BNO Visa UK: Eligibility, Application & ILR

bno visa

IN THIS ARTICLE

The British National (Overseas) Visa, commonly known as the BNO Visa, is a UK immigration route designed for individuals from Hong Kong who hold British National (Overseas) status. It allows eligible applicants and their family members to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom on either a 2.5-year or 5-year basis, with a clear pathway to settlement and British citizenship.

The visa was introduced in January 2021 as a response to political and social changes in Hong Kong. It provides a secure route for BNO status holders to relocate to the UK with their dependants, offering access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities while ensuring long-term stability through settlement options.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the BNO Visa, including eligibility requirements, rules for dependants, the application process, fees, extension and settlement options, and practical guidance for applicants.

 

Section A: What is the BNO Visa?

 

The BNO Visa, or British National (Overseas) Visa, is a long-term immigration category that allows eligible individuals with British National (Overseas) status from Hong Kong to live in the UK with their family members. It provides the right to work without restriction, to study, and to access essential services such as healthcare.

Applicants can choose to apply for a visa lasting two years and six months or five years. After five continuous years of residence in the UK under the BNO route, visa holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After holding ILR for 12 months, they can apply to naturalise as British citizens.

Applications may be made from within the UK, Hong Kong, or overseas. The visa can be extended multiple times, and family members are eligible to apply either alongside the main applicant or separately, provided the main applicant maintains BNO status.

 

1. Definition of BNO Status

 

British National (Overseas) status, abbreviated as BNO, is a form of British nationality created prior to the handover of Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997. Individuals who were British Dependent Territories Citizens (BDTCs) in Hong Kong and registered for BNO status before the deadline were granted this nationality. BNO status does not automatically grant the right of abode in the UK, but it enables access to the BNO Visa route.

 

2. Historical Context

 

The BNO status was created as part of the transitional arrangements for Hong Kong residents ahead of the territory’s 1997 handover. It provided a way for residents to retain a form of British nationality without acquiring full British citizenship.

In January 2021, the UK government introduced the BNO Visa following the enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong. This move was intended to safeguard freedoms and provide an immigration route for BNO status holders and their close family members who sought stability and security in the UK.

 

3. Benefits of the BNO Visa

 

The BNO Visa offers a wide range of benefits, creating opportunities for relocation, career development, education, and long-term settlement.

 

a. Rights and Privileges

 

The visa is available for either 2 years 6 months or 5 years, with extensions possible. After five years, applicants may qualify for ILR. One year after achieving ILR, they may apply for British citizenship.

Holders can work in any profession or sector, including self-employment and business start-ups. Educational opportunities are available to both applicants and dependants, and student finance may be accessible once residency requirements are satisfied.

BNO Visa holders may rent or buy property and are entitled to the same legal protections as other UK residents.

 

b. Access to Services

 

After paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), BNO Visa holders can access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Children may attend state-funded schools, and further or higher education is available subject to standard entry and residency requirements.

Although holders are expected to be financially independent and cannot access most public funds before settlement, they may benefit from job centre services, local authority support, and community groups that assist with integration.

Overall, the BNO Visa provides security and a clear route to permanent residency and British citizenship for eligible families.

 

 

Section B: BNO Visa Eligibility Requirements

 

The BNO Visa is available to individuals with British National (Overseas) status from Hong Kong, as well as their eligible family members. To qualify, applicants must meet the requirements set out in the Immigration Rules and provide evidence to support their application.

 

1. BNO Status

 

The main applicant must hold BNO status. This nationality was only available to those who registered before 1 July 1997. A current or expired BNO passport is acceptable proof, though a valid passport is not required to apply. If the passport is unavailable, applicants may request confirmation of their status from His Majesty’s Passport Office.

Children born after 1 July 1997 cannot apply as main applicants in their own right but may be included as dependants of a parent or guardian who holds BNO status.

 

2. Residency

 

If applying from outside the UK, the applicant and their dependants must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. If applying inside the UK, applicants must be resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Hong Kong at the time of the application.

