The BNO status holder route provides Hong Kong residents with British National (Overseas) status a pathway to live, work, and study in the UK—with the opportunity to apply for settlement after five years and British citizenship after six. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility requirements, the 5+1 citizenship pathway, current fees, and step-by-step application guidance for 2026.
Understanding the BNO Status Holder Route
The BNO status holder route is a dedicated UK immigration pathway created in January 2021 for Hong Kong residents who hold British National (Overseas) status. This route was introduced by the UK government in response to political developments in Hong Kong following the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020, honouring historic commitments to the people of Hong Kong established under the Immigration Rules Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas).
Since its launch, the BNO status holder route has been remarkably successful, with over 181,000 visas granted and approximately 166,000 Hong Kong residents now living in the UK under this scheme. The route offers significant advantages over other UK visa categories, including no sponsorship requirement, no minimum salary threshold, and full work and study rights from day one.
BNO Citizenship 5+1 Pathway to British Nationality
The BNO citizenship 5+1 pathway allows visa holders to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous UK residence, then British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months. The total journey from BNO visa to full British citizenship takes a minimum of 6 years.
The 5+1 pathway is a defining feature of the BNO status holder route, providing a clear timeline to permanent settlement and citizenship. Understanding each stage helps applicants plan their immigration journey effectively.
Stage 1: Initial BNO Visa (Years 1-5)
Applicants can choose between two visa durations:
- 30-month visa: Lower upfront cost (£193), can be extended once for another 30 months
- 5-year visa: Higher upfront cost (£268), no extension needed before ILR application
During this period, visa holders can live, work, and study freely in the UK. They must maintain continuous residence and avoid absences exceeding 180 days in any 12-month period to remain eligible for settlement.
Stage 2: Indefinite Leave to Remain (Year 5+)
After completing 5 years of continuous residence, BNO visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Requirements include:
- Continuous residence: 5 years with absences not exceeding 180 days per year
- Life in the UK test: Demonstrate knowledge of British life and customs
- English language: CEFR B1 level (speaking and listening)
- ILR fee: £3,029 per applicant (2026 rate)
Stage 3: British Citizenship (Year 6+)
After holding ILR for 12 months, applicants can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation. The citizenship application fee is £1,605 for adults and £1,214 for children under 18.
BNO Status Holder Route Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the BNO status holder route, you must hold BNO status (registered before 1 July 1997), be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or the UK, demonstrate financial means for 6 months, pass a TB test if required, and have no serious criminal convictions.
The eligibility criteria for the BNO status holder route are set out in Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) of the Immigration Rules. Unlike many UK visa routes, there are no English language requirements, minimum salary thresholds, or sponsorship requirements for the initial application.
Main Applicant Requirements
- BNO status: Must hold British National (Overseas) status (a valid BNO passport is not required—expired passports are accepted)
- Residency: Ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, or in Hong Kong/UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man if applying from within the UK
- Age: At least 18 years old (children apply as dependants)
- Financial requirement: Demonstrate ability to support yourself and dependants for at least 6 months without recourse to public funds
- TB test: Certificate from an approved clinic (required for Hong Kong applicants)
- Suitability: No serious criminal convictions or security concerns
Eligible Dependants
Family members can apply alongside the main applicant or join later:
- Spouse or civil partner: Must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship
- Unmarried partner: If living together for at least 2 years
- Children under 18: Must apply with or join a parent with BNO visa
- Adult children born on/after 1 July 1997: Can apply through the BNO Household Member route
- Other dependants: Highly dependent adult dependent relatives may qualify in certain circumstances
Benefits and Rights of BNO Visa Holders
BNO visa holders can work in any job without sponsorship, study at any institution, access NHS healthcare, buy property, and bring eligible family members to the UK. They cannot access most public funds until they obtain ILR after 5 years.
The BNO status holder route offers substantial benefits compared to many other UK visa categories. The absence of sponsorship requirements and salary thresholds provides significant flexibility for employment and career development.
Employment Rights
- Unrestricted employment: Work for any employer in any sector without sponsorship
- Self-employment: Start your own business or work as a freelancer
- No salary threshold: Unlike Skilled Worker visas, there is no minimum salary requirement
- Job flexibility: Change employers freely without notifying the Home Office
Education and Healthcare
- Free schooling: Children can attend state schools
- Higher education: Study at any UK university (home fee status varies by region)
- NHS access: Full access to National Health Service through the Immigration Health Surcharge
Restrictions and Limitations
BNO visa holders have some restrictions during their initial visa period:
- No recourse to public funds: Cannot claim most welfare benefits until ILR is granted
- Continuous residence: Must maintain UK residence and avoid excessive absences (180 days per year maximum)
- Exception for hardship: Limited public funds may be available in cases of destitution or safeguarding children
BNO Visa Application Process and Fees 2026
Apply online through the UK government website, pay the visa fee (£193 for 30 months or £268 for 5 years) plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year), submit biometrics via the ID Check app or appointment, and wait up to 12 weeks for a decision. Priority processing is available for £500.
