The BN(O) visa route offers a pathway to citizenship. After five continuous years in the UK, a BN(O) visa holder will be able to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain). After a further 12 months, you will then be able to apply for citizenship. 

To count as a continuous year in the UK, you should not have spent more than 180 days outside of the UK in any given 12-month period.  

There is more information on your route to settlement and citizenship here. 

FAQs:

What happens if I leave the UK? Will this affect the time required to apply for settlement?

You should not have spent more than 180 days outside of the UK in any given 12-month period. 

When do my 5 years continuous residence in the UK start?

Your 5 years continuous residence in the UK start from the first day you arrive in the UK. If you arrive in the UK and are still waiting for your BN(O) visa application to be accepted, then the continuous residence only starts on the day you are granted your BN(O) visa. If you enter the UK under ‘leave outside the rules’ then this does not count towards your 5 years continuous residence.