British National Overseas (BNO) Visa

British National Overseas (BNO) Visa

The BNO (British National Overseas) visa is a dedicated immigration route created by the UK Government in January 2021, exclusively for holders of a British National (Overseas) passport — a status held by many Hong Kong residents — and their close family members.

Background

British National (Overseas) status was created in 1987 as part of the arrangements before the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997. BNO holders have British nationality but not the right to live and work in the UK. The BNO visa was established in response to political changes in Hong Kong — particularly the introduction of the National Security Law in June 2020 — to offer a path to UK settlement.

Who Can Apply

• BNO status holders (must hold or be eligible for a BNO passport)
• Immediate family members of BNO holders, even if they do not have BNO status themselves:
• - Spouse or civil partner
• - Dependent children under 18
• - Adult children (if dependent on the BNO holder)
• - Parent or grandparent (if sole BNO household in UK)

Visa Duration and Settlement

Applications are made for 30 months (2.5 years) initially, with the option to extend for another 30 months. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK on the BNO visa (or other lawful routes), holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After a further qualifying period, British citizenship can be applied for.

Rights in the UK

BNO visa holders have full rights to work (in almost all sectors), study, and access the NHS (via the Immigration Health Surcharge). There is no minimum income requirement for the main applicant.

Application Method

BNO holders in Hong Kong apply via the UKVI online portal using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for passport verification. Applicants already in the UK can also apply in-country.

Overseas Passport Required

Applicants must currently hold a valid BNO passport OR be eligible to hold one. Confirmation of BNO eligibility can be obtained from the Hong Kong Immigration Department or the British Consulate.