BN(O) Visa Route

For more info about the BN(O) visa, including eligibility and process, please check the BN(O) leaflet. For queries regarding your visa, contact UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) contact centre on 0300 790 6268.  

If you're from Hong Kong and hold BN(O) status, you can apply for a BN(O) visa from the UK, if you haven’t already. If you're currently in the UK on a different UK visa, you can apply to switch to a BN(O) visa, if you meet the criteria.  

Your family members can also apply for a BN(O) visa if they’re eligible.

Home Office guidance for caseworkers provides more information on how the Home Office process your BN(O) application.  

The process is the same as normal – apply for a BN(O) visa and the application has to be made within 3 months of the child’s birth. If a child doesn’t have a passport, the application can be made using child’s birth certificate.   

Partners, dependent children under 18 and Adult Dependent Relatives can apply at the same time as the BN(O) status holder and their partner or apply to join them at a later date.

Grandchildren of the BN(O) status holder or their partner must apply at the same time and form part of the same household as the BN(O) status holder.

The adult child of a BN(O) status holder should apply independently of their BN(O) parent.

Adult children of the partner of a BN(O) status holder and their dependent partners and children are also eligible to apply. They must apply at the same time as the BN(O) status holder and form part of the same household.

No, you can choose to travel to the UK separately.

Yes. As a dependent, your mom is no longer required to apply at the same time with you who has made a valid application of entry clearance or permission to stay or is both a British citizen and a BNO status holder. She can apply on a later date as a Dependent Adult Dependent Relative.

You can contact your local member of Parliament (MP) via this link Find your MP - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament and ask them to contact the Home Office on your behalf. Make sure you put your address in the email, as MPs can only support individuals living in their constituencies.  

You can make a formal complaint to the UK Visas and Immigration about the length of time it takes for your application to be processed. This is an online form via this link Complaints procedure - UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The Home Office have service standards for completing applications which includes specified timescales for processing. If you make a complaint, it will not affect the outcome of your application.  

LOTR allows you to work, study and rent a property but not access the NHS free of charge. You need a private health insurance to cover the costs of healthcare if you arrived in the UK before your BN(O) visa has been granted.  

If an application for BN(O) visa had been submitted before LOTR expired, LOTR remains valid beyond the date on the stamp and the rights you have with LOTR continue until the decision on your visa is made. This is called 3C leave, you can read more about it at 3C and 3D leave. (publishing.service.gov.uk)  

You should wait for a decision on your application before you travel to the UK. However, if you travelled with the application in process and received a positive decision while in the UK, the Home Office doesn’t ask anyone to ‘activate’ their BN(O) visa and that the UKVI will be in touch with a visa holder if anything needs to be done in the future. They will be communicating via the email address provided with the application so please make sure to keep this up-to-day. You can update your email address and any other contact details via this link Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  

A BN(O) visa allows the holder to work, study, rent a property and access the NHS.  

A BN(O) visa has a no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition attached to it, which means that a visa holder cannot access benefits or any other support classed as public funds, such as Child Benefit, Universal Credit or Personal Independent Payment (PIP).  

However, if the visa holder is struggling to cover the costs of housing and living (if they become destitute or are at ‘imminent risk of destitution’), they can get the NRPF condition removed from their visa by applying for a change of conditions of leave. Such an application requires access to OISC-regulated legal advice and is not covered by a free legal aid.  

While the change of condition application is pending, a BN(O) visa holder can receive support with housing and living costs from their local authority (council).   

Please contact HK@migrationyorkshire.org.uk for more details on how to access legal advice and support in your area.

Not quite, you can work in any job except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. If you are unsure if a job role you are considering falls within a definition of a professional sportsperson or sports coach, you should seek immigration advice as this might affect your application for settlement.  

In our region, free immigration advice for Hong Kong BNOs is available through Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre HKSS - Hong Kong Settlement Scheme - Kirklees Citizens Advice & Law Centre (kcalc.org.uk). 

