To apply for a British National (Overseas) visa, or to apply to switch to or extend one, you must: pay the visa application fee pay the healthcare surcharge The first time you apply you must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family members for at least 6 months while you’re in the UK. Visa application fee You and your family members will each need to pay a visa application fee. It costs: £180 if you’re applying for 2 years and 6 months £250 if you’re applying for 5 years As part of your application, you might need to go to an appointment to give your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information). Healthcare surcharge You and your family members will each need to pay the healthcare surcharge. This is so you can use the National Health Service ( NHS ) in the UK. You’ll still need to pay for some NHS care such as prescriptions, dental care and eye tests. For each adult (18 or older) it costs: £2,587.50 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months £5,175 if you’re staying for 5 years For each child (under 18), it costs: £1,940 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months £3,880 if you’re staying for 5 years You pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your online visa application. If you’re extending your visa and you receive benefits You do not need to pay the application fee or healthcare surcharge if all of the following apply: you’re extending your visa for 30 months you’re receiving benefits you cannot afford to pay the fee or healthcare surcharge You will have to pay if you’re extending your visa for 60 months. You’ll need to give evidence that you’re receiving benefits and cannot afford the fee or healthcare surcharge when you apply to extend your visa - for example, bank statements dated within the last 3 months. Money to support yourself and your family When you apply for the first time, you’ll need to show you have enough money to pay for your housing and to support yourself and your family for 6 months. This can include: your income and savings as well as your family member’s money you will earn in your current job in the UK money you will earn if you’re transferring to a job in the UK with your current employer an offer of help from family or friends You usually do not need to show you have enough money to support yourself if you’ve been living in the UK for 12 months or more. As well as money for housing costs, you’ll need at least the same amount as someone would get on Income Support in the UK. How much you need depends on how many family members are applying with you. For example, you’ll need about: £2,000 as a single adult £3,100 as a couple with a child £4,600 as a couple with 3 children £9,200 as a couple with 2 parents and 2 adult children Check what documents you need to show this .

Your family members can apply as your ‘dependant’ if you’re either: a British national (overseas) aged 18 or older (and born on or after 1 July 1997) and the child of a British national (overseas) A dependant can include your: husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner child or grandchild under 18 partner’s child under 18 parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter (18 or older) if they’re highly dependent on you because of illness, disability or their age Children over 18 can still apply if you’re a British national (overseas) and: they’re your own child - they must make their own application for a BNO visa separately from you they’re your partner’s child - they’re eligible to apply as your dependant if they were born on or after 1 July 1997 (their partner or child is also eligible) Partners They’ll need to prove one of the following: they’re in a civil partnership or marriage with you that’s recognised in the UK they’ve been in a relationship with you and you’ve been living together for at least 2 years when they apply they’ve been in a relationship with you for at least 2 years when they apply and you cannot live together, for example because you’re working or studying in different places, or it’s not accepted in your culture If you’re not living together, they’ll need to prove that you have an ongoing commitment to each other, for example by providing evidence that you: communicate regularly with each other support each other financially care for any children you have together spend time together as a couple, for example on holiday or at events Children under 18 In most cases, children under 18 need to apply with both parents, unless: one parent has sole responsibility for them one parent already has a BNO visa one parent has the right to live in the UK permanently, for example if they are a British citizen The child must normally live with you, unless they’re either: living away from home to study applying after you’ve already moved to the UK Children 18 or older If you’re a British national (overseas), your partner’s children aged 18 or older can apply as your dependant if they were born on or after 1 July 1997. They must apply at the same time as you and normally live with you unless they’re living away from home to study. If they’re not eligible for a BNO visa, they may be able to apply for another visa to come to the UK to work or study. Check what visa they need . Adult dependants Other adult family members (18 or older) can only apply if they’re highly dependent on you. This means they need long-term personal care to do everyday tasks because of illness, disability or their age. An adult dependent relative includes your or your partner’s: parent or grandparent brother or sister son or daughter Adult dependent relatives can apply if they can show both of the following: they need long-term care to do everyday personal and household tasks because of illness, disability or their age, and medical records show this they cannot get or afford the care they need in Hong Kong without you - even with your or your partner’s support If eligible, they can apply as an ‘adult dependent relative’. How long family members can stay When you apply for the first time, your family member will need to apply for the same BNO visa as you, for either: 2 years and 6 months 5 years When you apply for the second time, you and your family members will be able to extend your visas . After they’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, your family members can apply to live in the UK permanently . How to apply with your family Each family member will need to make their own application as your dependant. You’ll need to submit your application first to get an application number. This is called a Global Web Form ( GWF ) or a Unique Application Number ( UAN ). Your family members will need to use your application number when they apply. If you’re the first person in your family to apply, you can also get a ‘family linking code’ to connect your applications together. Your family members can enter the same code when they apply. Partners, children under 18 and adult dependent relatives Partners, children under 18 and adult dependent relatives do not have to apply at the same time as you. Your visa must still be valid when they apply. Other family members Other family members must apply within 2 days of your application. If you have technical problems that mean your family members might not be able to apply within 2 days of you, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for help. Apply online Your family members can apply for the first time outside the UK or in the UK . They can also apply to extend their BNO visa or switch to a BNO visa .

