BNO Visa UK – 2025 Guide for Hongkongers & Their Families

If you’re from Hong Kong and hold British National (Overseas) status, the BNO Visa UK is a real opportunity to start a new chapter. Whether you want to live, work or study in the UK, this visa route was created just for people like you and your family too.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the BNO visa in 2025. From who can apply and what documents you need, to how to move towards settlement and British citizenship, this article is designed to give you practical help in plain English.

What Is the BNO Visa UK?

The BNO visa is a UK immigration route for people from Hong Kong who have British National (Overseas) status. It was introduced by the UK government in January 2021 in response to the political changes in Hong Kong.

This visa allows BNO status holders and their eligible family members to:

• Live in the UK
• Work (including starting a business)
• Study at school, college or university
• Access the NHS (after paying the health surcharge)

The visa comes in two main options:

• A 2.5 year visa, which can be extended
• A 5 year visa, which is a direct route to settlement

You don’t need a job offer to apply. The focus is on giving you and your loved ones a safe and stable environment to build a future in the UK.

Who Can Apply for a BNO Visa?

Main Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you need to meet the following:

• You must hold British National (Overseas) status
• You must normally live in Hong Kong
• You must be aged 18 or over
• For the 5-year route, you need to meet basic financial and English language requirements

You don’t need to have a current BNO passport your status is what matters.

Family Members Who Can Join You

One of the best parts of this route is that you can bring your family with you. The following relatives may be eligible:

• Your husband, wife or civil partner
• Your unmarried partner (you’ll need to show you’ve lived together for at least two years)
• Your children under 18
• In some situations, adult children born after 1997 may be included
• Other dependants, such as elderly parents, may be considered if there are serious reasons

Everyone applying must usually live in the same household as the BNO status holder.

What Are the BNO Visa Requirements in 2025?

Here’s what you’ll need to show when applying:

• Proof of your BNO status (you don’t need the passport, just evidence of status)
• Proof that you normally live in Hong Kong
• A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a clinic approved by the UK Home Office
• Evidence of your savings to support yourself (only needed if you’ve been in the UK less than 12 months)
• Accommodation details to show where you’ll stay in the UK
• Travel history
• English language ability is only required at the settlement (ILR) stage, not when you first apply

How to Apply for the BNO Visa UK

Applying is straightforward if you have the right documents and meet the criteria. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:

Application Process

• Gather your documents and make sure you’re eligible
• Apply online via the official UKVI website
• Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge
• Book your biometric appointment (if required) or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app
• Wait for a decision this usually takes around 12 weeks

Documents You’ll Need

• A valid passport
• Proof of your BNO status
• TB test certificate
• Proof of relationship to dependants (e.g. birth or marriage certificates)
• Evidence that you live in Hong Kong

Make sure all your paperwork is accurate and up to date. Mistakes or missing information can delay your application or lead to refusal.

BNO Visa Fees and Costs

Moving countries is a big step, and it’s important to know the costs involved.

Visa Application Fee

• £180 for the 2.5-year visa
• £250 for the 5-year visa

These are per person, including each family member applying with you.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

This is a fee that allows you to use the NHS (the UK’s national healthcare system):

• £1,035 per year for adults
• £776 per year for children under 18

You pay this when you apply. Once you’ve paid for it, you don’t need to pay for separate NHS access.

What You Can and Can’t Do on a BNO Visa

Knowing your rights on this visa helps you settle in smoothly and avoid problems later on.

What You Can Do

• Live anywhere in the UK
• Work or start your own business
• Study at any approved institution
• Access healthcare through the NHS

What You Can’t Do

• Claim public funds or benefits 
• Work as a professional sportsperson 
• Access student loans (unless you are settled)

Can You Apply for Settlement or British Citizenship?

Yes, the BNO visa is designed with long-term stay in mind. You can work towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and then apply for British citizenship.

ILR – Indefinite Leave to Remain

To qualify for ILR:

• You must have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years on the BNO visa
• You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language level
• You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period

British Citizenship

After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for citizenship if you:

• Meet the residency requirements
• Are of good character
• Want to make the UK your permanent home

Common Questions About the BNO Visa

Do I need a BNO passport to apply?

No, a current passport isn’t required. You only need to prove your BNO status.

Can I switch to a BNO visa from inside the UK?

Yes, you can apply from within the UK if you’re eligible. For example, if you’re on a different visa and meet the BNO criteria, you can apply without leaving the country.

What if my visa application is refused?

If your application is refused, you may be able to request an administrative review. It’s also possible to reapply with better evidence or after correcting mistakes.

Can I use public services on the BNO visa?

You can use the NHS after paying the health surcharge. However, you cannot claim benefits or public funds.

Can my adult children come with me?

In some cases, yes. If your adult children were born after 1997 and are still dependent on you, they might be included. Each case is considered individually.

The BNO Visa UK gives people from Hong Kong a safe and legal way to build a life in the UK. Whether you want to start a business, continue your studies, or simply live with your family in peace, this visa makes it possible.

You don’t need to be wealthy or already settled to apply. What you do need is the right support and understanding of the process. From preparing your documents to applying for settlement later, knowing the steps ahead can help you feel more confident.

Need Help With Your BNO Visa Application?

Applying for a visa can be a lot to handle, especially when your future is on the line. That’s why we offer free immigration advice to help you understand your options and take the right steps.

Call us now on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment at Solicitors in Manchester for friendly, reliable help from a legal team that understands BNO visa cases.