ONELAW CHAMBERS IMMIGRATION NEWS: UK Home Office is now open to accept BN(O) visa applications for Hong Kong Nationals

11/02/2021 | Immigration News | Bethany Wong

The UK Home Office is now open to accept applications under the new immigration route for Hong Kong’s British National (Overseas) citizens. The BN(O) visa scheme allows BN(O)s from Hong Kong, and their immediate family members, to live, work and study in the UK. Qualified individuals will be able to apply for permanent residency and British citizenship after five years. 

 

 

Hong Kong BN(O) visa eligibility requirements 

 

Click here to find out if you are qualified for the BN(O) visa for Hong Kong Nationals. 

 

Apply for the BN(O) visa

 

Applicants will have the choice to apply for a five year visa, or to apply for a 2 years and 6 months visa. Applicants have the option to extend their visas indefinitely.

 

How to apply if you live outside of the UK 

 

If your permanent home is in Hong Kong you must complete the BN(O) visa applications online via the UK government website. As part of your online application, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to have your biometric information taken and identity verified. The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

 

Alternatively, it may be faster to apply from 23 February onwards through an app if you have a BNO, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or EEA e-passport (with a chip). You’ll be able to use the app to prove your identity, instead of going to a visa application centre, therefore, expediting the process of your application.

 

How to apply if you live within the UK 

 

If you are already in the UK on a different visa you can apply to switch to a BN(O) visa. Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for the BN(O) visa here.

 

If your visa has already expired or your 6 month visit has ended you can still apply by 31 March 2021 provided:

 

• your UK visa expired between 1 July 2020 and 31 January 2021, or
• your 6 month visit ended between 1 July 2020 and 31 January 2021.

 

You must apply for your BN(O) visa online via the UK government website. As part of your online application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to have your biometric information taken and identity verified.

 

Alternatively, it may be faster to apply from 23 February through an app if you have a BNO, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or EEA e-passport (with a chip). You’ll be able to use the app to prove your identity, instead of going to UKVCAS, therefore, expediting the process of your application.

 

How to apply with your family

 

If you’re a British national (overseas), your family members can apply with you as your ‘dependant’ if they normally live with you.

 

A dependant can include your:

 

• husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
• child or grandchild under 18
• child 18 or older, born on or after 1 July 1997 (and their partner or child under 18)
• parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter (18 or older) if they live with you and are very dependent on you for their care
• Your family members must apply at the same time as you. They cannot apply after you get a decision about your visa application.

 

When you apply, you and your family member will need to provide evidence of your relationship and that you live together. Also, each family member must apply for the same period of leave as you, i.e. two and a half years or five years.

 

Supporting documents 

 

When you apply for the BN(O) visa you must submit supporting documents to evidence your eligibility concerning identity, residence, maintenance, and relationship with family members. Below is the type of documents that would be required for a BN(O) Visa. The list is not definitive as you may need more documents depending on your circumstances. You should therefore look to provide the following:

 

• Proof of your permanent residency in Hong Kong or the UK. Your dependents will need to provide evidence that their permanent home address is the same as yours.
• Proof you have enough money to support yourself and your family
• Evidence of your relationship with family members
• TB test certificate 

 

Make a BN(O) visa application with OneLaw Chambers

 

At OneLaw Chambers, our immigration solicitors and barristers regularly assist with Immigration and Visa applications in order for applicants to relocate to and settle in the UK.  We have assisted many foreign nationals to prepare and submit successful Immigration and Visa applications and we have represented clients from all over the world. We are well equipped to prepare and submit your BN(O) Visa application.

 

Whether you require expert immigration advice on the requirements of the Immigration Rules, an independent immigration assessment of your prospects of qualifying for a BN(O) Visa or professional immigration representation with preparing your BN(O) Visa immigration application, our immigration solicitors and barristers can help you.

 

We are committed to ensuring that our immigration solicitors and barristers prepare every immigration visa application with utmost quality and skill so that a successful outcome is achieved every time. Our immigration solicitors and barristers operate in a friendly and cooperative manner to provide our clients with the best client care and service during the entire immigration application process.