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British National Overseas (BNO), is a citizenship that was created by the British nationality, which was created in 1985 so that people in Hong Kong could apply for before the 1997 handover to China, to remain a link with the UK. The old system had indicated that you could only visit the UK for 6 months without a Visa. However, the new systems show that, if you’re a British National overseas and you’re from Hong Kong, then you can apply for a British National overseas visa, to be able to live, work and study in the UK.
The British government are expecting approximately, 5.4 million Hong Kong residents who are eligible for this scheme.
After the first 5 years you are able to apply for an indefinite leave to remain so you can live and work in the UK without reapplying for a visa. When the indefinite leave to remain is approved, after one year of the approval, you can apply for a British Citizenship.
You can apply if you are:
You're able to apply online on the GOV.UK website.
The are 2 application options which are:
You are required to say for either 2 years and 6 months or for 5 years. However, if you would like to stay for a longer period of time, then you can apply for a visa extension as many times as you want.
The Hong Kong BNO Visa is designed to enable a BNO status holder to come to the UK as a family unit. If you are applying as a family unit you have to apply together. The main applicant applies first to get a unique reference number, then you can apply as a whole family together.
There have been some BNO holders who wanted to travel a lot sooner. In these circumstances, UK Border Force officers would have to grant leave outside the rules for a period of 6 months.
If you are a BNO and are currently in the UK, you do not need to apply straight away. Skilled workers and students can switch to this route if they want to remain in the UK.
People who want to apply for the Visa, will have to buy a Hong Kong BNO Visa. You will have to pay:
Other nationals coming to the UK and are applying for the BNO Visa will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in full, which is part of the application process.
As part of the application process, BNO holders will need to provide evidence that they can support themselves and their family if they are moving to the UK too, for atleast 6 months when they are in the UK.
You can show evidence through:
The documents will need to be in English or in a language that provides a certified English translation. You will not need to provide documents and meet this requirement if you have been lobing in the UK for more than a year when you apply.