Section A: What is the BNO Visa?
The BNO Visa, or British National (Overseas) Visa, is a special visa category that allows individuals from Hong Kong with British National (Overseas) status to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom.
Introduced as a response to the changing political landscape in Hong Kong, this visa offers a route for BNO passport holders and their families to build a new life in the UK with their families. The BNO visa also provides holders with a pathway to UK settlement and British citizenship.
1. Definition of BNO (British National (Overseas)) Status
The British National (Overseas) status, often abbreviated as BNO, is a type of British nationality granted to residents of Hong Kong who registered for it before the territory’s handover to China on 1 July 1997.
BNO status does not confer the right to live or work in the UK without a visa, but it does provide a unique category of British nationality that comes with certain privileges, including consular protection from the UK government.
2. Historical Context
BNO status was created as part of the arrangements made for the handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. As the 1997 deadline approached, the UK government introduced the BNO status as a way to maintain a connection with Hong Kong’s residents who held British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC) status. The BNO status allowed these individuals to retain a form of British nationality without providing full British citizenship.
The BNO Visa itself was introduced in January 2021 in response to the imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong by the Chinese government, which raised concerns over the erosion of freedoms and autonomy in the region. The BNO Visa aims to offer a secure and stable option for BNO passport holders and their immediate family members to relocate to the UK, providing them with the opportunity to live, work, and study in a country that upholds democratic values and the rule of law.
The BN(O) route remains open and continues to accept new and extension applications.
3. Benefits of the BNO Visa
The BN(O) Visa provides British National (Overseas) status holders and their families with a route to live, work and study in the United Kingdom, as well as a long-term pathway to settlement and British citizenship.
The visa is granted for either two years and six months or five years. Holders can extend their stay or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five continuous years in the UK. Once ILR has been held for 12 months, applicants may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
BN(O) Visa holders can work in the UK without restriction, except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. They can take up employment in any sector, be self-employed or establish a business. This flexibility allows families to pursue a wide range of career and investment opportunities.
Education is open to BN(O) families at every level. Children can attend state-funded schools, while dependants and adults may enrol in colleges or universities. Those meeting the residence requirements may also qualify for student finance.
After paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, visa holders can use the National Health Service on the same basis as UK residents. Access to most public funds and social housing is restricted, although a change of conditions can be requested in cases of genuine hardship.
Holders may rent or purchase property, access private or charitable support schemes, and make use of job centres and employment advice services to help integrate into the UK labour market.
The UK’s diverse communities and strong civil society offer BN(O) families a welcoming environment, with many local organisations providing support for settlement and community participation. Visa holders are protected by the same legal rights and safeguards as other UK residents, ensuring equality and fair treatment under the law.
4. Working in the UK with a BN(O) Visa
BN(O) Visa holders can work freely in the UK without sponsorship, offering broad flexibility for both employees and entrepreneurs. They can take up full-time or part-time roles in any sector, become self-employed or start and run their own business. The only restriction applies to working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. All BN(O) workers are covered by UK employment laws, including statutory pay, working time, health and safety and protection from discrimination. This open access to the labour market allows BN(O) families to secure financial stability and build long-term careers while contributing to the UK economy.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Don’t underestimate the thoroughness of UKVI processing. You have to show that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, so that means not just BNO status, but also ordinary residence and lawful presence.
Section B: BNO Visa Eligibility Requirements
The BNO visa is open to individuals from Hong Kong who have British National (Overseas) status, as well as their family members.
To be eligible for the BNO Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. BNO Status
The primary applicant must hold British National (Overseas) status. This status should have been acquired before the handover of Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997. BNO passport holders do not need to renew their passports to apply; having the status is sufficient. Alternatively, you may be eligible as the child of a British national (overseas) if you were born after 1 July 1997.
2. Residency
Applicants must be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong to apply from outside the UK, or in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong if applying from within the UK. This applies to both the primary BNO status holder and their dependants.
3. Financial Requirements
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they can financially support themselves and their dependants in the UK for at least six months. This includes having sufficient savings or income to cover living costs without requiring public funds. For first-time applications this evidence is usually required, while those who have been living in the UK for 12 months or more usually do not need to show funds. Where required, the level is assessed against income support equivalence.