The BN(O) visa contains the "no recourse to public funds" (NRPF) condition, which means that BN(O) visa holders are unable to access benefits considered 'public funds' such as access income-related welfare benefits like Universal Credit, social housing allocation from the local authority or local authority homelessness assistance. However, there are some contributory benefits you could access if you paid enough National Insurance (NINo) contribution, such as Maternity Allowance, New Style Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). In some circumstances, you can apply to remove NRPF condition and get access to public funds. Learn more about NRPF and help available when you face financial difficulties here: Other helpful tips

There are some benefits that are not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. Generally, those are non means-tested benefits and are available to those who previously worked and/or paid National Insurance contributions.  

Further information on what is is not classed as public funds are available on NRPF Network website - Benefits that are not public funds | NRPF (nrpfnetwork.org.uk). 

From 6 April 2022, you can evidence your right to work / rent using a share code only. Employers / landlords are no longer able to accept physical documents for the purposes of a right to work / rent check even if they show a later expiry date. You can:  

• Prove your right to work  

• Prove your right to rent

If you have a BN(O) visa in a physical form (biometric residence permit) you have to use that to prove your rights to access services, such as banking or NHS. You can generate a share code only to prove your right to work and rent.  

If you applied via an app on the phone, you have a full digital status and generating a share code is the only way to prove your rights to access services. You can do it visa this link Prove your immigration status and choose an appropriate service.  

A bank or other service can then use this share code to verify your immigration status via this link Check immigration status.  

Yes, but only for limited purposes. If you have a BN(O) visa in a physical form [biometric residence permit], you are only able to generate a share code to prove your right to work and rent. To do that, you need your biometric residence permit/card number. You can prove right to work via this link Prove your right to work to an employer and right to rent via this link Prove your right to rent in England. Currently, it is not possible to generate a share code for any other purpose, so you still have to use your BRP to prove your rights to access other services, such as banks, DVLA or the NHS.  

A share code is valid for 90 days and it can be used multiply times during this period. However, a share code generated to prove right to work can only be used to check right to work and the same allies to right to rent.

• W – for right to work
• R – for right to rent
• S – for anything else

Therefore, a share code generated to prove right to work can only be used to check right to work and the same allies to right to rent and other purposes.

If you have problems with your digital visa or generating a share code, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on 0300 790 6268 (select option 3) in the first instance.  

If the issue continues, and you need to prove right to work or right to rent in the meantime, you can ask your employer or landlord to use alternative methods of checking your immigration status: 

• Right to work – Employer’s Checking Service 

• Right to rent – Landlord’s checking service 

You can direct employer and/or landlords to Frequently asked questions for employers and landlords, about the rights of Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders, which explain how landlords and employers can verify your right to rent and work in the UK, including while you are still waiting for the outcome of your applications.

If you plan to travel using a different passport than the one you applied for the BN(O) visa with, you need to log into your UKVI account and add this new passport via an Update My Details request through the link below: 

https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details

Otherwise, you might have difficulties returning to the UK or it is very likely your passport will be stamped, as the BN(O) visa would not show on the border control's system.

A child of a BN(O) visa holder is entitled to 15 hours per week of free childcare only. This applies to children who are age 3 to 4 years old only and is accessible from the term after the child’s 3rd birthday (September, January or April). A local childcare provider or local council can be contacted for more information.

While some parents can access 30-hour free childcare for their children, the NRPF condition prevents BN(O) visa holders from applying for additional hours.  

This depends on the age of the child and your circumstances.

Reception to Year 2 – Free school meals are provided universally to all children who are in reception to year 2. Children can receive these regardless of their, or their parent's, immigration status.   

Year 3 or above – Some councils may provide free school meals universally for children in all primary school years, so the local policy should be checked in the first instance. Search for a council’s policy.  

When a council does not universally provide free school meals to children in school year 3 or above, then free school meals are usually only available to children who meet government eligibility criteria.  

From 19 April 2022, Free School Meals (FSM) have been permanently extended to all families affected by No recourse to public funds (NRPF), including BN(O) passport and visa holders, subject to a maximum capital saving threshold of £16,000 and income  thresholds as follows:  

• £22,700 per annum for families outside London with 1 child.  

• £31,200 per annum for families within London with 1 child.  

• £26,300 per annum for families outside London with 2 or more children.  

• £34,800 per annum for families within London with 2 or more children.

