BNO Dependant Visa – Complete UK Guide (2025)

If you hold British National Overseas status (BNO Visa UK) and are planning to build a new life in the UK, you’re not alone in wanting your family by your side. The BNO Dependant Visa allows family members to join or stay with a BNO status holder in the UK. It’s a flexible visa route for those looking to move from Hong Kong to the UK together as a household.

Whether you’re coming with your spouse, partner, children, or even elderly parents, this guide will help you understand who qualifies, how to apply, and what your rights will be once you arrive.

Who Can Apply for a BNO Dependant Visa?

The BNO Dependant Visa is designed to support the family unit. The UK recognises that starting life in a new country is easier when done together. That’s why this visa route allows a wide range of family members to join the BNO status holder.

Eligible Family Members

You may qualify as a dependant if you are:

• The spouse or civil partner of the BNO status holder
• An unmarried partner who has lived with the BNO holder for at least 2 years
• A child under 18, including biological, adopted, or stepchildren
• An adult child born on or after 1 July 1997, if you’re part of the same household
• An elderly parent or grandparent, in some exceptional circumstances

All family members must usually live together in the same household, either currently in Hong Kong or as part of a newly forming household in the UK.

Key Requirements for BNO Dependant Visa

Applying for the BNO Dependant Visa involves meeting some straightforward requirements. These are in place to show that your relationship is genuine and that you can live in the UK without needing government support.

Basic Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Be applying with or to join a BNO status holder who is eligible under the Hong Kong BN(O) visa route
• Provide proof of your family relationship such as marriage or birth certificates, or evidence of cohabitation
• Usually live in the same household as the BNO status holder (in Hong Kong or elsewhere)
• Show that your family has enough financial resources to support yourselves in the UK without relying on public funds (if required)

The application does not always require meeting an income threshold, but evidence such as bank statements or job offers can help strengthen your case.

BNO Dependant Visa Application Process

Applying for this visa is mostly done online. Depending on your age, location, and relationship to the BNO status holder, the steps may differ slightly.

How to Apply

Here’s a general overview of the application steps:

• Apply online through the UK Government website
• Upload your supporting documents
• Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible (for faster processing)
• If asked, book a biometric appointment at a visa centre
• Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Required Documents

To apply, you’ll need:

• A valid passport
• Proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate
• Proof of cohabitation, especially for unmarried partners or adult children (e.g. shared bills or tenancy agreements)
• Financial evidence, such as savings, payslips, or job offers (if applicable)

Make sure all documents are up to date and translated into English if they’re in another language.

Visa Costs, Duration & Processing Times

Moving countries can involve some costs, and the BNO visa route is no exception. However, compared to other UK visas, the fees are relatively low.

Visa Costs

• Application fee:
  • £180 for 2.5 years
  • £250 for 5 years
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
  • £1,035 per year for each applicant

Processing Times

• Most applications are decided within 3 to 12 weeks
• Some applicants may get a faster response if they’re eligible to apply using the ID Check app

The actual timeline depends on your country of application and whether biometrics are required.

What You Can Do on a BNO Dependant Visa

The BNO Dependant Visa gives you a wide range of rights and freedoms, helping families build a stable and fulfilling life in the UK.

You Can:

• Work in most jobs without needing a separate work visa
• Study at any level, including school, college or university
• Use the NHS after paying the IHS
• Travel freely in and out of the UK

You Cannot:

• Claim public funds, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach, unless you switch to a visa that allows it

You’ll have the same length of stay as the main BNO visa holder and can apply for extensions or move to settlement later on.

Can BNO Dependants Apply for ILR?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the BNO Dependant Visa is that it can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.

To qualify for ILR, you’ll need to:

• Have lived continuously in the UK for 5 years
• Meet the English language requirement (if aged 18 or over)
• Pass the Life in the UK Test (for adults)
• Prove that you have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 month period

Once you get ILR, you may be able to apply for British citizenship after another 12 months, provided you meet the naturalisation requirements.

Children can either apply with their parents or, in some cases, apply separately if they meet the criteria.

FAQs – BNO Dependant Visa

Can I bring my spouse or partner to the UK on a BNO visa?

Yes. If they live in the same household and you can show a genuine relationship, your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner can apply as a dependant.

Can adult children apply under the BNO dependant route?

Yes, but only if they were born on or after 1 July 1997 and form part of your household. They’ll need to show they live with you or are financially dependent.

Can BNO dependants work and study in the UK?

Yes. The visa allows full access to work (without sponsorship) and study at any recognised UK institution.

Does the BNO dependant visa lead to British citizenship?

Yes. After 5 years on this visa, you can apply for ILR. After a further 1 year with ILR, you may apply for British citizenship.

The BNO Dependant Visa offers a meaningful route for families from Hong Kong to move to the UK together. Whether you’re a partner, child, or part of a wider family unit, this visa allows you to live, work, study, and contribute fully to life in the UK.

For those seeking security, opportunity, and long-term stability, this visa offers a clear and supportive path. While it does come with some paperwork and costs, the rewards are significant especially the chance to settle in the UK and eventually become a British citizen.

How Can Solicitors in Manchester Help With Your BNO Dependant Visa?

At solicitors in Manchester, we specialise in UK immigration law and offer expert guidance and support for families looking to reunite in the UK under the BNO Dependant visa route. Our dedicated legal team provides:

• Eligibility Checks: We’ll assess your family member’s situation to determine if they qualify for the BNO Dependant visa.
• Alternative Visa Options: If the BNO route isn’t right for your family, we’ll help identify other immigration pathways.
• End to End Application Support: From preparing documents to submitting the application, we handle everything on your behalf.
• Handling Refusals or Complications: If there have been previous refusals or complex circumstances, we’ll help you navigate the next steps.
• Long-Term Settlement Guidance: We’ll support you beyond the visa stage advising on indefinite leave to remain and the path to British citizenship through naturalisation.

We understand how important it is to bring your loved ones to the UK and start a new life together. That’s why we’re committed to making the process as smooth and stress free as possible.

• Call us today on 0161 464 4140 
• Book a 5 minutes free immigration consultation: Book an Appointment 
• Get FREE immigration advice UK and full application support when you choose us.

Let solicitors in Manchester guide you through every step of your family’s journey to the UK.