 

3. Financial Requirements

 

Applicants must demonstrate that they can support themselves and their family members for at least six months in the UK. This usually requires proof of savings or income. However, if the main applicant has already lived in the UK for 12 months or longer at the time of application, they are exempt from providing financial evidence.

 

4. Accommodation

 

Applicants must show they have suitable accommodation in the UK. Evidence can include tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, or a letter from a family member or sponsor confirming living arrangements. While this requirement is often checked for out-of-country applications, it may not always be requested for in-country applications.

 

5. Tuberculosis Test

 

Applicants who have lived for six months or more in countries where TB testing is required must provide a medical certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic showing they are free from tuberculosis. This requirement applies to both the main applicant and dependants, unless exempt.

 

 

Section C: Eligibility Criteria for Family Members

 

The BNO Visa route allows certain family members to apply as dependants of the main applicant. This enables households to relocate together and maintain family unity in the UK. Dependants may apply at the same time as the main applicant or later, provided the main applicant continues to hold valid BNO status.

 

1. Partners

 

Partners of BNO status holders may apply as dependants if they are married, in a recognised civil partnership, or in a durable relationship. A durable relationship typically requires evidence of at least two years of cohabitation, unless separation is unavoidable due to work, study, or cultural reasons.

When partners have been living apart, evidence of the ongoing relationship is needed. This may include shared financial responsibilities, communication records, travel together, or evidence of joint parenting responsibilities.

 

2. Children Under 18

 

Children under 18 can normally apply as dependants if both parents are applying at the same time. Exceptions include cases where one parent already has British citizenship, settled status, or sole responsibility for the child. Children are expected to live with their parents unless studying away from home or where other specific circumstances apply.

 

3. Adult Children

 

Adult children can be included if they were born on or after 1 July 1997. They must usually live with the main applicant (except when away for study) and must apply either alongside the family or later while the main applicant’s visa remains valid. Where adult children do not qualify under the BNO route, they may need to explore alternative immigration routes, such as student or work visas.

 

4. Adult Dependant Relatives

 

Adult relatives, including parents, grandparents, siblings, or adult children, may only apply where they can demonstrate long-term dependency on the BNO status holder or their partner due to age, illness, or disability. The dependency must be so significant that they require long-term personal care for daily needs.

Applicants must prove that adequate care cannot reasonably be obtained or afforded in Hong Kong, even with financial support. Evidence usually includes medical reports, care assessments, and proof of the unavailability of appropriate care. This requirement mirrors the stringent test for adult dependant relatives under the Immigration Rules.

 

 

Section D: How to Apply for a BNO Visa

 

Applying for a BNO Visa is completed online and can be done from within the UK, Hong Kong, or overseas. The process involves creating or signing into a UKVI account, completing the application, proving identity (via the app or at a UKVCAS/VAC appointment), paying the relevant fees, and uploading evidence. Careful preparation helps avoid delays or refusals.

 

1. BNO Visa Application Process

 

Step 1: Prepare your documents
Compile digital copies of your supporting evidence (see the document checklist below). Ensure files are clear, complete, and, where required, translated by a qualified translator.

Step 2: Create/Sign in to your UKVI account
Access the online application service and set up a UKVI account for the main applicant. You will use this account to complete forms, upload evidence, pay fees, and track progress.

Step 3: Complete the online form
Provide personal details, BNO status information, ordinary residence details (UK/Hong Kong as applicable), and information about dependants. Answer suitability questions fully and accurately.

Step 4: Link family applications (where applicable)
Submit the main applicant’s form first to generate an application number (GWF/UAN). Share this with dependants and, where available, use the ‘family linking code’ so UKVI can process the applications together. Not all dependants must apply at the same time, but the main applicant must hold valid BNO status when they do.

Step 5: Upload evidence
Upload your documents through the portal or the specified commercial partner service. Follow the file naming guidance (where provided) and ensure each document is legible.

Step 6: Pay fees
Pay the visa application fee (2.5-year or 5-year option) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each applicant. Fees are non-refundable if refused or withdrawn.

Step 7: Prove your identity
Depending on your passport and eligibility, either use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to verify identity or attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) point in the UK or a Visa Application Centre (VAC) overseas for biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). Bring original documents where instructed.

