The BNO household member route allows family members of British National (Overseas) status holders to live, work, and study in the UK—even if they don't hold BNO status themselves. This pathway is particularly important for adult children born on or after 1 July 1997 who cannot obtain BNO status, enabling them to join their families on the same 5+1 settlement pathway to British citizenship.
Understanding the BNO Household Member Route
The BNO household member route is a UK immigration pathway designed specifically for close family members of British National (Overseas) status holders who do not hold BNO status themselves. This route was introduced alongside the BNO Status Holder Route in January 2021 to ensure families from Hong Kong could relocate to the UK together, regardless of individual BNO status.
The crucial distinction between the two BNO routes is straightforward: the BNO Status Holder Route is for individuals who personally hold BNO status (registered before 1 July 1997), while the household member route is for their family members who do not have BNO status. Both routes lead to the same 5+1 pathway to British citizenship, but household members must apply in connection with a BNO status holder.
Who Can Apply as a BNO Household Member?
The BNO household member route is primarily for adult children of BNO status holders who were born on or after 1 July 1997 and therefore cannot hold BNO status. It also covers partners, spouses, and other highly dependent family members who need to accompany or join a BNO status holder in the UK.
The household member route serves several categories of applicants, each with specific relationship requirements to the BNO status holder. Understanding which category applies to you is essential for a successful application.
Adult Children Born On or After 1 July 1997
This is the primary category for the BNO household member route. If you were born on or after 1 July 1997, you were not eligible to register for BNO status before the Hong Kong handover, meaning you cannot apply through the BNO Status Holder Route regardless of your parents' BNO status. The household member route provides your pathway to join family in the UK.
- Age 18 or over: Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Child of BNO status holder: Biological or legally adopted child of someone with BNO status
- Ordinarily resident: Usually live in Hong Kong, or Hong Kong/UK/Crown Dependencies
- Apply with/after BNO holder: Parent must have applied for or hold a BNO visa
Partners and Spouses
Partners of BNO status holders who do not hold BNO status themselves can apply through this route:
- Married spouse or civil partner: In a legally recognised marriage or civil partnership
- Unmarried partner: In a genuine relationship akin to marriage and living together for at least 2 years
- Genuine and subsisting: The relationship must be real and ongoing at the time of application
Other Dependent Family Members
In limited circumstances, other family members may qualify if they demonstrate high dependency on the BNO status holder:
- Adult dependent relatives: Parents, grandparents, or siblings requiring long-term personal care
- Exceptional circumstances: Cases involving serious medical conditions or other compelling factors
BNO Household Member Route Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the BNO household member route, you must be a close family member of a BNO status holder, ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or the UK, able to demonstrate financial means for 6 months, pass a TB test (if required), and have no serious criminal convictions. No English language test is required for the initial application.
The eligibility requirements for household members closely mirror those for BNO status holders, with the additional requirement of demonstrating your qualifying relationship. Full requirements are set out in Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) of the Immigration Rules.
Core Eligibility Criteria
- Qualifying relationship: Must be a family member (partner, adult child, or dependent relative) of a BNO status holder
- BNO holder's application: The BNO status holder must have applied for or already hold a BNO visa (you cannot apply before them)
- Residency: Ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, or in Hong Kong/UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man if applying from within the UK
- Age requirement: At least 18 years old (children under 18 apply as dependants on a parent's application)
- Financial requirement: Demonstrate ability to support yourself for at least 6 months without recourse to public funds
- TB test: Certificate from an approved clinic (required when applying from Hong Kong)
- Suitability: No serious criminal convictions or security concerns
Documentary Evidence Required
You must provide evidence to prove your relationship with the BNO status holder:
- Adult children: Birth certificate or adoption certificate showing parentage
- Partners: Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or evidence of 2+ years cohabitation
- Joint evidence: Joint bank accounts, tenancy agreements, utility bills, photographs together
- BNO holder's details: Their BNO passport or certificate of registration, and their visa application reference
- Financial evidence: Bank statements showing funds for 6 months
- Criminal record certificate: If you have lived in a country for 12+ months in the past 10 years
Rights and Benefits of BNO Household Members
BNO household members have the same rights as BNO status holders: unrestricted work rights in any job without sponsorship, study at any UK institution, NHS access through the Immigration Health Surcharge, and the same 5+1 pathway to settlement and citizenship.
One of the most significant advantages of the BNO household member route is that it provides the same rights and benefits as the BNO Status Holder Route. This means family members are not disadvantaged compared to the primary BNO status holder.
Employment and Education Rights
- Unrestricted work: 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
- Study freely: Enrol at any UK university or educational institution
- Career flexibility: Change jobs without notifying the Home Office
Healthcare and Public Services
- NHS access: Full access to the National Health Service through the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Children's education: Dependant children can attend state schools
- Property ownership: Buy residential and commercial property in the UK
Restrictions During Visa Period
Like BNO status holders, household members have certain restrictions:
- No recourse to public funds: Cannot claim most welfare benefits until ILR is granted
- Continuous residence: Must maintain UK residence with absences not exceeding 180 days per year
- Exception for hardship: Limited public funds may be available in cases of destitution
BNO Household Member Application Process and Fees 2026
Apply online through the GOV.UK website, pay the visa fee (£193 for 30 months or £268 for 5 years) plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year for adults), submit biometrics, and wait up to 12 weeks for a decision. Priority processing is available for £500.
