The BNO Visa is a UK immigration route for certain Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) status. It allows eligible individuals and their close family members to live, work, and study in the UK, with a clear pathway to permanent settlement and citizenship.
Created in January 2021, the route reflects the UK’s commitment to honouring historic ties with Hong Kong and offers a secure option for BN(O) status holders seeking a long-term future in Britain.
Background: British National (Overseas) Status
British National (Overseas) status was established under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1985. Registration opened in 1987 and closed on 30 June 1997, the day before sovereignty over Hong Kong transferred to the People’s Republic of China.
Eligibility for BN(O) status was limited to those who were British Dependent Territories citizens connected to Hong Kong before the handover. Individuals born after 1 July 1997 cannot acquire BN(O) status.
BN(O) status is not the same as right of abode in the UK. BN(O) holders may hold a BN(O) passport, but this is not required to apply for a BNO Visa.
Why the UK Created the BNO Visa Route
The Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984) guaranteed that Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms, and way of life would remain unchanged for at least 50 years after 1997 under the “one country, two systems” framework.
Political developments, including the 2019–2020 protests in Hong Kong and concerns over the erosion of freedoms, led the UK Government to introduce the BNO Visa in 2020. The route was designed to give BN(O) status holders and their families the opportunity to relocate to the UK in response to changing circumstances.
BNO Visa Eligibility Requirements
Under Appendix BN(O) of the UK Immigration Rules, applicants must:
- Hold BN(O) status
- Be aged 18 or over, or apply as part of a family unit headed by a BN(O) adult
- Have a permanent home in Hong Kong, or in Hong Kong/the UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man if applying inside the UK
- Apply alone or with eligible family members, including spouse/partner, children under 18, adult children born on or after 1 July 1997 and their households, and in some cases other dependent relatives
Rights and Conditions of a BNO Visa
Holders can live, work, and study in the UK, access the NHS after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, and apply for settlement after 5 years’ continuous residence. They cannot access most public funds and cannot work as professional sportspersons or coaches.
How to Apply for a BNO Visa
Applications are made online via GOV.UK, selecting the correct route for applying inside or outside the UK. Required documents include proof of BN(O) status, proof of residence, relationship evidence for dependants, and financial evidence if required. Tuberculosis certificates are needed if applying from outside the UK (unless exempt).
Fees must be paid at application: £180 (2.5 years) or £250 (5 years) per person, plus the IHS (£1,035/year adult, £776/year child). Applicants then submit biometrics via the ID Check app or an in-person centre. Standard processing time is up to 12 weeks.
BNO Visa Costs
Application fee: £180 for 2.5 years, £250 for 5 years. IHS: £1,035/year adult, £776/year child. Applicants must show they can support themselves for at least 6 months unless exempt under the rules.
Pathway to Settlement and Citizenship
After 5 years on the BNO Visa, holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain if they meet residence and absence limits. After holding ILR for 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen), they may apply for British citizenship.
BNO Visa FAQs
- Do I need a BN(O) passport? No, but it speeds up processing.
- Can adult children apply? Yes, if born on or after 1 July 1997 and applying as part of their own household.
- Is there an English requirement? No for the visa, but yes for citizenship.
Conclusion
The BNO Visa offers BN(O) status holders and their families a route to live in the UK with a pathway to settlement and citizenship. Understanding eligibility, application requirements, and costs will help applicants prepare a successful case.
Glossary
| BN(O) | British National (Overseas) |
| IHS | Immigration Health Surcharge |
| ILR | Indefinite Leave to Remain |
| Appendix BN(O) | UK Immigration Rules governing the BNO Visa |
Useful Links
| GOV.UK – BNO Visa | Visit site |
| GOV.UK – BN(O) Status | Visit site |
| DavidsonMorris – BNO Visa Guide | Visit site |
| Xpats.io – BNO Visa Overview | Visit site |
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
