Clear advice and expert support for BNO visa applicants and their families.
The British National (Overseas) (or BNO) visa is a bespoke UK immigration route for people with BNO status. It was introduced in response to political changes in Hong Kong, and it offers the chance to visit the UK. Many people from Hong Kong choose this option, either for a holiday or to see family. The visa also provides a pathway to live, work and study here.
Unlike some other visas, you don’t need a job offer or sponsor to apply, and your family members may be eligible too. However, the application process is detailed, and the rules vary depending on your circumstances, especially if you’re switching from another visa, applying with dependants or looking to settle permanently.
At Britton and Time, we’ve helped many Hong Kong nationals understand the requirements and submit a strong application.
FAQs
The British National (Overseas) visa, often called the BNO visa, is a UK immigration route available to people with BNO status. It was introduced in 2021 to allow eligible Hong Kong residents to live, work and study in the UK, either on their own or with family members.
Unlike many other visa types, the BNO visa does not require a job offer or sponsorship. Instead, applicants must show that they can support themselves financially in the UK and meet various identity and eligibility checks. If successful, the visa is granted for either 2 years and 6 months or 5 years, with the option to extend or apply for permanent settlement later on.
You’re eligible for British National (Overseas) status if you registered for it before 1 July 1997, when Hong Kong was handed back to China. This type of nationality was created specifically for Hong Kong residents while the territory was still under British rule. If you hold BNO status, you can’t pass it on to your children, but they may still be able to apply for a BNO visa as your dependants.
To apply for the BNO visa, you’ll need to show that:
BNO status itself cannot be newly acquired, but it can be confirmed through a valid BNO passport or other supporting documents if your passport has expired. If you’re unsure, a solicitor can help check your eligibility.
You can stay in the UK for either 2 years and 6 months or 5 years, depending on the length you choose when applying. Both routes allow you to live, work and study in the UK, and you can renew your visa if you want to stay longer.
If you stay in the UK for 5 continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also known as settlement. This gives you the right to stay permanently, and it’s often the next step towards British citizenship.
Your time in the UK can count towards settlement as long as you haven’t spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period, and you continue to meet the visa requirements.
British National (Overseas) status is a lifelong status and cannot be removed once it’s been granted. It’s tied to your identity, not your travel documents, so even if your BNO passport expires or you don’t renew it, your status remains valid.
However, while the status itself doesn’t expire, your BNO visa can. If your visa runs out and you haven’t applied to extend or settle, you’ll lose your right to live in the UK. That’s why it’s important to apply for an extension or settlement before your current visa expires.
If your application for a BNO visa is refused, it doesn’t affect your BNO status, but it will affect your ability to live in the UK. If that happens, getting good quality legal advice can help you explore your next steps.
To apply for a British National (Overseas) visa, you’ll need to provide several documents to prove your identity, your status and your ability to live in the UK without relying on public funds.
Here’s a basic overview of what you may need:
The full list can vary depending on your personal circumstances. The Home Office may also request additional documents once your application is submitted. You can find the complete requirements and latest updates on gov.uk.
Our team can help you gather the right documents, avoid delays and make sure everything is submitted properly.
Full details are available in the UK government guidance on documents for BNO visas.
If your BNO visa application is refused, it can be upsetting. However, it’s important to know that you may still have a route forward. Many refusals happen due to incomplete information, problems with documentation or questions around eligibility. These issues can often be addressed with the right support.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to submit a new application or request an administrative review. In some cases, an appeal may be appropriate. We can advise you on the most suitable route and help you prepare a stronger application.
Our team can:
We offer tailored legal advice and practical support to help you move forward.
The BNO visa is one of the most flexible routes available, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your goals and circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a different type of UK visa.
For example, some Hong Kong citizens may qualify for:
If the BNO route isn’t right for you, or if you’re looking to bring family members under a different category, we can help you explore the alternatives. Our team will guide you through your options and recommend the best approach based on your individual circumstances.
We offer fixed-fee legal support for British National Overseas visa applications, so you’ll always know what to expect before we begin. The cost depends on the level of support you need, for instance whether you’re applying alone, with family members or seeking help with an extension, settlement or appeal.
Our pricing is clear, competitive and tailored to the complexity of your case.
You can view our current fees on our immigration pricing page.
If you’re not sure which route is right for you or what level of service you need, you can book an initial consultation with our immigration specialist, so we can point you in the right direction.
Call, email or provide us with a few details of your matter, and we’ll help you arrange an initial consultation. You’ll get:
No fee surprises. Ever. Our solicitors in London and Brighton will inform you from the outset how much your case will cost and we will do everything in our power to keep costs down and within your original fee estimate.
You are our priority and law is our speciality. Our award-winning solicitors in London and Brighton ensure you know exactly where you stand from a legal perspective so you can make a well-informed decision.
With fortnightly updates on your case, you’ll never be left in the dark. Our solicitors in London and Brighton ensure you know exactly how your case is progressing and are with you every step of the way.
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