Current BNO Visa Fees (April 2025)
For the most current fee information, check our UK visa fees guide.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1: Complete the online application on the GOV.UK website
- Step 2: Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Step 3: Submit biometrics using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a Visa Application Centre
- Step 4: Upload supporting documents (passport, TB test certificate, financial evidence)
- Step 5: Wait for a decision (standard: up to 12 weeks; priority: 5 working days)
- Step 6: Receive your digital visa (eVisa) linked to your passport
- BNO passport (valid or expired) or certificate of registration
- Valid travel document (HKSAR passport or other)
- TB test certificate from approved clinic
- Bank statements showing 6 months' financial support
- Proof of address in Hong Kong or UK
- Dependant documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
BNO Passport vs Hong Kong SAR Passport
A BNO passport indicates British National (Overseas) status and provides access to the BNO visa route. A Hong Kong SAR passport is issued by the HKSAR government and indicates Chinese nationality. You can hold both passports simultaneously, but only BNO status enables the 5+1 settlement pathway.
Many Hong Kong residents hold both a BNO passport and an HKSAR passport. Understanding the differences is important for immigration planning.
You do not need a valid BNO passport to apply for the BNO visa—an expired BNO passport or certificate of registration is sufficient to prove your BNO status. However, you will need a valid travel document (such as an HKSAR passport) to travel to the UK.
- The BNO status holder route offers a clear 5+1 pathway to British citizenship
- No sponsorship, English language test, or minimum salary required for initial application
- Over 181,000 BNO visas granted since 2021 with 166,000+ now in the UK
- Priority processing now available (5 working days for £500)
- Family members can apply as dependants on the same settlement pathway
Frequently Asked Questions About the BNO Status Holder Route
What is BNO status and who qualifies?
BNO (British National Overseas) status is a form of British nationality created for Hong Kong residents who registered before 1 July 1997. If you registered for BNO status before the handover of Hong Kong to China, you qualify. BNO status cannot be acquired now—registration closed in 1997. However, children born after 1997 to BNO holders can apply through the BNO Household Member route.
What is the BNO citizenship 5+1 pathway?
The 5+1 pathway means BNO visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent settlement) after 5 years of continuous UK residence, then apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months. The total journey from BNO visa to full British citizenship takes a minimum of 6 years, hence "5+1".
Do I need a valid BNO passport to apply?
No, you do not need a valid BNO passport. An expired BNO passport or your original certificate of registration is sufficient to prove your BNO status. However, you will need a valid travel document (such as an HKSAR passport) to travel to the UK and complete biometric verification.
How much does the BNO visa cost in 2026?
The BNO visa application fee is £193 for a 30-month visa or £268 for a 5-year visa per applicant. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year for adults (£776 for children). For a 5-year visa, a single adult would pay approximately £5,443 in total (visa fee plus IHS).
How long does BNO visa processing take?
Standard BNO visa processing takes up to 12 weeks from when you complete your biometric verification. Since August 2025, a priority service is available for £500, which provides a decision within 5 working days. Priority availability may be limited during peak application periods.
Can my family members apply with me?
Yes, eligible family members can apply as dependants. This includes your spouse or civil partner, unmarried partner (if living together 2+ years), and children under 18. Adult children born on or after 1 July 1997 can apply separately through the BNO Household Member route. Each family member must submit their own application and pay separate fees.
Can I work in the UK on a BNO visa?
Yes, BNO visa holders have unrestricted work rights. You can work for any employer in any sector without sponsorship, start your own business, or work as a freelancer. There are no minimum salary requirements or job restrictions. You can also change jobs freely without notifying the Home Office.
What is the difference between a BNO passport and HKSAR passport?
A BNO passport indicates British National (Overseas) status and provides access to the BNO visa settlement route. An HKSAR passport is issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and indicates Chinese nationality. You can hold both passports simultaneously. Only BNO status enables the 5+1 pathway to British citizenship through this route.
For official guidance and the latest updates on the BNO status holder route, visit the GOV.UK BNO visa page.