4. Accommodation
Evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK for the applicant and their dependants is required.
5. Tuberculosis Test
Applicants must provide a certificate confirming they are free from tuberculosis if they are applying from a country on the Home Office TB list. Hong Kong is covered by approved clinics. For in-UK BNO applicants, a TB test is only required in specific circumstances, for example where a certificate was not provided on last entry because the prior grant was 6 months or less.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Errors in proving your eligibility can lead to requests for further information, if not an outright refusal. Take the time to collate all supporting documents that prove you meet the requirements. If your circumstances are less straightforward, for example, if your living arrangements make the ordinary residence requirement difficult to evidence, take advice before you apply to understand potential objections and how to pre-empt or address them.
Section C: Eligibility Criteria for Family Members
Certain immediate family members can apply as dependants of the main applicant, including:
a. husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
b. child or grandchild under 18
c. partner’s child under 18
d. parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter (18 or older) if they’re highly dependent on you because of illness, disability or their age
They would usually need to apply at the same time as the main applicant unless they are the main applicant’s partner, a child under the age of 18 or an adult dependant relative. Other family members should apply within two days of the main applicant’s submission. Applications can be linked using the first applicant’s family linking code and the GWF or UAN.
Children over 18 may be able to apply if the main applicant is a British national (overseas) and they are:
a. the main applicant’s own child: they will make their own separate application
b. the main applicant’s partner’s child: they may apply as a dependant if they were born on or after 1 July 1997. Their partner or child may also be eligible.
1. Partners
To include your partner in your BNO Visa application, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship. One of the following must be proven: a recognised civil partnership or marriage in the UK, a relationship with cohabitation for at least two years at the time of application, or a relationship of at least two years where cohabitation is not possible due to reasons such as work, study, or cultural norms.
When living apart, evidence of an ongoing commitment is required. This can be demonstrated through regular communication, financial support, shared responsibilities for any children, and spending time together as a couple, including holidays and events.
2. Children under 18
Typically, children under the age of 18 must apply alongside both parents unless one parent has sole responsibility, already holds a BNO Visa, or has permanent residency in the UK, such as British citizenship. The child must usually reside with you unless they are living away for educational purposes or are applying after you have already relocated to the UK.
3. Adult Children
British National (Overseas) status holders can include their partner’s children aged 18 or older in their application if the children were born on or after 1 July 1997. These children must apply concurrently with you and usually live with you unless they are away from home for study. If they do not qualify for a BNO Visa, other visa options for work or study in the UK should be explored.
4. Adult Dependants
Adult family members aged 18 or older, can apply as dependants only if they are highly dependent on you due to long-term personal care needs arising from illness, disability, or age. This category includes parents, grandparents, siblings, and adult children of either you or your partner.
Applicants must demonstrate a need for long-term care for everyday tasks and provide medical records to support this. Additionally, they must show that they cannot obtain or afford the necessary care in Hong Kong without your support. If these conditions are met, they can apply as an ‘adult dependent relative’.
You can read our extensive guide to BNO Dependent Visa here >>
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
One of the quirks of the BN(O) Visa is its unique family dependency rules. Be clear on who qualifies as a dependant under the BN(O) route, as strict relationship and dependency tests apply, particularly for adult children and extended relatives who will need to demonstrate ongoing dependency.
Also, remember not to miss the two-day filing window for linked family applications. If the family group is broken, you’ll be facing separate and more costly applications.
Section D: How to Apply for a BNO Visa
Applying for a BNO Visa is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires preparation and organisation to avoid issues or delays with your application.
1. BNO Visa Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Necessary Documents
Gather all required documents to support your application. Ensure you have digital copies of all documents for upload during the online application process.
Step 2: Create an Account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Website
Visit the official UKVI website. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the BNO Visa application form available on the UKVI website. You will be asked to provide personal information, including your BNO status, residential details in Hong Kong, and information about your dependants, if applicable.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload digital copies of all required documents as part of your application. Ensure all documents are clear and legible to avoid delays in processing.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the required application fee online. Fees vary depending on the visa duration and the number of applicants (primary applicants and dependants).
Step 6: Verify Your Identity
Many applicants can verify identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, depending on the passport held and where they apply. Others will need to attend an appointment to provide biometrics.
