The United Kingdom through the new immigration route designated – Hong Kong British National Overseas Visa (BNO) to deal with the hiccups of immigration ethical concerns. Through this visa scheme that started in January 2021, adults aged above 18 who have Hong Kong nationality and also hold a BNO passport joined British Nationals to enjoy the same benefits including work and study as well as settle in the UK. In this guide, we will go through the details of the BNO visa policy, its conditions, the application process, and the chances that it gives to immigrants who want to reside, study, or work in Britain enabling them to be productive members of their host community.
The Hong Kong BNO Visa
The granting of the UK visa to British National Overseas residents of Hong Kong is a landmark policy innovation that will radically change the course of UK immigration rules. It creates a channel for British National Overseas Citizens of Hong Kong to relocate to the UK as their new place of life, should they wish to. Whatever your ambition, whether you venture to attend university, launch your professional career, or reunification with relatives in the UK, this visa offers you good times.
Visa Options: 2.5-Year or 5-Year
Applicants can choose between two visa options: a 2.5-year BNO Visa or a 5-year visa. The duration of the visa depends on your personal plans and circumstances. This visa allows settlement in the UK and offers certain benefits, including preferential treatment for immigrants under specific conditions. After one year of lawful residence in the UK on a BNO visa, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Additionally, after meeting residency requirements, you can obtain Immigration Law Residency status.
Accessibility Service for All BNO People
The distinguishing characteristic of the Hong Kong BNO Visa is its inclusive nature. The British National Overseas passport is offered to every Hong Konger aged 18 or over, thus eligibility to apply is not a determining factor. This means more opportunities for 2.9 million BNO passport holders in Hong Kong Island, as well as allowing their immediate family members to join them in the UK.
Establishing Residency for Application
To get the BNO Visa to Hong Kong you need your permanent address either in Hong Kong (if applying outside the UK) or the UK (as well as the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and Hong Kong if you apply from the UK). This visa is designed for individuals with strong ties to both Hong Kong and the UK, or those who need it more than other visitors.
Application Process Simplified
The Hong Kong BNO Privileges application process is straightforward and streamlined. You do not need to use your valid BN(O) passport for the application, though you can submit it, including expired passports, along with other supporting documents. You can apply both within the UK and from abroad.
Including Family Members
For BNO Visa applicants, family members are available and can be included if they are not separated from the applicant physically. These eligible family members encompass:
- Assuming you are married, in a civil partnership or common-law, etc.
- Children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, or other young relatives below 18 years are eligible.
- If your client is an adult born on or after July 1, 1997 (along with their spouse and children under 18), they will still be considered dependent on you.
Not only mum but also grandparents ( grandparents from overseas or your parents with whom you share a house) and sister and brother (who rarely come back to the Philippines for holidays) when we experience difficulties.
Only those individuals who are above the age of 18 will be eligible to apply under these terms alongside the adult BNO applicant or the BNO applicant’s adult child’s partner. On filing applications, they need to provide documents that support evidence of a civil partnership or marriage that is legal in the United Kingdom or those who are together and have been living with each other for at least two years.
Each family member (and everyone else coming to the UK together with you) must apply for an entry clearance (as a dependent) as well. According to the who is the main applicant with BN(O), the status will start the process and obtain the UAN number before his/her families start. A maximum of two days after the application submission they are required to send their application.
Rights and Restrictions
Having a BNO Visa in Hong Kong, you get an opportunity to settle in the UK which in turn makes it possible for you to work, live, and study their country. However, certain restrictions apply. This country allows those who are in the UK with the profession of a professional sportsperson or sports coach not to do the work. Moreover, public funds generally are not available for you while the college allows you to stay at a residence hall.
Exceptional Circumstances: Access to Benefits For Hong Kong BNO Visa
In savory cases (BNO standing us an example) such Visa holders may get benefits for applying. These circumstances include:
- Housing cut-off and incapability of getting enough for it.
- To have accommodation at hand, however, cannot solve the issue of unemployment, or struggles with buying food or paying for heating.
- Loss of home or inability to cover the necessary living costs such risks are on the cards.
- Very low income or no benefits given, and your child’s welfare is affected unfavorably. Restaurant chains are under relentless pressure to innovate, adapt, and simultaneously meet the various and complex demands of consumers.
Meeting Financial Requirements For Hong Kong BNO Visa
To meet the British National Overseas (BNO) Visa requirements, applicants must prove they are financially independent and can support themselves and their family for at least six months after arriving in the UK. This includes showing income, savings, and other financial resources, such as employment in the UK or support from family and friends.
Applicants must submit bank statements and any relevant documents to demonstrate their financial situation. This may include affidavits from close contacts confirming the ability to fund education or provide housing. If documents are not in English, certified translations are required.
It will depend on the number of family members with you when you apply which determines the amount of money that you need. The following are approximate financial requirements:
- £2,000 for a single child admission.
- £3,100 for a couple with a child
- £4,600 is the amount for a family of two including three kids.
- £9, 200 for a family of two couples (two parents, one each) and two adult children.
Addressing Visa Rejections
The Hong Kong BNO Visa is subject to the discretion of visa decision-makers, and one common reason for refusal is doubts about the applicant’s true BNO citizenship.
If the visa application is rejected, applicants can appeal the decision or request an administrative review within 14 to 28 days, depending on their location. If the review reverses the decision, the visa may be granted. However, if the decision stands, applicants can consider filing for a Judicial Review (JR) as the next step.
Alternatively, applicants may choose to submit a new application, ensuring they address the reasons for the initial rejection.
To sum up, the visa of British National Overseas for BNO residents in Hong Kong has a chance to make a big difference in the lives of BNOs and their families in Hong Kong. It provides the UK for a wide range of purposes, the most notable ones being education, career ambitions, and connection with one’s family members.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British Citizenship, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the UK. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
