Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa and Who is Eligible Under the BN(O) Household Member Route?

The BN(O) Household Member route caters to the adult children of BN(O) status holders or their partners. Specifically, this route is open to those aged 18 or older and born on or after 1 July 1997. This includes the dependent partners and children of the BN(O) status holder’s partner. In special cases, other family members who exhibit a high degree of dependency can also apply through this route. It is crucial that the adult child of the BN(O) status holder’s partner, along with their dependent partner and children, form part of the same household as the BN(O) status holder when applying.

How Does the BN(O) Visa Maintain Family Unity?

Both the BN(O) Status Holder route and the BN(O) Household Member route emphasize the importance of family unity. These routes are structured to ensure that dependent family members can accompany the primary BN(O) status holder. This provision extends to partners, children, and other dependents who require significant care and support, reflecting the UK’s commitment to family cohesion and support during the immigration process.

Key Eligibility Requirements for BN(O) Householder Member Visa:

The BN(O) Household Member route is a pathway for individuals who are adult children of British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] status holders or their partners, specifically those born on or after July 1, 1997. To apply, applicants must meet several key criteria, including payment of relevant fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, submission of biometric information, and provision of a passport or travel document to verify identity and nationality. For first-time applicants who are children of a BN(O) status holder’s partner, the primary BN(O) status holder must also submit a valid application simultaneously.

What Are the Age and Relationship Requirements?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and must not have previously held or last held permission as a BN(O) Adult Dependent Relative. If these validity requirements are not met, the application may be rejected as invalid. Additionally, those seeking entry clearance must apply and receive permission before arriving in the UK.

What Are the Health and Screening Requirements?

If applicable, applicants must provide a valid medical certificate showing they have been screened for active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and found clear. This requirement applies to those coming from countries listed in Appendix Tuberculosis and is necessary for both entry clearance and permission to stay applications.

What Are the Financial Requirements?

For those applying for permission to stay who have lived in the UK for 12 months or more, meeting the financial requirement is generally straightforward unless they were previously granted permission under “Leave Outside the Rules.” Those applying for entry clearance or who have been in the UK for less than 12 months must prove they can be maintained and accommodated without recourse to public funds for at least six months. Accommodation must not be overcrowded or violate public health regulations, and applicants can rely on credible promises of future third-party support.

What Are the Residency Requirements?

Applicants must be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong at the time of applying for entry clearance. Those applying for permission to stay must be in the UK, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Bailiwick of Jersey, the Isle of Man, or Hong Kong and ordinarily resident there.

What Are the Specific Tuberculosis Certificate Requirements for In-Country Applicants?

If the applicant’s last grant of permission was for six months or less and they were previously in a country listed in Appendix Tuberculosis, they must provide a valid medical certificate confirming they do not have active pulmonary TB. This certificate must come from an approved centre and be issued within six months before the application date. The requirement is considered met if a similar certificate was part of a successful entry clearance application within the past 12 months.

Key Documents required for the Hong Kong BN(O) Householder Member Visa 

To apply for the Hong Kong BN(O) Householder Member Visa, applicants must provide various documents to demonstrate their eligibility. These include a valid passport or other travel document to verify identity and nationality. Proof of BN(O) status can be shown through a valid or expired BN(O) passport, or confirmation from the HM Passport Office. Additionally, applicants need to provide evidence of their financial situation, such as bank statements and payslips, to show they can support themselves and their family. Proof of residence in Hong Kong, the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man is also required, typically through utility bills or tax records.

• Applicants must also submit documents proving their relationship with any family members who are also applying, such as marriage or birth certificates. A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate is necessary for applicants from certain countries, and this must be no older than six months at the time of application. For adult children of BN(O) status holders, additional documentation like the parent’s passport and a birth or adoption certificate is needed to confirm the relationship. All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation to ensure they are properly understood and processed.

How Can You Ensure Visa Success with Proper Documentation?

It is important to note that the above information about required documents is generic and may vary based on individual circumstances. To maximize the chances of your visa application being approved, it is essential to provide all the necessary documentation. This includes the standard required documents as well as any additional paperwork that pertains to your previous UK immigration history, employment, family circumstances, financial support, professional credentials, business activities, and custody arrangements if applicable. Each document must meet the required standards and be relevant to your application. Thorough preparation of your paperwork is crucial, as each piece of documentation demonstrates your commitment to adhering to immigration regulations.

How Can AGCL Services Assist You with Your Visa Application?