In England and Wales, BN(O) visa holders are classed as international students and are not currently eligible to apply for student finance. Full eligibility for student finance can be found at Student finance for undergraduates: Eligibility

Adult children of a BN(O) status holder who are covered by the policy change and who are applying to the route will be able to sponsor their spouse/partner and children under the age of 18 as well as other family members who have a high level of dependency and who usually live with them.

Applicants who already hold permission on the BN(O) Household Member Route can continue to use their current permission to reside in the UK and do not need to submit a new application. Their eligible family members including their spouse and children under-18 can apply to the BN(O) routet to join the adult child of the BN(O) status holder, without them needing to submit a new application after 30 November.

All information about extending your BN(O) visa can be found at British National (Overseas) visa: Extend your visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

For queries regarding your visa, contact UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) contact centre on 0300 790 6268.  

You must apply before your existing visa expires but do not apply earlier than 28 days before the visa expiry date. This is to make sure you have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously when you apply to settle.

Your new visa will start on the date it is granted. It will not include any time remaining on your previous visa.

There is no limit to the number of times you can extend your BNO visa.

If an application for a new BN(O) visa had been submitted before your previous BN(O) visa expired, the rights you have with a BN(O) visa continue until the decision on your new visa is made. This is called 3C leave, you can read more about it at 3C and 3D leave. (publishing.service.gov.uk). 

If you have a digital visa, you would be able to generate a share code as normal.  

If you have a biometric residence permit, you will not be able to generate a share code to prove your right to work and rent, but rather you would need to prove right to work or right to rent another way – by asking your employer or landlord to use alternative methods of checking your immigration status, as per guidance for employers and landlords: 

• Right to work – Employer’s Checking Service 
• Right to rent – Landlord’s checking service 

You can also direct employer and/or landlords to our Frequently asked questions for employers and landlords, about the rights of Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders, which explain how landlords and employers can verify your right to rent and work in the UK, including while you are still waiting for the outcome of your applications.

To prove your rights to access other services, you’d need to show your previous biometrics and a confirmation that you applied for a BN(O) visa extension before the previous visa had expired.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man until you get a decision.

If you were previously granted permission to stay on the BN(O) route and you are applying for a further 30-months, the length of permission of your previous visa is manually added up to a maximum of 28 days. This will ensure you can meet the five years of continuous residence requirement at the ned of the second permission providing they apply for settlement no more than 28 days before their second visa expires.

Unfortunately, if you apply for an extension earlier than 28 days before the visa expiry date, the new visa starts on the date of the application and there is an overlap between your old and new visa, you will not be able to prove that you have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously when you apply to settle. You will need to extend your visa to meet the requirements for settlement/Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

An applicant applying for permission to stay must be in the UK. Another option is to make a new application outside the UK.

If you are in the UK and you failed to extend your visa before it expires, this is called overstaying. Overstaying is an offence.

The Home Office can refuse your application if you:

• overstayed for longer than 14 days - even if you had a good reason
• overstayed without a good reason

You can apply for a fee waiver for the application fee and/or IHS if you are applying to extend their permission on the BN(O) route for 30 months. 

However, you must demonstrate that you are in receipt of public funds having previously successfully applied for a removal of the NRPF condition (through a change of conditions (CoC) application), and that you have to show you don’t have enough income and savings to pay for both the fee and essential costs like food and rent. You’ll need to send documents showing that you are in receipt of public funds (for example Universal Credit) and your income and spending for the last 6 months, for example your:

• pay slips
• bank statements for all your accounts
• tenancy agreement
• utility bills

You can apply for a fee waiver on GOV.UK.

A BN(O) allows you to stay for either 2 years and 6 months or 5 years initially, and later you can apply to settle in the UK permanently, including applying for British citizenship, if you wish to.  

Further information about extending your BN(O) visa can be found at British National (Overseas) visa: Extend your visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

The Home Office won't contact you to remind you to apply for settlement. You will have to remember yourself as to when your leave expires.  

After you’ve spent 5 continuous years in the UK, you can apply for permanent settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR). 

You must apply while your BN(O) visa is still valid – apply 28 days before the visa expires. You’ll need: 

• a current passport  

• to pay the relevant fee 

• to be in the UK when you apply.  

