BN(O) Visa — UK Immigration Advisers

The British National (Overseas) visa is a special route for eligible Hong Kong residents who hold BN(O) status, and their household members. It provides a path to ILR after 5 years, and British citizenship 12 months later. It is one of the most accessible routes to UK permanent residence available today.

BNO

Visa code

5 years (path to citizenship)

Duration

£180

Gov fees from

OISC

Regulator

Visa details

Visa typeBN(O) Visa

CodeBNO

Duration5 years (path to citizenship)

Est. gov fees£180 (gov) per person

RegulatorHome Office / OISC

Key eligibility

Hold British National (Overseas) status, OR be a household member of a BN(O) holder

Not be ordinarily resident in the UK with another form of indefinite leave

Intend to make the UK your main home

Meet financial requirements (currently £2,500 savings per adult, £200 per child)

Have adequate English at A1 level (or be exempt)

No serious criminal convictions

Why use an OISC adviser for the BN(O) Visa?

Household member eligibility for BN(O) can be complex — particularly for adult children and extended family. An OISC adviser helps clarify eligibility, prepare the financial evidence, and plan the 5-year path to ILR and citizenship.

BN(O) Visa Advisers

OISC-regulated advisers and solicitors specialising in BN(O) Visa applications.

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Frequently asked questions — BN(O) Visa

Who qualifies as a household member for the BN(O) visa?

Household members include the BN(O) holder's spouse or civil partner, unmarried partner (2+ years cohabitation), dependent children under 18, and adult children aged 18-25 (if living with the BN(O) holder at application). Each member applies in their own right based on their relationship to the BN(O) status holder.

Can I work in the UK on a BN(O) visa?

Yes. The BN(O) visa grants full permission to work in any job without restriction. You can also study and access NHS services (subject to the healthcare surcharge).

What is the path to British citizenship via BN(O)?

After 5 years on the BN(O) visa, you can apply for ILR. After 12 months of ILR, you can apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. The entire journey is typically 6 years. Children born in the UK after you are settled may be British citizens at birth.

Do I need to show savings for the BN(O) visa?

You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself in the UK without recourse to public funds. This means having a minimum of £2,500 per adult applicant and additional amounts per dependent child. An adviser can help you understand exactly what financial evidence to prepare.

Can I travel to Hong Kong while on the BN(O) visa?

Yes, though you should be aware of your obligations regarding UK residence (no more than 180 days outside UK per year to qualify for ILR). Extended stays in Hong Kong may affect your qualifying residence for ILR. An adviser can help you plan trips to protect your qualifying period.