Step 8: Submit the application
Confirm your declaration and submit. Keep copies of your submission, payment confirmations, and appointment receipts.

Step 9: Await a decision
Standard processing is typically up to 12 weeks from biometrics/online submission (depending on the route you used to prove identity). Priority services may be available for an additional fee. Monitor updates via your UKVI account/email.

 

2. Required Documents

 

Provide evidence that aligns with your circumstances. The exact list varies by whether you apply in or outside the UK and whether you include family members. Typical documents include:

Document Type Description
Proof of BNO status Current or expired BNO passport. If unavailable, obtain confirmation of BNO status from His Majesty’s Passport Office.
Valid travel document Current passport for travel and identity purposes.
Ordinary residence evidence Evidence showing ordinary residence (e.g., in Hong Kong if applying overseas; or in the UK/Islands/Hong Kong if applying in-country).
Financial evidence Bank statements, payslips, employment letters showing funds to support the household for at least 6 months, unless exempt because the main applicant has already lived in the UK for 12+ months at the time of applying.
Accommodation evidence Tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from a host confirming suitable accommodation (plus proof of the host’s right to occupy if relevant).
TB test certificate (if required) Medical certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic if you have lived in a listed country for 6+ months.
Relationship evidence (dependants) Marriage/civil partnership certificate; evidence of a durable partnership (e.g., 2+ years’ cohabitation); full birth certificates for children; evidence of ongoing relationship where living apart.
Adult Dependant Relative evidence Medical reports and care assessments proving long-term personal care needs and that adequate care is unavailable or unaffordable in Hong Kong even with financial support.
Translations Certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh, meeting UKVI specifications.

 

Important notes:

  • Public funds are generally inaccessible until ILR; you must show financial independence unless exempt.
  • Provide full, clear copies; poor scans and partial pages risk delay.
  • Keep consistent information across all forms and documents to avoid credibility concerns.

 

 

3. Applying with Family Members

 

Each family member completes a separate application as a dependant and pays the relevant fees. Use the main applicant’s application number (GWF/UAN) and, where available, a family linking code to connect the applications. UKVI may still decide cases at different times.

a) Partners, Children Under 18, and Adult Dependant Relatives
They do not have to apply at the same time as the main applicant, but the main applicant must hold valid BNO status when they apply. At extension and ILR stages, dependants must continue to evidence the qualifying relationship (e.g., subsisting partnership, parental responsibility).

b) Other Family Members
Where the service prompts for submission windows, follow the specified timeframe. If you encounter technical barriers preventing timely submission, contact UKVI through the provided channels to record the issue and seek instructions so cases can still be processed together.

Identity and Biometrics for Families
Family members will also prove identity via the app (where eligible) or attend a UKVCAS/VAC appointment. Ensure every dependant brings the correct originals to their appointment and uploads their evidence separately.

After Submission
Applicants can remain in the UK while a decision is pending (if applying in-country). Do not travel outside the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man until a decision is made, as doing so may affect the application.

 

 

Section E: BNO Visa Fees and Processing Time

 

Applicants for the BNO Visa must pay application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and biometric enrolment fees. The total cost varies depending on the length of visa chosen and the number of applicants included.

 

1. Visa Application Fee

 

The visa application fee is payable for each applicant. Current fees are:

  • £180 for a 2.5-year visa
  • £250 for a 5-year visa

 

This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.

 

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

 

The IHS is a mandatory charge that gives visa holders access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Current rates are:

  • £1,035 per year for adult applicants
  • £776 per year for child applicants (under 18)

 

The charge is calculated according to visa length. For example:

Applicant Visa Duration Total IHS
Single Adult 5 years £5,175
Single Adult 2 years 6 months £2,588
Two Adults, Two Children 5 years £5,175 (per adult) + £3,880 (per child) = £18,110

 

Applicants must pay the IHS upfront for the full duration of their visa. Failure to pay results in an invalid application.

 

3. Biometric Enrolment Fee

 

Each applicant who attends a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or UKVCAS appointment must pay £19.20 to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). If the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app is used, this fee does not apply.