Navigating the visa application process can be daunting, but AGCL Services is here to help. We have extensive experience in assisting clients to successfully obtain their visas by ensuring their documentation is accurate, complete, and free of errors. Our goal is to guide you through every step of the application process, simplifying it and increasing your chances of success. Let us support you in making your visa application as seamless as possible.

Applying for Your Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa on Your Own

If you’re a household member of a Hong Kong BN(O) status holder, you can apply for this visa independently. You’ll need to gather several important documents, such as proof of your relationship with the BN(O) status holder, your identity documents, and evidence of your financial status. The process involves completing application forms, uploading supporting documents, and possibly attending a biometrics appointment. While it’s possible to handle the application on your own by following the official guidance, it can be time-consuming and requires attention to detail to avoid mistakes or delays.

Let Our Experts Make the Process Easier for You

Alternatively, our experienced visa consultants can guide you through the entire Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa application process. At AGCL Services, we have deep knowledge of this visa category and can help ensure your documents are correctly prepared and submitted on time. With our professional help, you can avoid the stress of managing the process on your own. We handle the complexities so that your application is smooth and hassle-free, giving you peace of mind and improving your chances of a successful outcome.

Contact Us for Personalized Visa Assistance

To obtain professional, most up-to-date, and accurate advice on your visa requirement you can contact our experienced, and accredited team of immigration consultants on 020 3911 1115 or send us your query using this Contact Us Form or email us on ukvisa@agclservices.com or request a call back by providing your contact details here and one of our experts will reach out to you to discuss your visa needs.

How much does it cost for Hong Kong BN(O) visa application? 

To apply for or extend a British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] visa, applicants must pay certain fees. These include the visa application fee and the healthcare surcharge. 

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members for at least six months when they first apply.

How much is the visa application fee?

Each applicant, including family members, must pay an application fee. 

£180 for a visa valid for 2 years and 6 months

£250 for a visa valid for 5 years

What is the healthcare surcharge and how much does it cost?

• The healthcare surcharge is a mandatory fee that allows visa holders to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). 
• For adults (18 or older): £2,587.50 for 2 years and 6 months, or £5,175 for 5 years
• For children (under 18): £1,940 for 2 years and 6 months, or £3,880 for 5 years.

Are there exemptions for those extending their visa while receiving benefits?

Applicants extending their visa for 30 months who are receiving benefits and cannot afford the application fee or healthcare surcharge are exempt from these payments. However, those extending their visa for 60 months are required to pay both the application fee and the healthcare surcharge. Applicants must provide evidence, such as recent bank statements, showing they are receiving benefits and lack the financial means to cover these costs.

How Long Can You Stay with a BN(O) Visa?

• Applicants can choose between a 30-month visa or a 5-year visa.

Is it possible to extend Hong Kong BN(O) visa?

• Visa holders can apply to extend their stay in increments of 30 months or 5 years.
• After five years of continuous residence, applicants can apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain).
• Following one year of settlement, individuals may apply for British citizenship.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision When Applying for the First Time from Outside the UK?

• Typically, you can expect to receive a decision on your application within 12 weeks from the date of submission.

What Factors Could Delay Your Application?

• Your application might take longer if additional steps are required. These steps may include verifying supporting documents, providing further evidence, attending an interview, lacking a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate, or having a criminal conviction recognized in the UK. In some cases, you may have the option to pay for expedited processing to receive a faster decision.

When Should You Apply for a Visa Extension?

• If your goal is to apply for permanent residency in the UK, it is advisable not to submit your extension application earlier than 28 days before your current visa expires. This ensures that you meet the requirement of having continuously lived in the UK for five years when you apply for settlement. The new visa will commence on the date it is granted, and any remaining time on your previous visa can be extended by up to 28 days.

Is There a Limit on Extending the BN(O) Visa?

• There are no restrictions on the number of times you can extend your BN(O) visa, allowing for flexibility and continued residence in the UK as long as you meet the requirements.

Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

• If you are either a British National (Overseas) or an adult child (18 or older, born on or after 1 July 1997) of a BN(O) status holder, your family members may apply as your dependants. Dependants can include:
  • Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
  • Your child or grandchild under 18
  • Your partner’s child under 18
  • Your parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son, or daughter (18 or older) if they are highly dependent on you due to illness, disability, or age
  • Children over 18 can still apply if they are your own child, making their application separately, or if they are your partner’s child born on or after 1 July 1997. In the latter case, their partner or child is also eligible to apply.

What Are the Requirements for Partners?

• Partners need to prove their relationship to you through one of the following:
  • A recognized civil partnership or marriage in the UK
  • A relationship with cohabitation for at least two years at the time of application
  • A two-year relationship where cohabitation is not possible due to reasons like work, study, or cultural constraints
  • If living separately, partners must demonstrate an ongoing commitment by providing evidence of regular communication, financial support, shared childcare responsibilities, and spending time together.

