British National (Overseas) Visa

What is a British National (Overseas) Visa?

A British National (Overseas) visa enables Hong Kong nationals who have British Nationals (Overseas) status to live, work and study in the UK.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a British National (Overseas) Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a British National (Overseas) visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old;
• Must be a British National (Overseas) or the child of a British National (overseas) born on or after 1 July 1997;
• Must have their permanent home in Hong Kong if applying from outside the UK. If applying from the UK their permanent home must be in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong;
• Must have adequate funds to support and accommodate themselves and their household for at least 6 months. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more (other than a Youth Mobility Scheme visa), they will not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is a British National (Overseas) Visa Valid for?

A British National (Overseas) visa is granted for either 2 years and 6 months or 5 years.

Can a British National (Overseas) Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of a British National (Overseas) visa, applicants must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. Applicants can extend their visa as many times as they like so long as they still meet the relevant requirements.

Does a British National (Overseas) Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held a British National (Overseas) visa for 5 years, they will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes and apply for benefits if eligible.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, an applicant may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship. If, however an applicant is married to a British Citizen, an applicant will not need to wait 12 months and may be eligible to apply immediately for British Citizenship by naturalisation after obtaining indefinite leave to remain.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany a British National (Overseas) Visa Holder?

The partner and children (under 18) of an applicant can accompany or join them. Other family members must apply within 2 days of their application.

How Long Does it Take for a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office usually process a British National (Overseas) visa application within 12 weeks.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee depends on how long an applicant is applying to stay in the UK for. Applicants who are applying to stay for 2 years and 6 months will pay a fee of £247. For Applicants applying to stay for 5 years, the fee is £479.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.