British National (Overseas) Visa

What is a British National (Overseas) visa

The British National (Overseas) visa, also known as the BNO visa,  provides the opportunity for British National (Overseas) status holders from Hong Kong to apply for a residence visa to live in the UK with their family members.

To qualify under this route, your permanent home must be:

• in Hong Kong, if you are applying from outside the UK; or
• in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong if you are applying in the UK

General requirements

In order to qualify for a BNO visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you meet the following requirements:

• You are at least 18 years old;
• You are a British National (Overseas) under the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986;
• You are ordinarily resident in Hong Kong (if applying to enter the UK) or the UK, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man or Hong Kong (if applying for permission to stay);
• You are able to accommodate and support yourself in the UK for at least six months;
• Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal; and
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

Your BNO status

A person who was a British Dependent Territories citizen by virtue (wholly or partly) of his having a connection with Hong Kong must have applied to be registered as a British National (Overseas) prior to the end of 1997. No person born after 30 June 1997 is a British National (Overseas). Additionally, BNO status cannot pass that nationality by descent to their children.

It is possible to apply for a BNO visa using an expired BNO passport as evidence of your status. If you no longer have a BNO passport, you can still apply and the Home Office will check your eligibility using historical records. 

You do not need a BNO passport to travel to the UK. You can use any valid passport or travel document. 

How long can you stay in the UK

You can apply to stay for either 2 years and 6 months, or 5 years. If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa for the duration accordingly, which allows you to live, work, and study in the UK.

At the end of your initial visa, you can apply to extend your stay in the UK. There is no limit on the number of extensions you can apply for.

After 5 years continuous residence in the UK on this route, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain / Settlement, provided you meet all the relevant requirements.

Dependants

Your family members (spouse/partner and any children under 18) can come with you. They will need to apply for a Dependant visa and if successful, will be granted a visa in line with yours.

Processing time and application fees 

The applications will usually be processed within 12 weeks. The current application fee is £180 for a 30-month visa, or £250 for a 5-year visa.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application, set at £624 per year (or £470 per year for Student / Youth Mobility Scheme / applicant under 18). 

How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.