There were 64,900 BN(O) applications within the first five months of the visa’s launch. Most (74%) of these applications came from outside the UK, with the rest submitted from within the country. Home Office figures show that the applications consist of 27,900 primary applicants12 and approximately 19,400 of their dependents. It has been estimated that 5.4m of Hong Kong’s 7.5m residents will be eligible to apply for the BN(O) visa.
The visa has some unique features. It allows eligible applicants to live, work, and study in the UK for up to five years, with the ability to later apply for settlement and citizenship.
What is the British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(O)) Visa?
The UK government said, in response to the Chinese government’s 2020 Hong Kong National Security Law, that it had breached the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The UK, therefore, offered BN(O) visas to Hong Kong citizens. The 1984 declaration was a legally binding treaty that ensured the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong’s people were maintained.
BN(O) visa holders may be entitled to:
- Along with eligible family members, live, study, and work in the UK without restriction
- If eligible, apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain (ILR)) after 5 years, and British citizenship after a year)
- Access public services in the UK (e.g., schools and healthcare services)
- Work in the UK in almost any capacity
Holders have no recourse to public funds unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Scarsdale Greater Manchester Immigration Solicitors
Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham, Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester or Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale are specialist immigration solicitors in Greater Manchester. Call us for immigration and criminal law legal advice. We are also a highly regarded family law and divorce solicitors in Greater Manchester. Scarsdale Solicitors is a modern, dynamic and fast-moving practice. Call our Manchester Immigration solicitors, Rochdale immigration solicitors or Oldham immigration solicitors today on 0161 660 6050 to book a consultation.
