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The British National (Overseas) visa route is designed for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) status holders and their close family members. It allows them to live, work, and study in the UK with a pathway to citizenship. This visa was introduced in response to the National Security Law imposed in Hong Kong by China, offering a unique immigration path for BN(O) citizens to settle in the UK. The main purpose of this visa is to uphold the UK's historic and moral obligation to BN(O) citizens, providing them with greater security and the opportunity to lead a life in the UK with access to the National Health Service, employment, and education.
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The British National (Overseas) visa route is designed for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) status holders and their close family members. It allows them to live, work, and study in the UK with a pathway to citizenship. This visa was introduced in response to the National Security Law imposed in Hong Kong by China, offering a unique immigration path for BN(O) citizens to settle in the UK. The main purpose of this visa is to uphold the UK's historic and moral obligation to BN(O) citizens, providing them with greater security and the opportunity to lead a life in the UK with access to the National Health Service, employment, and education.
Applicants must hold British National (Overseas) status, which was available to people who were citizens of Hong Kong and registered as British Nationals (Overseas) before the handover of Hong Kong in 1997. This status cannot be acquired now, and only those who registered before the cut-off date are eligible.
Applicants must normally reside in Hong Kong or the UK. This means your primary place of living should be in either of these locations, and you should be able to provide evidence of this through documents such as utility bills, rental agreements, or employment records.
Applicants must demonstrate that they can accommodate and support themselves financially in the UK for at least six months. This involves showing evidence of savings, income, or support from family or friends. The UK government does not specify a minimum amount, but you should be able to cover housing, food, and other living expenses.
Applicants must not have any serious criminal convictions. This includes offenses that resulted in a significant prison sentence or are considered serious under UK law. The applicant must not pose a threat to UK national security, which is assessed through background checks.
A valid passport is required for the application. This should be your British National (Overseas) passport or another valid passport if your BN(O) passport has expired. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry into the UK.
Applicants must provide documentation proving their residency in Hong Kong or the UK. This can include utility bills, rental agreements, or employment contracts that show your address and duration of stay.
If you are coming to the UK from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is required, you must provide a valid TB test certificate. This test must be conducted at a clinic approved by the Home Office.
Applicants must provide evidence of their financial situation, demonstrating the ability to support themselves and any dependents without recourse to public funds. This can include bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from a sponsor.
Applicants must show where they will live in the UK, whether renting, staying with family, or owning property. Evidence can include a rental agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from the person you will be staying with.
Applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application. This allows access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. The surcharge is calculated based on the length of stay and must be paid upfront.
Applicants must demonstrate good character, which involves not having a criminal record that would make them ineligible for entry to the UK. This includes providing a police clearance certificate from any country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Applicants must pay the application fee, which starts from ÂŖ250. The fee must be paid online as part of the application process, and a receipt should be kept as proof of payment.
Applicants can include dependents such as a spouse, partner, or children under 18 in their application. Each dependent must meet the eligibility requirements and pay the application fee and IHS. Dependents must also provide relevant documents to prove their relationship to the main applicant.
Disclaimer: We are not immigration advisors. For professional immigration advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or OISC-registered advisor.
8-12 weeks weeks