BN(O) visa: British National (Overseas) route
The British National (Overseas) visa lets BN(O) status holders from Hong Kong and their household members live, work and study in the UK, with settlement (ILR) after five years and British citizenship 12 months later.
- 2.5 or 5 years
- Initial visa length
- 5 years
- Continuous residence to ILR
- +12 months
- From ILR to citizenship
- No sponsor
- No job offer required
What BN(O) status and a BN(O) passport are
British National (Overseas), or BN(O), is a British nationality status held by people connected with Hong Kong who registered for it before 1 July 1997. Being born in Hong Kong before the handover does not by itself make you a BN(O): registration was required, and it closed in 1997. A BN(O) passport is a British passport issued on the strength of that status, and an expired one is still accepted as evidence of it.
BN(O) status is not a visa. It gives no automatic right to live in the UK, which is why the BN(O) visa route was opened in January 2021 for BN(O) status holders and their household members. Family members applying with you do not need BN(O) status themselves.
What is the BN(O) visa?
The British National (Overseas) visa was introduced in January 2021 as a special immigration route for Hong Kong residents who hold British National (Overseas) status or are eligible household members of someone with BN(O) status.
This visa allows you and your family to live, work and study in the United Kingdom with a clear path to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous residence. After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship.
Important update
The UK government has confirmed its commitment to the BN(O) visa route, providing Hong Kong residents with a safe haven and pathway to settlement in the United Kingdom.
- Visa duration
- 2.5 or 5 years
- Settlement route
- ILR after 5 years
- Include family
- Partner and children
Eligibility requirements
Separate criteria apply to BN(O) status holders and to household members applying with them.
BN(O) status
Hold British National (Overseas) status.
Ordinary residence
Be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, the UK, or the Crown Dependencies.
Age
Be aged 18 or over.
Financial requirement
Meet the financial requirement, covering 6 months living costs.
Tuberculosis test
Provide a tuberculosis test certificate if required.
Partner
Spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner of the BN(O) status holder.
Child under 18
Born before or after 4 July 1997.
Adult child
Born on or after 1 July 1997 and has not formed an independent family unit.
Same household
Must have been living in the same household as the BN(O) status holder.
Application costs
Two routes are available. The 30-month route has a lower upfront cost and is renewable for another 30 months before the settlement application; the 60-month route covers the full 5 years in a single application.
- 30-month route - main applicant
- £180
- 30-month route - each dependant
- £180
- 30-month route - IHS per person
- £1,552.50
- 60-month route - main applicant
- £250
- 60-month route - each dependant
- £250
- 60-month route - IHS per person
- £3,105
What you can do on this visa
Work
Work in most jobs, excluding certain civil service roles. Start a business. Be self-employed.
Study
Study at any level, including universities and colleges. Access student finance if eligible.
NHS access
Full access to the National Health Service. Use public services. Rent or buy property.
Application process
- 1Step 1
Check eligibility
Confirm you meet all requirements for BN(O) status holders or household members.
- 2Step 2
Gather documents
Collect passport, proof of BN(O) status, financial evidence, tuberculosis certificate and relationship documents.
- 3Step 3
Apply online
Complete the online application form and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 4Step 4
Biometric appointment
Attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre.
- 5Step 5
Wait for a decision
Most applications are decided within 3 weeks. Faster priority services are available.
- 6Step 6
Receive your visa
Collect your visa decision and begin your journey to the UK.
- 1Step 1
Check eligibility
Confirm you meet all requirements for BN(O) status holders or household members.
- 2Step 2
Gather documents
Collect passport, proof of BN(O) status, financial evidence, tuberculosis certificate and relationship documents.
- 3Step 3
Apply online
Complete the online application form and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 4Step 4
Biometric appointment
Attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre.
- 5Step 5
Wait for a decision
Most applications are decided within 3 weeks. Faster priority services are available.
- 6Step 6
Receive your visa
Collect your visa decision and begin your journey to the UK.
Path to settlement and citizenship
5 years to ILR
After 5 years continuous residence on the BN(O) visa, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which is permanent settlement.
+1 year to citizenship
Apply for British citizenship 12 months after receiving ILR, if eligible.
Full rights
Become a British citizen with full rights, including a UK passport and voting rights.
Related
Other routes worth checking
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Permanent settlement after 5 years of continuous residence on the BN(O) route.
Read moreBritish citizenship
Naturalisation 12 months after you receive indefinite leave to remain.
Read moreSkilled Worker visa
The sponsored work route, for those who do not hold BN(O) status.
Read moreILR calculator
Check your absences against the 180-day rule across the five-year BN(O) period.
Read moreLife in the UK test
Booking, exemptions and what the test covers before your ILR application.
Read moreReady when you are
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