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The British National Overseas Visa, also referred to as the BNO Visa, was introduced by the UK in 2021. It is specifically targeted at individuals who are from Hong Kong and who hold British National Overseas Visa status, as well as their family members. It is possible to apply for a BNO Visa from both within and outside of the UK.
Applicants for a BNO Visa must hold British National Overseas Visa status, or be the child of someone who does and have been born on or after 1 July 1997. Their permanent home must be in Hong Kong, the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
It is possible for immediate family members such as children or a partner to submit their own applications for a BNO Visa as a dependant. When the first family member submits their application they will be issued a ‘Group Reference Number’, which must be used by any dependants when they apply.
Eligible individuals can apply for a BNO Visa lasting for either two-and-a-half years or five years, and are permitted to apply to extend their visa as many times as they wish.
Once granted, this visa allows holders to work (except in professional sports) and study in the UK. It also permits access to benefits in certain circumstances e.g. homelessness, not having enough money to support a child’s wellbeing.
After living in the UK for at least five years, BNO Visa holders are able to apply for permanent settlement
An application for a BNO Visa costs £180 for a two-and-a-half year visa and £250 for a five-year visa. Applicants will also have to pay a healthcare surcharge before a BNO visa can be issued, the cost of which can vary but is likely to be several thousand pounds per applicant.
Applicants from outside the UK will need to show they have enough money to support themselves and any family members for at least six months. Applicants from inside the UK are usually exempt from this requirement provided they have already been in the UK for at least a year (unless they hold a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa).
All applicants (including any family members) will have to visit a visa application centre in order to have their photographs and fingerprints taken. Once the application and all supporting information (including photograph and fingerprints) have been submitted to the Home Office, decisions are usually made and communicated within 12 weeks.
When applying for a BNO Visa, individuals should expect to provide:
👉 evidence of their British National Overseas Visa status
👉 proof of their relationship to any dependents
👉 proof of address
👉 a tuberculosis certificate (if applying from Hong Kong)
👉 proof of sufficient funds (if applying from Hong Kong)
