BN(O) Visa Application

This section is for all the information you need to know about BNO visa for UK immigration, including requirements and the application process.

The UK government announced in 2020 to open a ‘Hong Kong BN(O) visa’ route for Hongkongers and their close family members to enter and remain in the UK for up to 5 years to work and study.  After living in the UK for 5 years, they can apply for settlement, followed by British citizenship after a further 12 months.  It is estimated about 3 million Hongkongers and their close family members are qualified.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have BN(O) status or be the child of a BN(O) holder born on or after 1 July 1997

  • Normally live in Hong Kong

  • Be able to afford at least 6 months of living cost in the UK

  • Show a commitment to learn English

  • Get a TB Test Certificate from a clinic approved by the Home Office

  • Pay a fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

    Close family members of BN(O) status holder include:

  • Spouse or civil partner

  • Unmarried partner

  • Children (under 18 years old when they first applied)

  • Other highly dependent family members (e.g. parents or siblings)

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The UK government announced on 18 Oct 2022 that it has decided to enable individuals aged 18 or over who were born on or after 1 July 1997 and who have at least one parent had BN(O) passport to apply to the route independently of their BN(O) parent.  The new measure already begin on 30 November 2022.

Documentation Evidence

The following are examples of documentation evidence for:

1. Hong Kong residence

    a. Hong Kong Permanent Resident Identity Card

    b. A letter from school (or school report) or employer

    c. Tax record

    d. Records of rent or mortgage payments

    e. Utility bill

2. Proof enough money (in English. Currency could be in GBP or HKD) 

    a. Bank statement showing savings

    b. Evidence of regular income while in the UK (such as salary, pension, or investment payments)

    c. Income proof (from self-employment or rental property)

    d. Bank statement from friends or family (if they are the financial supporters)

    e. A letter confirming an offer of accommodation from friends or family

3. Dependant’s relationship

    a. Marriage or civil partnership certificate

    b. Birth or adoption certificate

    c. For unmarried partner, proof of living together for at least 2 years

    d. Evidence of same permanent home address as the applicant

Other Requirements

All applicants would need to provide a TB Test Certificate, valid for 6 months from the date the X-ray is taken. 

The test must be from a clinic approved by the UK Home Office.  The currently approved clinics in Hong Kong include Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Advantist Medical Centre – Taikoo Place, HKSH Family Medicine and Primary Care Centre, HKSH Family Medicine and Primary Care Centre (Island East), Matilda International Hospital, UMP Medical Centre (Hong Kong) Limited, UMP Medical Centre (Kowloon) Limited, UMP Medical Centre (Jorden) Limited and Quality HealthCare Medical Centre. 

Applicants should not have serious criminal records or have done anything against public interests (subject to the final decision by the UK government).

BN(O) Status Enquiry

If applicants are not sure whether they have BNO status, they can email the HM Passport Office at DPA.Queries@hmpo.gov.uk:

With the subject “SAR (Subject access request) – British National (Overseas) passport”

  • Explain in the email body that they would like to enquire about their BNO status, providing name, birth date, birth place attaching ID card copy.

  • Indicate that they would like to learn about the outcome by email.

  • Send the email and wait for a reply.

Types of Visa and Charges

There are two types of visa:

  1. For an initial period of 30 months, extendable by a further 30 months.  Cost £180 per applicant per period.

  2. Single period visa for 5 years, cost £250.

    In addition, each applicant will need to pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

  • £5,175 for an adult 5-year visa

  • £2,587.50 for an adult 30-month visa

  • £3,880 for a 5-year visa issued to a child under 18

  • £1,940 for a 30-month visa issued to a child under 18

How to Apply

Application can be made online

Applicants should fill in all required information online and to prove identity, the applicant could either:

  1. Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their BNO, HKSAR or EEA passport – they will also create or sign into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

  2. Go to an appointment at a visa application centre to give  fingerprints and a photo - this is to get a biometric residence permit

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

For any questions or inquiries, click the button to get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team who are always ready to assist you.