The British National (Overseas) visa — commonly known as the BNO visa — is a UK immigration route that allows eligible Hong Kong residents to live, work, and study in the UK.Below is the latest, simplified guidance on who can apply, how the process works, and what to expect in 2025.

What Is the BNO Visa & Who Can Apply?

You can apply for the BNO visa if:

● You hold British National (Overseas) status.

● You are 18 or older.

● You normally live in Hong Kong (if applying from outside the UK).

● You may also apply from within the UK in many cases.Family members may also be included, such as:

● Your partner (spouse or long-term partner).

● Children under 18.

● Adult children who were born on or after 1 July 1997 (in the “adult child” category).

● Other dependent relatives in specific circumstances.

How to Apply for the BNO Visa:

Step-by-Step (2025)

1. Choose where you are applying fromThere are two application routes:

● Applying from outside the UK (most Hong Kong residents choose this route).

● Applying from inside the UK (allowed for many categories, especially dependants).

2. Complete the online visa applicationYou will fill in an official online form. During the process you will:

● Provide personal and travel details.

● Upload required documents (passport, proof of residence, proof of relationship ifapplying with family).

● Confirm your eligibility and permanent home location.

3. Prove your identityThere are two ways to do this:

● Using the UK Immigration: ID Check mobile app, if your passport is compatible(many BNO and HKSAR passports are).

● Attending a biometric appointment at a visa application centre, where yourfingerprints and photo will be taken.

4. Provide a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate

Applicants from Hong Kong (or most countries outside Europe) are usually required to provide a TB test certificate from an approved clinic.

Additionally, individuals applying from inside the UK for the first time while on a visitor visa will also be required to take a TB test.

5. Pay the fees

As of 2025:

● Visa fee:

○ Around £193 for a 2.5-year visa

○ Around £268 for a 5-year visa

● Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

This is mandatory and must be paid upfront when applying.○ For adults, this is typically £1,035 per year.

○ For children, it is £776 per year lower.

Fees may be subject to change in the future, therefore during 2025, so applicants should always double check before submitting their applications.

6. Wait for the decisionProcessing time is usually:

● Standard service: Up to 12 weeks from the date you submit your biometrics orconfirm your identity and upload your supporting documents.

● Priority service: Usually 5 working days rom the date you submit your biometrics orconfirm your identity and upload your supporting documents (an additional feeapplies).

● Super Priority service: Usually the next working day rom the date you submit yourbiometrics or confirm your identity and upload your supporting documents (anadditional fee applies).

● Up to 12 weeks from the date of submitting your biometrics or confirming youridentity. Once approved, your visa granting letter will set out the validity period for your visa. Start date is normally the date the decision is made.

7. Move to the UK (if applying from overseas)

Once you arrive in the UK, you are allowed to:

● Work (except as a professional sportsperson).

● Study.

● Start a business.

● Live anywhere in the UK.

How Long You Can Stay

You can choose either:

● 2.5 years

● 5 years

You can extend the visa repeatedly.

After 5 years of living in the UK, you can normally apply for:

● Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (permanent residency) subject to meeting all othereligibility requirements

● British citizenship (12 months after ILR) provided you meet the remaining eligibilityrequirementsWhat’s New / Important Changes in 2025

● The UK Government has proposed several immigration policy reforms affectingsettlement routes in general, but no confirmed changes have been made to the BNO route’s 5-year settlement path as of 2025.

● The government has publicly stated that the BNO route remains a protected andhumanitarian pathway.

● Some dependants now have expanded eligibility to apply from inside the UK.

● Processing times remain similar to previous years (around 12 weeks).

Because immigration rules can change, applicants should always check the latest guidance or consult an immigration lawyer/legal expert when preparing to apply.Because immigration rules can change, applicants should always check the latest guidance when preparing to apply.

Tips for a Smooth Application

● Prepare your documents early. Missing information is one of the most commoncauses of delays.

● Make sure your proof of residence is up to date (e.g., utility bills, tenancyagreements, bank statements).

● For family applications, ensure relationship documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates, legal guardianship papers) are accurate and translated if needed.

● Budget for the health surcharge, as it is the largest cost.

● If using a visa application centre, book the biometric appointment early to avoid backlog delays.