 

4. Processing Times

 

The standard processing time for a BNO Visa is up to 12 weeks from the date biometrics are submitted or identity is confirmed through the app. Processing may take longer if further checks are needed, for example where an interview is required or if the applicant has criminal convictions.

Some locations may offer priority or super priority services at an additional cost, which can shorten decision times. Availability of these services depends on the application centre and should be checked at the point of application.

 

 

Section F: Application Tips

 

While the BNO Visa application process is designed to be straightforward, applicants frequently encounter difficulties that can delay or jeopardise approval. Careful preparation and attention to detail are essential to avoid common pitfalls.

 

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

 

Missing or inaccurate documents are one of the most common reasons for delay or refusal. Ensure all required documents are prepared in advance, clearly scanned, and translated where necessary. Always check the most recent UKVI guidance before applying.

 

2. Financial Requirements

 

Applicants must demonstrate they can support themselves and their dependants for at least six months, unless exempt by having lived in the UK for 12 months or more. Bank statements, payslips, or employment letters should be up to date and consistent. If funds are spread across multiple accounts, ensure evidence is provided for each.

 

3. Proof of BNO Status

 

Applicants who no longer hold a BNO passport may request confirmation of status from His Majesty’s Passport Office. Where available, provide original BNO passports (current or expired). Supporting letters or documents showing timely registration before 1997 can strengthen an application.

 

4. Biometric Appointment Delays

 

Booking availability at Visa Application Centres (VACs) and UKVCAS centres can be limited. Secure an appointment as early as possible and ensure all necessary documents are taken to the appointment. If using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, complete the process promptly to avoid expiry of your application window.

 

5. Application Form Errors

 

Errors or omissions on the online application form can lead to rejections or significant delays. Double-check all names, passport details, and dates before submission. Inconsistent information across forms and documents may raise credibility concerns.

 

6. Processing Delays

 

High application volumes or the need for further checks may extend processing beyond 12 weeks. Applicants should plan for this possibility and avoid making irreversible travel or housing commitments before their visa is granted. Regularly log in to your UKVI account to check for updates and correspondence.

 

 

Section G: Extending a BNO Visa

 

BNO Visa holders who wish to remain in the UK beyond their initial grant must apply for an extension before their current visa expires. While there is no limit to the number of extensions that can be made, many applicants choose to extend their stay to meet the five-year continuous residence requirement for settlement.

 

1. Timing and Duration

 

Applications for extension should usually be made within 28 days of the current visa’s expiry. This ensures continuity of lawful residence and that time spent on the visa continues to count towards the five-year settlement requirement. A new grant begins from the date of decision, and up to 28 days’ unused leave from the previous visa may be added.

 

2. Cost and Family Applications

 

Each family member must apply for an extension separately, paying the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Fees are the same as those for initial applications. Dependants must continue to meet the eligibility criteria, including proving that relationships remain valid and genuine.

 

3. Children Under 18

 

Children under 18 are expected to apply with both parents, unless one parent already holds British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, or has sole responsibility for the child. Where one parent is not applying, evidence of parental responsibility or legal guardianship is required.

 

4. Partners, Adult Children, and Adult Dependant Relatives

 

Partners, adult children, and adult dependant relatives may apply either with the main applicant or separately. They must continue to provide evidence that their relationship and dependency requirements are met. Contrary to some misconceptions, UKVI will still require relationship proof at extension stage, even where it was provided for the initial application.

 

5. Online Application Process

 

Applications are submitted through the UKVI online service. Applicants will either:

  • Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to verify identity by scanning their BNO, HKSAR, or EEA passport; or
  • Book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

 

Applicants must upload documents digitally and pay the relevant fees. They should keep a copy of the application and receipt of payment.

 

6. Decision Timeline

 

Decisions are usually issued within 12 weeks of the application date or biometric submission. Where the ID Check app is used, the clock starts at online submission; for in-person applications, the timeframe starts from the UKVCAS appointment. Additional checks, such as where criminal convictions are disclosed, may extend processing.

