British National (Overseas) visa application guide

Since January 2021, you (and your family) can apply to come to the UK if you are from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas) (“BNO”).

With a BNO visa, you can work, live, and study in the UK, extend your visa as circumstances require, and apply to settle (permanent residence) after five years.

You can usually also apply for British citizenship 12 months after settling the UK.

Eligibility

You can apply online for this visa from within the UK, or outside the UK. Family members will normally need to apply within two days of your application.

Evidence needed

When applying for a BNO visa, you’ll need to provide:

evidence of your BNO status;
proof you have a permanent home in Hong Kong, the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man;
evidence that you have enough money to support and accommodate yourself (and your family) for at least 6 months;
proof of your tuberculosis test results; and
proof of your relationship with family members which can include:
- partner;
- (grand)children under 18;
- children 18 or over (if born on or after 1 July 1997); and/or
- parents/ grandparents/ siblings/ children if they live with you and are very dependent on you for their care.

How long can you stay?

You can apply for and remain in the UK for two years and six months, and then apply for an extension for another two years and six months. Alternatively, you can apply for a five-year visa.

If you want to apply for settlement, you can usually do this once you have lived in the UK for five years if you meet all the requirements including:

not being absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period, during the qualifying period;
passing the Life in the UK test; and
meeting the English language requirement.

British citizenship

You may be eligible to apply to become a British citizen, which is optional. You will usually need to have been settled for at least 12 months and have lived in the UK for at least 5 years. However, the residence requirement is not as generous as it is to qualify for permanent settlement, so planning at the earliest stage is important.

How can we help you obtain your BNO visa?

Expert advice on the requirements of the Immigration Rules, specified evidence, and application procedure.
Drafting of detailed legal submissions and preparation of full portfolios of evidence to accompany all applications.
Ongoing support and advice throughout the duration of the visa.

If you would like to discuss your visa options, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialist UK Immigration team.