The UK Government is introducing BN(O) visa route for as a result of national security law imposed by China in Hong Kong, was recently announced by Home office.
Those who are eagerly waiting in Hong Kong, for new immigration route to enter UK, this special visa route will only be operational from Jan 2021. BN(O) citizens do not need to hold a BN(O) passport in order to do so if they have another valid passport that allows visa-free travel to the UK. There is, therefore, no need to apply for or renew a BN(O) passport specifically for the purpose of applying for the new BN(O) Visa.
Applications to the Hong Kong BN(O) Visa will be via a digital online application. An electronic visa will be issued to successful applicants.
BN(O) citizens will enjoy the following benefits in the UK
- leave to remain in the UK for a period of five years. This will consist of an initial period of 30 months’ leave, renewable by a second charged application for a further 30 months. Alternatively, applicants will be able to apply for 5 years’ leave from the outset, upon payment of a higher fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge for the duration. Applying for 5 years’ leave is likely to be more cost effective overall
- the ability to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK after five years’ leave under existing rules, and to apply for UK citizenship after 12 months settlement under existing rules and application processes
- no recourse to public funds
- the right to work in the UK in almost any capacity as an employed or selfemployed person, consistent with UK employment laws and subject to having the appropriate skills and qualifications
- access to education including:
- schooling for under 18 child dependants
- education and training for young people aged 16-19
- the ability to apply for higher education courses
- access to healthcare free at the point of use on the same terms as British residents, contingent on payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (see above). It is right that a contribution is made by BN(O) citizens who will benefit from access to our world class National Health Service
- BN(O) citizens and their dependants will be expected to comply with UK laws. Anyone convicted of a criminal offence in the UK will be liable for removal.
In addition to holding BN(O) status, applicants and their dependants must also:
- be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, which includes those currently in the UK but who are ordinarily resident in Hong Kong
- be able to demonstrate their ability to accommodate and support themselves in the UK for at least six months
- demonstrate a commitment to learn English in the UK where appropriate – on entry, there will be no English language requirement but applicants will require a good knowledge of the English language if they choose later to make an application for settled status (indefinite leave to remain) after five years
- hold a current tuberculosis test certificate from a clinic approved by the Home Office1
- pay a fee for the visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge both payable in full at the point of the visa application
- have no serious criminal convictions, have not otherwise engaged in behaviour which the UK Government deems not conducive to the public good, and not be subject to other general grounds for refusal set out in the Immigration Rules
More information is available here
