Hong Kong British National (Overseas)
Hong Kong British National Overseas Visa: Your Path to Living, Studying, and Working in the UK
Welcome to Amicis Legal Services Ltd., your trusted partner in navigating the new immigration route for Hong Kong nationals with British National Overseas (BNO) status. Our expert team at Amicis Legal Services is here to guide you through the process of applying for the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa, which offers an exciting opportunity to live, study, or work in the UK. Moreover, this visa route provides a pathway to settlement and even British citizenship.
The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa Explained
Introduced in January 2021, the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa is specifically designed for British National Overseas citizens residing in Hong Kong. This visa opens doors for you and your family to experience life in the UK.
Who is Eligible for the BNO Visa?
If you are a British National Overseas citizen aged 18 or older, you are eligible to apply for this visa route. The BNO status was created in 1985 by the UK government for individuals in Hong Kong who wanted to maintain a connection with the UK before the 1997 handover to China. It is worth noting that BNO status cannot be passed down to family members.
Application Process
Whether you are inside or outside the UK, you can apply for the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa. You do not need a valid BN(O) passport to apply, but if you possess one, you can include it in your supporting documents.
Visa Options
There are two types of visas you can apply for:
- 2 years and 6 months BNO Visa: Ideal for those looking for a shorter stay in the UK.
- Five-year BNO Visa: This option provides a longer stay and serves as a route to settlement. After five years of lawful residence in the UK, BNO visa holders become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a significant step toward British citizenship.
Bringing Family Members
As a BNO visa applicant, you can include certain family members who normally live with you. This includes your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, children, grandchildren under 18, and adult children born on or after 1st July 1997, along with their spouse and children under 18 if they depend on you for care. Additionally, in exceptional circumstances, other family members like grandparents, parents, and siblings can also join you in the UK..
Requirements and Restrictions
To be eligible for the BNO visa, you must demonstrate that you have a permanent home in either Hong Kong (if applying from outside the UK) or the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Hong Kong (if applying within the UK). You are allowed to live, work, and study in the UK, but there are some restrictions, such as not being able to work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. Usually, BNO visa holders will not be eligible for public funds, but in certain circumstances, they may be able to apply for benefits.
Financial Requirements
To qualify for the BNO visa, you need to show that you can accommodate and financially support yourself and your family for at least six months in the UK. This can be through income, savings, job offers in the UK, or support from family and friends. Supporting documents, such as bank statements and written statements from family or friends offering financial support or accommodation, should accompany your application. Certified translations of any non-English documents are also required.
The amount of money needed to support your stay in the UK will depend on the number of family members applying with you:
- £2,000 for a single adult
- £3,100 for a couple with one child
- £4,600 for a couple with three children
- £9,200 for a couple with two parents and two adult children
Let Amicis Legal Services Ltd. Assist You
At Amicis Legal Services Ltd., we have extensive experience in handling BNO visa applications. Our team of dedicated professionals is ready to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful application. If you are a Hong Kong British National Overseas citizen looking to start a new chapter in the UK,
Contact us today at
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info@amicislegal.com
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03316300380
