Hong Kong BN(O) visa

The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa has two routes – the BN(O) Status Holder route and the BN(O) Household Member route.

Both routes allow work and study in the UK and are routes to settlement.

Eligibility for BN(O) Status Holder Route

To be eligible under the BN(O) Status Holder route, you must:

• Be a British National (Overseas) under the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986;
• Be a British National (Overseas) citizen who is ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or the UK;
• You must be aged 18 or over on the date of application (unless you are applying as a dependant child of a BN(O) Status Holder).

A dependant partner and a dependant child of a British National (Overseas) citizen can also apply under this route. In exceptional circumstances, other family members with a high degree of dependency may also apply.

Eligibility for BN(O) Household Member Route

To be eligible under the BN(O) Household Member route, you must:

• Be the adult child of a BN(O) citizen;
• You must have been born on or after 1 July 1997;
• You must be aged 18 or over on the date of application;
• You, and any dependant partner or child applying under this route, must form part of the same household as the British National (Overseas) citizen. You will meet this requirement if you normally live with the British National (Overseas) citizen;
• You must not have or have last had permission as a BN(O) Adult Dependant Relative on the BN(O) Status Holder route.

General Requirements for both routes

• If applying for UK entry clearance, you must be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong on the date of application;
• If applying for permission to stay in the UK, you must be in the UK and ordinarily resident in the UK, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Bailiwick of Jersey, the Isle of Man or Hong Kong on the date of application;
• Meet the financial requirement (show that you have enough personal savings to support yourself and your dependants while in the UK);
• You must meet the Tuberculosis requirement where applicable.

Visa Duration

You can request permission for a period of 30 months or 5 years.

If you are applying under the BN(O)Household Member Route and your application is connected to a BN(O) Status Holder application, your permission will generally be the same as that of the main BN(O) Status Holder who is part of the same household.

Our team of immigration lawyers has vast experience in assisting with all types of work visas. For assistance, please contact our experienced immigration lawyers today on 07429429892, 02038563516 or info@dmlawpractice.com

With a Hong Kong BN(O) visa you can:

• As a Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder applicant, you can bring your partner, children and grandchildren with you if they are eligible. Children and grandchildren must be under 18 years of age;
• Adult dependants may be included under a Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder application if they meet eligibility requirements;
• As a Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member applicant, you can bring your partner and children with you if they are eligible. Children must be under 18 years of age;
• Work (including self-employment and voluntary work);
• Travel abroad and return to the UK;
• Study subject to certain conditions;
• If you spend a continuous period of 5 years in the UK with permission on a Hong Kong BN(O) route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

With a Hong Kong BN(O) visa you cannot:

• Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension;
• Work as a professional sportsperson, e.g. a sports coach.