 

7. Post-Application Conditions

 

Applicants may remain lawfully in the UK while their extension application is under consideration. They should not travel outside the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man until a decision is received, as doing so will cause the application to be withdrawn.

 

 

Section H: BNO Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain

 

BNO Visa holders who complete five years of continuous residence in the UK may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions and is the main step toward securing British citizenship.

 

1. Eligibility

 

To qualify for ILR under the BNO route, applicants must have held continuous lawful residence in the UK for five years. Applications can usually be submitted no earlier than 28 days before reaching the five-year point. During the qualifying period, applicants must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

 

2. Qualifying Time in the UK

 

Time spent in the UK on other settlement routes may count toward the five-year residence requirement, provided the final period of leave was under the BNO route. Examples of other qualifying visas include:

  • Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General)
  • Family visa
  • Global Talent visa (formerly Tier 1 Exceptional Talent)
  • Innovator/Investor visa
  • Minister of Religion visa
  • Sportsperson visa
  • UK Ancestry visa

 

Time spent in categories that do not lead to settlement, such as the Youth Mobility Scheme or Student visas, does not count.

 

3. Language and Life in the UK Requirements

 

Applicants aged 18 to 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement. The English requirement can be satisfied by:

  • A qualification in English at level B1 or above in speaking and listening
  • A degree taught or researched in English
  • Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

 

Exemptions apply in limited circumstances, such as for applicants with a long-term physical or mental condition preventing them from meeting the requirements.

 

4. Family Members Applying for Settlement

 

Each dependant must make their own ILR application. Requirements vary depending on their age and relationship to the main applicant.

a) Partners and Adult Dependants
Partners, adult children, and other adult relatives who were dependants on the BNO visa may apply for ILR either with the main applicant or separately. They must continue to meet the relevant relationship or dependency requirements.

b) Children Under 18
Children under 18 must usually apply alongside both parents, unless one parent is settled or a British citizen, or where there are exceptional circumstances such as sole responsibility or the death of one parent.

 

5. Fees and Processing Time

 

The current fee for ILR is £2,885 per applicant. Biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) must be provided, though there is no additional fee for this. Standard processing times are up to six months. Applicants must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until a decision is made, otherwise the application will be withdrawn.

 

6. Applying for Settlement

 

Applications are submitted online using the BNO category. Applicants must provide biometric details either through the UKVCAS service or, if available, using the ID Check app. Supporting documents must be uploaded, and the form can be saved and returned to before submission.

 

 

Section I: Summary

 

The British National (Overseas) Visa was established to provide a secure and lawful route for BNO status holders and their families from Hong Kong to live in the UK. It offers the ability to work in any sector, study at all levels of education, and access healthcare through the NHS after payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge.

With visa lengths of 2.5 or 5 years, the route provides flexibility while creating a pathway to permanent settlement. After five years of continuous residence, applicants may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, followed by the option of British citizenship after a further year. Family members can apply alongside the main applicant or later, provided the main applicant continues to hold valid BNO status.

The application process is managed entirely online, with identity checks completed via the ID Check app or at a visa application centre. Applicants must provide evidence of BNO status, ordinary residence, financial independence (unless exempt), accommodation, and where necessary, tuberculosis test results.

Careful preparation is essential. Errors on forms, missing documents, or failure to meet eligibility criteria can result in delays or refusals. Applicants are strongly advised to double-check requirements before applying. For those in complex circumstances, professional advice can help to ensure compliance with the Immigration Rules and improve the prospects of success.

 

 

Section J: Need Assistance?

 

Applying for a BNO Visa can be complex, particularly when applications involve multiple family members, financial requirements, or evidence of dependency. While the process is designed to be accessible, errors or incomplete submissions may lead to refusal or lengthy delays.

Applicants are encouraged to make full use of the official UK government guidance and resources when preparing their application. Checking eligibility carefully, gathering the required documentation in advance, and allowing sufficient time to complete biometric or identity checks will reduce the risk of problems.

In situations involving complex family circumstances, questions about dependency, or where applicants are unsure how to present their case, seeking qualified legal advice or regulated immigration advice may be beneficial. Professional guidance can ensure that the application is aligned with the Immigration Rules and that supporting evidence meets Home Office requirements.