The application process for household members is identical to that for BNO status holders. You apply online, pay fees, submit biometrics, and provide supporting documents. The key difference is that you must link your application to the BNO status holder's application.
BNO Household Member Visa Fees 2026
For the most current fee information, check our comprehensive UK visa fees guide.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1: Ensure the BNO status holder has applied or been granted their visa
- Step 2: Complete the online application on the GOV.UK website
- Step 3: Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Step 4: Submit biometrics via the UK Immigration: ID Check app or Visa Application Centre
- Step 5: Upload supporting documents (relationship evidence, financial proof, TB certificate)
- Step 6: Wait for a decision (standard: up to 12 weeks; priority: 5 working days)
- Step 7: Receive your digital visa (eVisa) linked to your passport
- Valid travel document (HKSAR passport or other)
- Birth certificate or marriage/partnership certificate
- BNO holder's passport/certificate and visa reference
- TB test certificate from approved clinic
- Bank statements showing 6 months' financial support
- Proof of Hong Kong residence
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
Path to Settlement and British Citizenship
BNO household members follow the same 5+1 pathway as BNO status holders: apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous UK residence, then British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months. Settlement and citizenship are granted independently once requirements are met.
The path to permanent settlement for household members is identical to that for BNO status holders. This is a significant advantage of the route—family members do not face a longer or more difficult pathway to settlement compared to the primary applicant.
ILR Requirements for Household Members
After 5 years on the BNO household member route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
- Continuous residence: 5 years in the UK with absences not exceeding 180 days per year
- Life in the UK test: Pass the test demonstrating knowledge of British life
- English language: CEFR B1 level (speaking and listening)
- ILR fee: £3,029 per applicant (2026 rate)
- Good character: No serious criminal convictions or immigration breaches
British Citizenship
After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation:
- Citizenship fee: £1,605 for adults, £1,214 for children under 18
- Good character requirement: Must demonstrate good character throughout
- Citizenship ceremony: Attend a ceremony to complete naturalisation
What Happens if the Relationship Breaks Down?
If your relationship with the BNO status holder changes before you obtain ILR, your options depend on your circumstances:
- Adult children: Your status is not affected by changes in your parent's circumstances
- Partners (divorce/separation): May be able to continue under certain conditions or switch to another visa
- Death of BNO holder: May be able to continue toward settlement depending on timing and circumstances
- After ILR granted: Your settlement status is independent and unaffected
- The BNO household member route is primarily for adult children born on or after 1 July 1997 who cannot hold BNO status
- You must apply with or after the BNO status holder—never before them
- Household members have identical rights to BNO status holders: unrestricted work, study, and NHS access
- The same 5+1 pathway applies: ILR after 5 years, citizenship after 6 years total
- Settlement is granted independently once you meet the requirements
Frequently Asked Questions About the BNO Household Member Route
What is the BNO household member route?
The BNO household member route is a UK visa pathway for family members of British National (Overseas) status holders who do not hold BNO status themselves. It primarily serves adult children born on or after 1 July 1997 (who were ineligible to register for BNO status before the Hong Kong handover), as well as partners and other highly dependent relatives of BNO status holders.
Who qualifies as a BNO household member?
Eligible household members include: adult children (18+) of BNO status holders born on or after 1 July 1997; spouses or civil partners of BNO status holders; unmarried partners who have lived with the BNO status holder for at least 2 years; and in limited circumstances, highly dependent adult relatives. You must be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or the UK and apply with or after the BNO status holder.
What is the difference between the BNO status holder route and household member route?
The BNO Status Holder Route is for individuals who personally hold BNO status (registered before 1 July 1997). The Household Member Route is for family members of BNO status holders who do not have BNO status themselves. Both routes lead to the same 5+1 pathway to British citizenship with identical rights, but household members must apply in connection with a BNO status holder.
Can I apply for the BNO household member route before my parent applies?
No, you cannot apply before the BNO status holder. You must apply at the same time as, or after, your qualifying family member (parent, spouse, or partner) has submitted their BNO visa application. Applying independently or before them will result in your application being refused. The BNO status holder must have applied for or already hold their BNO visa before you can submit your household member application.
How much does the BNO household member visa cost?
The BNO household member visa costs £193 for a 30-month visa or £268 for a 5-year visa. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year for adults (totalling £2,587.50 for 30 months or £5,175 for 5 years). Optional priority processing costs £500 for a decision within 5 working days instead of up to 12 weeks.
Can BNO household members work in the UK?
Yes, BNO household members have unrestricted work rights identical to BNO status holders. 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, and you can change jobs freely without notifying the Home Office. You can also study at any UK educational institution.
Can BNO household members get ILR and British citizenship?
Yes, BNO household members follow the same 5+1 pathway to settlement and citizenship as BNO status holders. After 5 years of continuous UK residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) by passing the Life in the UK test and meeting English language requirements. After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship. Your settlement is granted independently once you meet the requirements.
What happens if my relationship with the BNO status holder breaks down?
The impact depends on your relationship type and timing. Adult children's status is not affected by changes in their parent's circumstances. Partners who divorce or separate before ILR may be able to continue under certain conditions or switch to another visa category. If the BNO status holder dies, you may still be able to continue toward settlement. Once you obtain ILR, your settlement status is independent and unaffected by any relationship changes.
For official guidance on the BNO household member route, visit the GOV.UK BNO visa family members page.