What Are the Requirements for Children Under 18?

• Typically, children under 18 must apply along with both parents, unless:
  • One parent has sole responsibility
  • One parent already holds a BN(O) visa
  • One parent has permanent residency in the UK, such as being a British citizen
  • The child must generally reside with you unless they are living away from home for educational purposes or are applying after you have moved to the UK.

What Are the Requirements for Children 18 or Older?

• For BN(O) status holders, partner’s children aged 18 or older born on or after 1 July 1997 can apply as dependants. They must apply simultaneously with you and typically live with you unless studying away from home. If not eligible for the BN(O) visa, they might consider other visa options for work or study in the UK.

Who Qualifies as an Adult Dependant?

• Adult family members (18 or older) can apply if they are highly dependent on you, requiring long-term personal care due to illness, disability, or age. This includes:
  • Parents or grandparents
  • Brothers or sisters
  • Sons or daughters
  • To qualify, they must show they need long-term care for daily tasks and that they cannot obtain or afford this care in Hong Kong without your support. They must provide medical records and evidence of financial constraints.

How Long Can Family Members Stay?

• When applying for the first time, family members need to apply for the same duration as the main applicant, either for 2 years and 6 months or for 5 years. Upon extending the visa, both you and your family members can apply together. After residing in the UK for five years, they can apply for permanent residency.

Work and Study: 

• Visa holders are permitted pursue educational opportunities at schools, colleges, and universities to study in the UK.
• BN(O) visa holders have the right to work in the UK in almost any capacity, with the exception of roles as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Access to Public Funds: 

• Generally, visa holders do not have access to public funds. However, extensions may be granted with access to public funds if the individual has previously had this condition lifted.
• While most public benefits (public funds) are typically not accessible to BN(O) visa holders, there are exceptions based on financial hardship. For instance, visa holders may become eligible for benefits if they:
• • Are homeless or cannot afford housing
  • Have housing but cannot afford basic living expenses such as food or heating
  • Are at risk of losing their housing or cannot afford essential living costs
  • Have a very low income, and lack of access to benefits would negatively affect their child’s well-being
  • Despite receiving benefits, individuals can still apply for permanent residency after five years of living in the UK.

Q.1 Can I apply for the BN(O) visa if I hold dual nationality?

Yes, BN(O) status holders who also hold British citizenship can sponsor eligible family members without needing to apply for the BN(O) visa themselves.

Q.2 What is the financial requirement for the BN(O) visa?

Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support and accommodate themselves for at least six months without recourse to public funds.

Q.3 Is there a specific income threshold to meet the financial requirement?

No specific income threshold is set, but applicants must show they have adequate maintenance and accommodation

Q.4 Can my dependent partner apply separately from me?

Yes, dependent partners, children under 18, and adult dependent relatives can apply to join the main applicant at a later date.

Q.5 What happens if my BN(O) passport is lost or stolen?

You can still apply by providing evidence of BN(O) status through HM Passport Office records.

Q.6 Can I switch to the BN(O) visa from another visa category within the UK?

Yes, prospective applicants already in the UK on another visa route can switch to the BN(O) route.

Q.7 Are there any exemptions from the TB test requirement?

The requirement is generally mandatory unless a qualifying exemption applies, such as having a valid TB certificate from a previous successful application within the past 12 months.

Q.8 What is the validity of the TB certificate?

A TB certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue.

Q.9 Do I need to provide biometric information for the application?

Yes, all applicants must provide biometric information, which includes a facial photograph and, for some, fingerprints.

Q.10 Can my child apply for the BN(O) visa if they are over 18?

Yes, adult children born on or after 1 July 1997 can apply under the BN(O) Household Member route.

Q.11 What documents are required to prove ordinary residence?

Documents such as official Hong Kong ID cards, bank statements, employer letters, and educational records can be used to prove ordinary residence.

Q.12 Can I apply for British citizenship after holding the BN(O) visa?

Yes, after five years of continuous residence and one year of settlement, you may apply for British citizenship.

Q.13 Are there any age requirements for the BN(O) visa?

BN(O) status holders must be aged 18 or over, and dependent children must be under 18 at the date of application.

In conclusion, navigating the UK immigration system can be complex, hence it’s essential to have expert guidance throughout the process. At AGCL Services, our immigration experts are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand visa fees, additional charges, priority services, FAQs, and the advantages of holding this visa and are committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals and ensuring a smooth and successful visa application procession for you.