Step 7: Book an Appointment if Required
If an appointment is needed, schedule it promptly. In-country applicants attend a UKVCAS service point. Out-of-country applicants attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Core appointments are generally free, with optional paid services available.
Step 8: Submit the Application
After completing the biometric or app identity step, submit your application. Keep a copy of your application and the payment receipt for your records.
Step 9: Wait for a Decision
The UKVI will process your application and notify you of the decision. Processing times may vary, so regularly check the status of your application through your UKVI account. Standard processing is usually within 12 weeks. Priority or super priority services may be available depending on location and route.
Step 10: Decision Made
If your application is approved, you will receive a digital status confirming your BNO Visa (eVisa).
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may be able to request an administrative review or reapply if you address the reasons for the refusal.
2. Required Documents
Applicants must provide a range of documents to support their application. These include:
Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
Proof of BNO Status | A BNO passport or an expired BNO passport to prove BNO status. If the passport is not available, a letter from His Majesty’s Passport Office confirming the status will suffice. |
Proof of Residence in Hong Kong | Recent utility bills, bank statements, or tenancy agreements showing the applicant’s address in Hong Kong. |
Proof of Relationship for Dependents | Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other legal documents that verify the relationship between the BNO status holder and their dependents. |
Financial Evidence | Bank statements, employment letters, or other documents demonstrating the applicant’s ability to support themselves financially for at least six months, where required. |
Accommodation Details | Rental agreements, property deeds, or a letter from a sponsor in the UK providing accommodation details. |
Tuberculosis Test Certificate | A certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic if you are applying from a country on the TB list. For in-UK applicants, a TB test is required only in specific circumstances, for example if one was not provided on last entry because the prior grant was 6 months or less. |
3. Applying with Family Members
Each family member must submit their own application as your dependant.
Begin by submitting your application first to obtain an application number, referred to as a Global Web Form (GWF) number or a Unique Application Number (UAN). Your family members will need this application number when they apply.
As the first applicant in your family, you can obtain a ‘family linking code’ to connect all family applications. Your family members can enter this code during their application process to link the applications together.
a. Partners, Children Under 18 and Adult Dependant Relatives
Partners, children under 18, and adult dependant relatives are not required to apply simultaneously with you. However, your visa must still be valid at the time they submit their applications.
b. Other Family Members
Other family members must apply within two days of your application. If technical issues arise that might prevent your family members from applying within this timeframe, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for assistance. This ensures that their applications can still be processed without delay.
4. BNO Visa Fees
BNO visa applicants will incur the following costs, including application processing and the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge:
The application fee for a BNO Visa varies depending on the length of the visa applied for. A 2.5-year BNO visa costs £193 per applicant while the 5-year visa is £268 per applicant.
This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.
Fee Type | Cost (per applicant) |
|---|---|
2.5-Year Visa Application | £193 |
5-Year Visa Application | £268 |
Immigration Health Surcharge (Adults) | £1035 per year |
Immigration Health Surcharge (Children) | £776 per year |
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee that allows visa holders to access the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the UK.
It costs £1,035 per year for most applicants or £776 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at the time of application. Dependant applicants also have to pay the relevant fee.
For visas granted for more than a year, the IHS is calculated using the yearly cost plus half the yearly cost if for 18 months or less or the cost of 2 full years if the visa is for more than 18 months but less than two years.
Example | Number of Applicants | Visa Duration | Total IHS |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Single Adult | 5 years | £5,175 |
2 | Two Adults | 2 years 6 months | £5,175 (per adult) = £10,350 total |
3 | Two Adults, Two Children | 5 years | £5,175 (per adult) + £3,880 (per child) = £18,110 total |
Applicants may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process. Core appointments are generally free, with optional paid services available.
5. BNO Visa Processing Times
The standard processing time for a BNO Visa application is typically 12 weeks from the date of biometric enrolment or submission via the ID Check app. During this period, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will assess the application and verify the provided information and documents. Priority or super priority services may be available depending on location and route.
Applicants can track the status of their application through their UKVI account or receive email updates if they have opted for this service.
Once a decision is made, applicants will be notified via email or through their online account.
