelic), and prove that they have knowledge of life in the UK. So they need to take the test. But the requirements for registration under section 4(2) don't include the need to speak English or to know anything about life in UK.

So if a BN(O) chooses to apply for naturalisation, he/she needs to take the test. But if he/she chooses registration instead, the test is not necessary.

You can download both sets of application forms and guidance notes from the IND website - http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/applying/nationality/formsandguidance
You need Form and Guide BOTA for registration, and Form and Guide AN(NEW) for naturalisation.

There is no difference in the outcome for either application; in both cases, you become a British citizen otherwise than by descent. I think it is clear that registration is the better deal!

Hope this helps
Paul

hi

somebody told me that the person who came from hong kong together with 'BNO' passport (BRITISH NATIOAL OVERSEA),is not necessary to pass the test for the naturalisation.is that true?