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide a valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality. If you’re a British national (overseas), you can use a current or expired BNO passport (or a photocopy) to show your BNO status when you apply. If you no longer have a BNO passport you can still apply. The Home Office will check your status but it may take longer to get a decision on your application. You do not need a BNO passport to travel to the UK. You can use any valid passport or travel document. You’ll also need to provide evidence: that you live in Hong Kong, the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man that you have enough money to support yourself and your family of your relationship with family members of your tuberculosis ( TB ) test certificate, if you did not already provide it when you arrived in the UK You must provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English. Applying as the adult child of a British national (overseas) If you’re applying as the child of a British national (overseas) aged 18 or older (and born on or after 1 July 1997) you’ll also need to prove that one of your parents has BNO status. You’ll need to provide: your parent’s current or expired passport (or a photocopy) a birth or adoption certificate that proves your relationship If your parent does not have a BNO passport or you are unable to get the details, provide their full name and date of birth in your application. The Home Office will then check your parent’s BNO status. Proof of your home address You’ll need to provide up to 3 documents that show your home address. This can include: household or utility bills a visa, residence permit or other immigration document (or a colour photocopy) payslips or your most recent P60 bank statements a letter from an employer confirming your employment records of rent or mortgage payments an appointment letter from your GP or other healthcare professional a letter from the local council or a government Your family members (‘dependants’) will need to provide evidence that their home address is the same as yours, unless both of the following are true: they’re your partner, child under 18 or adult dependent relative they’re applying after you’ve already moved to the UK Proof you have enough money to support yourself and your family You usually need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family (dependants) for 6 months in the UK - unless you’ve been living in the UK for at least 12 months. This includes proving you have the money to pay for accommodation or an offer of accommodation from friends or family. If you’re applying with family, evidence can include you and your family member’s income or savings. You might need to provide evidence such as: bank or savings account statements payslips proof of income from self-employment proof of income from rental property a letter from friends or family with evidence (such as bank statements or payslips) that they have the money to support you and your family a letter confirming an offer of accommodation from friends or family a tenancy or mortgage agreement At least one piece of evidence must be dated no more than 31 days before you submit your application. An offer of work does not usually count as evidence unless you’re transferring to a job in the UK with your current employer. Evidence of your relationship with family members If your family members are applying, they’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship with them. For example: a copy of a marriage or civil partnership certificate a birth certificate or adoption certificate for children evidence that their permanent home address is the same as yours When you need a TB test certificate You may need a TB certificate for your visa application. Whether you need a certificate depends on where you’re applying from. If you’re applying from outside the UK If you’ve been living in Hong Kong or another country where you have to take a TB test for the past 6 months, you must provide a TB certificate for your visa application. If you’re already in the UK If you provided a TB certificate to come to the UK, you do not need to show one again. Otherwise, you’ll need to provide a TB test certificate to stay in the UK if you came from Hong Kong or another country where you have to take the TB test . Getting a TB test certificate You might not be able to get a TB test appointment straight away. If you apply for your visa without a certificate, you might not get your certificate by the time your application is being considered. If you wait until you have your certificate before you apply for your visa, you can avoid the risk of your application being looked at before you get your certificate. The certificate must be no older than 6 months when you apply for your visa. Your test certificate must be from either an: approved test centre abroad - this can be in any country where you have to take a TB test approved test centre in the UK

