British National (Overseas) visa - BNO 

British National (Overseas) visa, also known as a BN(O) visa, is an immigration route introduced by the UK Government to allow those holding a British National (Overseas) passport to travel to the UK to work, study, and live. This route allows the BN(O) visa main applicant to bring their families as dependants to live in the UK. 

You can start applying for a BN(O) visa from 31 January 2021 from outside the UK or in the UK. You will need to meet the requirements below: 

  1. You’re from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas)

  2. You’re 18 or older

  3. You ordinarily reside in Hong Kong, the UK, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Bailiwick of Jersey or the Isle of Man 

  4. You have enough money to support yourself and your family

  5. You must not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal. You must not be in breach of immigration laws or on immigration bail. 

  6. You must provide a TB certificate.

You can bring your family with you. 

If you hold a BN(O) passport, your family members can apply with you as your ‘dependant’ if they normally live with you. This includes your partner, child or grandchild under 18. This can also include children 18 or older, parents, grandparents, brother, sister if they live with you and are dependent on you. 

You can Settle in the UK.

You and your family can apply to settle in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) after you have lived in the UK for 5 years. Your time spent on a different visa in the UK may count towards the 5 years (such as if you were previously holding a work visa or a Representative of an Overseas Business)

You do not need to prove English Language. 

There is no English Language requirement to enter this visa route. Though you may need to prove your knowledge of the English language if you wish to settle in the UK after five years

For advice regarding an application for a Hong Kong BN(O) visa. You are most welcome to contact us at +44 (0)20 3371 0606 for a more detailed chat.