You can read our extensive guide to the BNO Visa Fees here >>
6. Application Tips
Applying for a BNO Visa can present several challenges for applicants. Follow these tips from our immigration experts to help avoid issues or delays with your application.
a. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents frequently causes delays or refusals. Missing critical documents or providing inaccurate information can lead to significant setbacks. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to carefully review the list of required documents and ensure all necessary paperwork is ready before starting the application. Double-checking the accuracy and completeness of all documents, including translations if applicable, can prevent many issues.
b. Financial Requirements
Demonstrating sufficient funds to support oneself and dependants in the UK can be challenging, particularly for those without a stable income or substantial savings. Ensuring you have sufficient funds to meet the financial requirements is crucial. This includes having savings or a reliable income source to support you and your dependants for at least six months if required. Providing additional evidence, such as employment letters or bank statements, can further strengthen your financial proof. If you have lived in the UK for 12 months or more, you usually do not need to show funds.
c. Proof of BNO Status
Some applicants struggle to provide adequate proof of their BNO status, especially if they do not have a current or expired BNO passport readily available. In such cases, contacting His Majesty’s Passport Office for a letter confirming your BNO status is advisable. Keeping any documentation that proves your registration for BNO status before 1997 can also be beneficial.
d. Identity Verification & Appointments
Many applicants can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify identity rather than attending in person, depending on passport and where they apply. If you need to attend, book promptly. For in-country cases, use UKVCAS service points. For out-of-country cases, attend a VAC. Bring the correct documents.
e. Application Form Errors
Mistakes on the application form, such as incorrect personal details or missing information, can result in processing delays or rejections. Take your time filling out the online application form. Double-check your application before submitting it to correct any errors or omissions.
f. Processing Delays
High volumes of applications or additional checks can lead to longer-than-expected processing times, causing uncertainty and potential disruptions to plans. Regularly checking your application status through your UKVI account and staying informed about any updates or changes to the application process by visiting the official UKVI website can help manage expectations. Being patient and prepared for potential delays is important.
You can read our guide to BNO Visa English Test Exemptions here >>
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
In reality, most application issues relate to poor documentation rather than actual ineligibility. Double-check your submission before it goes in, and get professional advice where possible to give your application the best chance of success.
Remember to budget for all costs associated with the BN(O) Visa, not just the application fee. The Immigration Health Surcharge, particularly where multiple dependants are applying together, can amount to a significant sum and this is payable in full before the application is processed.
Section F: Stay in the UK
Once granted, the BN(O) Visa gives individuals and their families the flexibility to build a stable life in the UK, but maintaining lawful status requires careful attention to visa duration and renewal requirements. Holders need to understand when and how to extend their permission, how time in the UK counts toward settlement, and what happens if their circumstances change. Strategic planning is important, particularly for families coordinating multiple visas with different expiry dates.
1. BNO Visa Extensions
Meeting the eligibility requirements allows you to apply for an extension of your existing BNO visa. Applications must be submitted before your current visa expires. Although the extension does not need to be granted before your existing visa expires, you can remain in the UK and continue your activities as permitted by your previous visa until a decision is made.
For those aiming to settle permanently in the UK, it is recommended to apply no earlier than 28 days before your visa expires. This ensures you meet the continuous five-year residency requirement necessary for settlement. Your new visa will commence from the date it is granted. If your previous visa still has time remaining, up to 28 days may be added to your new visa. There are no limits on the number of times you can extend your BNO visa.
Details on the costs involved in extending your BNO visa can be found on the official government website. Family members can also apply for an extension, each requiring their own application. The application process varies depending on their age and dependency status. Applications must be made before their current visas expire.
Generally, children under 18 must apply to extend their visa alongside both parents who hold BNO visas unless one parent has sole responsibility, has the right to live in the UK permanently (e.g., as a British Citizen), or moved to the UK before the child. The extension reference number from your application will be needed for their application.
Partners, children over 18, and adult dependant relatives can apply separately and do not need to prove their relationship to you. If your relationship ends, your partner can still apply to extend their visa independently.
Applications are submitted online, where identity verification will be required. Depending on your passport type, this will involve either using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BNO, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), or EEA passport, and creating or signing into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account; or attending a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide fingerprints and a photograph for a biometric residence permit. Instructions will be provided during the application process.