• to have passed the relevant English language test and the Life in the UK test, unless you are exempt.   

• to have had five years continuous residence in the UK (this means no more than 180 days outside of the UK during any 12-month period counting back from when you apply). 

You can be refused on good character grounds – e.g., if you have been convicted of a serious criminal offence.  

Further information on settlement following a BN(O), including how to calculate continuous residence, can be found at British National (Overseas) visa: Living permanently in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) ​​​​​

He will need the documentation that proves that he has met the requirements above:  

• Passport (and any previous passport covering the five-year period).  

• Language test pass certificate.  

• Life in the UK test pass certificate.  

If they are over 18 when they apply and are no longer your dependent, they no longer need to prove their relationship to you.  

You could apply for another BN(O) Visa. The requirements currently would be the same as for the initial application except that you must be in the UK when you apply and there would be no financial requirement. You must submit the application before your existing visa expires – submit it 28 days before.  

If you apply for settlement and you do not qualify for it, your application can be varied meaning that you will be considered for an extension of your BNO for another 30 months. You’ll be contacted by UKVI either by email or letter and asked to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS). 

You can find it at www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-hong-kong-british-national-overseas    

An application form for settlement will specify what information and proof are required from an applicant to prove their eligibility for settlement, including residency requirements for those with a digital status.  

Continues residence for settlement is calculated using the Continuous Residence guidance, which also applies to the BN(O) route.  You must have spent a period of 5 years’ continuous residence in the UK on a route which leads to settlement with your most recent permission under the BN(O) route.  The continuous residence period will be calculated by counting back from whichever of the following dates is the most beneficial to the applicant: 

(a) the date of application; or 

(b) any date up to 28 days after the date of application; or 

(c) the date of decision;  

The period between entry clearance being issued and the applicant entering the UK may be counted toward the 5 year period. Any absences between the date of issue and entry to the UK count towards the 180 days allowable absence in the continues 12-month period.  If the delay is more than 180 days, the 5-year period starts from entry to the UK.  You do not need to provide evidence to demonstrate the reason for the delayed entry.  

Some longer absences might be allowed depending on the reasons – further information about absences and what counts as exceptional circumstances can be found in the continuous residence guidance.

All applications for settlement will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

No, the first day of residency counting toward settlement starts from the day a BN(O) visa is granted or from the day of your arrival to the UK, whatever comes later.  

Student leave (under T4) would not be counted even if it is continuous, as student leave does not contribute towards settlement.  

Your wife would be able to apply for settlement after she had resided in the UK for five years. However, the rules for children under 18 are more complicated as they must apply for settlement with both of their parents, unless one or both of their parents is already settled, has British citizenship or other exemption applies. This means that your child might have to apply for another BN(O) visa and only be able to apply for settlement, when you would become eligible to apply three years later. However, if your child turns 18 in the meantime, they can apply for settlement independently, and they do not need to apply at the same time as you or prove their relationship to you.

Your visa continues to be valid until the expiry date indicated on the visa even after you stop being dependent on your BN(O) sponsor. You also do not need your sponsor, or be dependent of him/her, to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK after your BN(O) visa comes to an end.  

Only BN(O) status holders can apply for a BN(O) passport. If you were granted a BN(O) visa as a dependent and are not BN(O) status holder, you are not able to apply for a BN(O) passport as having a BN(O) visa does not give you any additional rights.  

Sometimes you can apply for a refund of the NHS surcharge. For example, BN(O)visa holders working in health and social care might be eligible to apply for a refund of their and their family members’ NHS health surcharge. More info on the eligibility and process of applying for reimbursement of the NHS surcharge is available on the government’s website.   

You can also apply for a refund if you apply to switch to the BN(O) route from another visa but there is still time remaining on their current visa. A refund of any overlapping period of permission which exceeds six months in length. The IHS is both charged and refunded in six-month blocks, as such if there is 1 year and 2 months remaining on an existing visa, the applicant would be eligible to receive a refund of IHS for 1 year.

You don’t have to do anything with it except save it for future reference as it will have been added into your application automatically when you paid for it.  

Your nationality is British National (Overseas) even though it is actually the visa that gives you the right to work in the UK.