United Kingdom – New Hong Kong BNO Visa Route
Effective January 31, 2021, a new visa route has become available for British National Overseas (BNO) citizens from Hong Kong. The Hong Kong BNO visa route will allow successful applications the right to live, work, and study in the UK for up to five years. After a continuous residence of five years, the visa holder can apply for settlement in the UK, and after a further 12 months of settlement, may apply for British citizenship.
There are over 2.9 million people who hold BNO status. In order to be eligible to apply, applicants and their dependents must also:
Be a resident in Hong Kong, the UK, or the Crown Dependencies;
Proof of financial support in the UK for at least six months;
Commit to learning English in the UK, if applicable;
Hold a current tuberculosis test from a Home Office approved clinic; and
Have no serious criminal convictions or other grounds for refusal under the UK Immigration Rules.
The application is submitted via an online process. Biometrics will be required but can be accepted digitally. A valid BNO passport is not required though should be submitted to show proof of BNO status.
Please reach out to Fakhoury Global Immigration for assistance.