General Eligibility Requirements for Hong Kong BN(O) Visa

To be eligible for the Hong Kong BN(O) Visa, applicants must meet requirements i.e.

• Must have registered for BN(O) status before the handover of Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997
• Ordinary residence requirements differ based on where you are applying from. If applying from outside the UK, your permanent home must be in Hong Kong. If applying from within the UK, your permanent residence must be in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Hong Kong.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate maintenance and accommodation for at least six months.
• A valid TB test certificate is required for applicants from high-risk countries.

   

Eligibility Requirements for Dependent Partners and Children

• Dependent partners must prove a genuine and subsisting relationship.
• Children under 18 must demonstrate that both parents have permission to be in the UK (unless specific exemptions apply).

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

• To apply for the Hong Kong BN(O) 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) Status Holder Visa on Your Own

If you are a Hong Kong BN(O) status holder, you can apply for this visa on your own, but it requires managing several important steps. You’ll need to gather key documents, such as your BN(O) passport, proof of residence, and evidence of financial self-sufficiency. Following this, you will complete forms, upload your documents, and possibly attend a biometrics appointment. While it is possible to follow the UK government’s instructions, the process can be complicated and requires close attention to deadlines and legal requirements.

Streamlining Your Hong Kong BN(O) Visa Application with Professional Help

Alternatively, our expert visa consultants at AGCL Services are here to make the process much simpler for you. We specialize in helping applicants for the Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa, ensuring every step is managed smoothly. Our team will carefully prepare and submit your documents, ensuring that your application meets all UK immigration rules. With our guidance, you can avoid the stress of handling the process alone and rest assured knowing your application is in expert hands.

Get in Touch for Professional Assistance with Your Visa Application

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.