With the recent political changes in Hong Kong, many Hong Kongers are looking for ways to secure their future and that of their families. One such way is through the British National Overseas (BNO) visa, which offers a pathway to UK settlement. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to understanding the BNO visa, its eligibility criteria, application process, and other related aspects such as BNO visa fees, renewal, and deadline.
Understanding BNO: Meaning and History
The term BNO stands for British National Overseas, a type of British nationality that was created in 1987. This nationality status was given to people in Hong Kong before the handover of the territory from the UK to China in 1997. If you were born in 1997, you would be 24 years old in 2021. However, it’s important to note that being born in 1997 does not automatically qualify you for BNO status. You or your parents would have had to apply for it before the handover.
Eligibility for BNO Visa
To be eligible for a BNO visa, you must have BNO status. You do not need to have a valid BNO passport to demonstrate this. You can also apply for this visa if you’re an adult dependent family member of someone eligible for a BNO visa. The following are the key eligibility criteria:
- You must be a British National (Overseas) ‘bno’ as your nationality status.
- You must be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or the UK.
- You must be able to accommodate and support yourself financially in the UK for at least six months.
- You must show a commitment to learn English, where appropriate.
- You must obtain a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a clinic approved by the Home Office.
BNO Visa Application Process
The BNO visa application process is straightforward. You can apply for the BNO visa online. The application can be completed on the UK government’s official website. You will need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the application process. You can give your biometrics at a visa application centre.
BNO Visa Fees and Other Costs
The BNO visa fees depend on the duration for which you are applying. For a 2.5-year visa, the application fee is £180 (HKD 1,890), and for a 5-year visa, the fee is £250 (HKD 2,630). In addition to the application fee, you will also need to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your application, which is £624 per year (HKD 6,560).
BNO Visa Renewal and Extension
If you have a 2.5-year BNO visa, you can apply to extend it for another 2.5 years when it’s due to expire. If you have a 5-year BNO visa, you can apply to extend it for another 5 years. The BNO visa renewal process is similar to the initial application process.
BNO Visa Deadline
There is currently no deadline for BNO visa applications. The UK government has stated that it will keep this route open for an initial period of 5 years.
From BNO to UK Citizenship
One of the significant benefits of the BNO visa is that it provides a pathway to UK citizenship. After living in the UK for 5 years on a BNO visa, you can apply for ‘settled status’. Once you have settled status, you can apply for UK citizenship after 12 months.
Conclusion
The BNO visa offers a lifeline for many Hong Kongers seeking stability and security amidst the current political climate. With its relatively straightforward application process and the opportunity it provides for UK settlement, it’s an option worth considering for those eligible. However, it’s essential to understand all the requirements, fees, and implications before applying.