Decisions are typically made within 12 weeks of the application date. For applications submitted via the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, the 12-week period begins from the date the online application is submitted. For applications requiring attendance at a UKVCAS service point, the period starts from the date of the appointment and submission of fingerprints. Processing times may take longer if additional verification of documents is required, an interview is necessary, or if the applicant has a criminal conviction.
Applicants can stay in the UK until a decision is made on their application. However, travel outside the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man is not permitted until a decision is reached. If applying with family members, be aware that decisions may come through at different times.
You can read our extensive guide to the BNO Visa Extension here >>
2. BNO Visa to ILR
Individuals who have resided in the UK for five years may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, also known as settlement. This status grants the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and access benefits if eligible. It also serves as a pathway to British citizenship.
Eligibility for settlement requires holding a BNO visa and having spent five continuous years in the UK. Applications can be submitted as early as 28 days before completing the five-year residency. Typically, no more than 180 days should have been spent outside the UK in any 12-month period. More information on calculating continuous residence can be found on the government website.
Time spent in the UK on any visa that allows for settlement can count towards the five-year requirement, provided the last visa held was a BNO visa. Examples of such visas include:
a. Entrepreneur visa
b. Family visa
c. Global Talent visa (formerly Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa)
d. Investor visa
e. Minister of Religion visa
f. Representative of an Overseas Business visa
g. Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General work visa)
h. Sportsperson visa
i. UK Ancestry visa
Time spent in the UK outside the immigration rules or on visas not leading to settlement does not count towards the five-year requirement. Examples include the Youth Mobility Scheme visa and Student visa (formerly Tier 4 General student visa).
Applicants aged 18 to 64 typically need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement, demonstrated by an English qualification at level B1 in speaking and listening or a degree taught or researched in English.
Exceptions to these requirements may apply in certain circumstances.
The fee for each application is £3,029. Biometric information (fingerprints and photos) must be provided, but there is no additional fixed biometrics fee for ILR on this route. Decisions are typically made within six months. Applicants should not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until a decision is made, as the application will be withdrawn if they do.
Applications should be made using the ‘BNO’ category on the application form. Status is granted digitally as an eVisa.
You can read our extensive guide to BNO Indefinite Leave to Remain here >>
a. Family Members Applying for Settlement
Each family member must submit their own ILR application. The process varies depending on their age and dependency status.
a. Partners, Children Aged 18 or Over, and Adult Dependant Relatives
Partners, adult children, and other adult dependants of BNO visa holders can apply for settlement either with the primary applicant or separately. They do not need to apply at the same time or prove their relationship to the primary applicant.
b. Children Under 18
Children under 18 can apply for settlement if they applied as dependants on the primary applicant’s BNO visa. They must apply alongside both parents unless one parent is already settled or has British citizenship. Exceptions include situations where one parent is deceased, has sole responsibility or other compelling family circumstances exist.
c. Adult Dependant Relatives
Adult dependants such as parents, grandparents, siblings, or children of the primary applicant can apply for settlement. They must link their application to the primary applicant’s settlement details.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Securing a BN(O) Visa brings you one step closer to long-term security in the UK, but it doesn’t offer guarantees. You’re simply on the path to ILR, it is not automatic. Planning ahead will be key. Understand the ILR requirements and what you need to do during your visa period to maintain eligibility, including tracking absences from the UK and keeping relevant documents. Timing also matters for your extension and ILR applications.
Section G: Summary
Introduced in response to the political and social changes in Hong Kong, the BNO visa offers an opportunity for those seeking stability and a new life in the UK.
It offers significant benefits, including the right to live, work, and study in the UK, as well as the potential for indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship. However, the BNO visa application process requires careful attention to the strict rules on eligibility and documentation.
For complex circumstances or those encountering difficulties with their application, seeking professional advice can increase the chances of a successful application.
Section H: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. We provide expert application support services to BNO visa applicants and their families, including guidance on eligibility, how to coordinate multiple applications for different family members and how to extend status or apply for ILR. Contact us for specialist support.
Section I: BNO Visa FAQs
What is the BNO Visa?
The BNO (British National (Overseas)) Visa allows individuals with BNO status and their family members to live, work, and study in the UK. It was introduced in response to political changes in Hong Kong to offer a pathway to residency for BNO passport holders. Status is evidenced by an eVisa.