By preparing thoroughly and understanding the process, applicants and their families will be well placed to make a successful application under the BNO Visa route.

 

 

Section K: BNO Visa FAQs

 

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the BNO Visa route.

 

What is the BNO Visa?

 

The BNO Visa allows individuals with British National (Overseas) status, and their eligible family members, to live, work, and study in the UK. It was launched in 2021 in response to political changes in Hong Kong, providing a clear route to settlement and citizenship.

 

How long can I stay in the UK with a BNO Visa?

 

Applicants can choose either a 2.5-year or 5-year visa. After five continuous years in the UK, holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After one year with ILR, they can apply for British citizenship.

 

What are the financial requirements for the BNO Visa?

 

Applicants must usually show they can support themselves and their dependants for at least six months, unless the main applicant has already lived in the UK for 12 months or longer at the date of application. Bank statements, payslips, or other financial records are acceptable.

 

How do I apply for the BNO Visa?

 

Applications are submitted online via the UKVI service. Applicants must upload documents, pay the visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, and prove their identity either using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by attending a visa application centre for biometrics.

 

How long does it take to process a BNO Visa application?

 

The standard processing time is up to 12 weeks from the date biometrics are enrolled or identity is confirmed. Some locations may offer priority processing at an additional cost, though availability is limited.

 

Can I work in the UK with a BNO Visa?

 

Yes. BNO Visa holders may work in any profession or sector, including self-employment and starting a business. There are no restrictions on the type of employment permitted.

 

Can my children attend school in the UK?

 

Yes. Children of BNO Visa holders may enrol in state-funded schools. Higher education is also available, although access to student finance is subject to meeting residency requirements.

 

Can I bring my elderly parents or other relatives?

 

In some cases, adult dependant relatives such as elderly parents may apply, but only where they can demonstrate long-term personal care needs and that suitable care cannot be obtained or afforded in Hong Kong. This is a high threshold and requires strong evidence.

 

Can I apply for British citizenship with a BNO Visa?

 

Yes. After five years on the BNO Visa, holders may apply for ILR. After holding ILR for 12 months, they may apply to naturalise as British citizens, provided they meet the residence, language, and Life in the UK test requirements.

 

 

Section L: Glossary

 

Term Definition
BNO (British National Overseas) Status A type of British nationality created before the 1997 handover of Hong Kong, available only to those who registered before 1 July 1997.
BNO Visa An immigration route allowing BNO status holders and their eligible family members to live, work, and study in the UK.
Global Web Form (GWF) / Unique Application Number (UAN) Application numbers issued by UKVI that are used to identify and link applications.
Family Linking Code A code issued to the first applicant in a family group, allowing dependants’ applications to be connected for processing.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Immigration status granting permanent residence in the UK without time restrictions, usually after five years of lawful residence on a qualifying route.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) A fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK’s National Health Service during their stay.
Visa Application Centre (VAC) / UKVCAS Centres where applicants provide biometric information and, in some cases, submit supporting documents.
Life in the UK Test A test assessing knowledge of British culture, history, and society, required for ILR and citizenship applications.
Dependants Family members eligible to apply alongside the main applicant, including partners, children under 18, and in limited cases, adult dependant relatives.
Adult Dependant Relative A parent, grandparent, sibling, or adult child who can apply as a dependant only where long-term personal care is required and cannot be reasonably provided in Hong Kong.
Ordinary Residence Where a person normally lives, used to determine eligibility to apply from Hong Kong or the UK.

 

 

Section M: Additional Resources

 

Resource Link
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
His Majesty’s Passport Office https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office
National Health Service (NHS) https://www.nhs.uk
Home Office – British National (Overseas) Visa https://www.gov.uk/british-national-overseas-bno-visa
BNO Visa – DavidsonMorris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/bno-visa/
BNO Visa – Xpats.io https://www.xpats.io/bno-visa/

 

author avatar
Gill Laing
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal or financial advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law or tax rules and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert professional advice should be sought.

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