How long can I stay in the UK with a BNO Visa?
The BNO Visa is issued for an initial period of 2.5 or 5 years. After five years of continuous residence, holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). One year after obtaining ILR, they can apply for British citizenship.
What are the financial requirements for the BNO Visa?
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependants for at least six months where required. Those who have been living in the UK for 12 months or more usually do not need to show funds.
How do I apply for the BNO Visa?
Applications are made online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Applicants need to complete the application form, upload required documents, pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and verify identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app where eligible, or attend an appointment at UKVCAS (in-country) or a VAC (out-of-country).
How long does it take to process a BNO Visa application?
The standard processing time is 12 weeks from the date of biometric enrolment or submission via the ID Check app. Priority options may be available depending on location and route.
Can I work in the UK with a BNO Visa?
Yes, BNO Visa holders have the right to work in the UK, including self-employment and starting a business. Work is not permitted as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Can my children attend school in the UK?
Children of BNO Visa holders can attend state-funded schools in the UK. They also have access to higher education institutions, subject to residency requirements for student finance.
Can I bring my elderly parents or other family members?
In some cases, you may be able to include other family members as adult dependent relatives where they have long-term personal care needs due to age, illness or disability. You will need to provide evidence of dependency and show adequate care is not available or affordable in Hong Kong.
Can I apply for British citizenship with a BNO Visa?
After five years of continuous residence on a BNO Visa, you can apply for ILR. After holding ILR for one year, you can apply for British citizenship.
Section J: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| BN(O) (British National (Overseas)) Status | A type of British nationality granted to residents of Hong Kong who registered before the handover to China in 1997. |
| BN(O) Visa | A visa route allowing individuals with BN(O) status and their families to live, work and study in the UK. |
| Global Web Form (GWF) | The application number issued by UKVI, required to link family members’ applications. |
| Unique Application Number (UAN) | An alternative reference number used to connect applications within a family group. |
| Family Linking Code | A code provided to the first applicant in a family to link all family applications together. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permission to live in the UK without any time limit or immigration restrictions. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee paid by visa holders to access the National Health Service during their stay. |
| Visa Application Centre (VAC) | A facility where overseas applicants provide biometrics and supporting documents for their visa. |
| UKVCAS | UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services locations used for in-country biometric appointments. |
| National Health Service (NHS) | The publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom. |
| Proof of BN(O) Status | Evidence such as a BN(O) passport or a letter from His Majesty’s Passport Office confirming status. |
| Proof of Residence | Documents such as utility bills, bank statements or tenancy agreements showing an applicant’s UK or Hong Kong address. |
| Financial Evidence | Bank statements, payslips or employment letters demonstrating financial stability and maintenance capability. |
| Biometric Information | Fingerprints and a digital photograph collected to verify an applicant’s identity. |
| Dependants | Immediate family members of the primary applicant, such as a partner, spouse or children under 18. |
| His Majesty’s Passport Office | The UK government agency responsible for issuing passports and confirming nationality status. |
| Jobcentre | A government-run employment service offering job search support and advice to residents. |
| Local Authorities | Regional government organisations responsible for public services including housing, education and social support. |
| Support Groups | Community or charitable organisations that help new arrivals integrate and access resources. |
| Employment Letter | A document from an employer confirming job title, salary and employment status for verification purposes. |
| Medical Records | Documents from healthcare providers evidencing illness, disability or age-related care requirements. |
| Social Services | Public services supporting individuals and families in need, including child welfare and adult care. |
| Legal Rights and Protections | The rights and safeguards provided under UK law ensuring equality and fair treatment for residents. |
Section K: Additional Resources and Links
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | Official guidance on the BN(O) Visa, application forms and detailed requirements. | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration |
| His Majesty’s Passport Office | Information on British nationality and assistance with proving BN(O) status. | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office |
| National Health Service (NHS) | Accessing healthcare services in the UK and information about the Immigration Health Surcharge. | https://www.nhs.uk |
| Home Office – British National (Overseas) Visa | Comprehensive details on the BN(O) Visa, including eligibility, how to apply and FAQs. | https://www.gov.uk/british-national-overseas-bno-visa |