Apply for the first time from inside the UK

You can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa from inside the UK if: you’re in the UK as a visitor you’re in the UK on a different visa and want to switch to a BNO visa you’ve made an asylum claim You’ll need to apply online. Before you apply, you can check: what documents you’ll need to apply how much it costs how to apply with your family If you have an outstanding asylum claim, you should only withdraw it after you’ve submitted your BNO visa application. If you’ve already withdrawn your asylum claim, you must submit your BNO application as soon as possible. Your application may be refused if it’s submitted more than one month after you withdraw your asylum claim. There is a different process if you want to apply to extend your current BNO visa . How to apply As part of your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BNO , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR ) or EEA passport - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. If you need to go to an appointment, the centre may have to keep your passport and documents while they process your application. Apply online Apply now Continue your application You can continue your application if you’ve saved it. To do this, find out how to sign in to your account . Get help to apply online You can get help with completing the online form if you: do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device do not have internet access You cannot get immigration advice through this service. How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks of your application date. If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, the 12 weeks starts from the date you submitted your online application. If you went to a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) point, the 12 weeks starts from the date you attended your appointment and submitted your fingerprints. Your application may take longer to process if: your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to provide more evidence you need to attend an interview you do not have a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate you have a criminal conviction for an offence that is recognised in the UK You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply You can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision about your application. You must not travel outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man until you get a decision. If you’re applying with a family member You and your family members might get your decisions at different times. If your family members are waiting for a decision, it does not automatically mean their application has been unsuccessful. If you need to change or cancel your application If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UKVI . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. After you get a decision You’ll get a letter or an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next. Find out what happens after you get your decision . If your application is unsuccessful If your application is unsuccessful, your family members’ applications will also be refused. You may be able to stay in the UK for up to 12 months if you were not able to prove that you: have enough money to support yourself and your family in the UK have a permanent home in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong When you get your decision letter, it will say if you’re allowed to do this. You’ll be able to apply for a BNO visa again. If you stay in the UK for up to 12 months, you’ll get a refund for some of the healthcare surcharge you paid. As an adult (18 or older), you’ll get a refund of: £936 if you applied for 2 years and 6 months £2,496 if you applied for 5 years As a child under 18 you’ll get a refund of: £705 if you applied for 2 years and 6 months £1,880 if you applied for 5 years

Apply for the first time from outside the UK

You must apply online. Before you apply, you can check: what documents you’ll need to apply how much it costs how to apply with your family You should wait for a decision on your application before you travel to the UK. There is a different process if you want to apply to extend your current BNO visa . How to apply As part of your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BNO , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or EEA passport - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. If you need to go to an appointment: the centre may have to keep your passport and documents while they process your application you may need to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country) Apply online Your visa will start on the day it’s approved, even if you request a specific start date when you apply. Apply now If you use a valid BNO or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport to prove your identity, you do not need to travel to the UK using the same passport. Continue your application You can continue your application if you’ve saved it. To do this, you can sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email. How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks of your application date. If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, the 12 weeks starts from the date you submitted your online application. If you went to a visa application centre service point, the 12 weeks starts from the date you attended your appointment and submitted your fingerprints. Your application may take longer to process if: your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to provide more evidence you need to attend an interview you do not have a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate you have a criminal conviction for an offence that is recognised in the UK You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . If you’re applying with a family member You and your family members might get your decisions at different times. If your family members are waiting for a decision, it does not automatically mean their application has been unsuccessful. If you plan to travel to the UK with your family and you want to be certain you can all travel together, you may want to wait until all family members have received a decision before making travel arrangements. If your application is successful You must travel to the UK: within 90 days, if you went to a visa application centre to prove your identity before your visa expires, if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app to prove your identity Children under 18 must travel with one or both parents, unless they’re joining their parents who are already in the UK. If you need to change or cancel your application If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UKVI . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. After you get a decision You’ll get a letter or an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next. Find out what happens after you get your decision . If your application is unsuccessful If your application is unsuccessful, your family members’ applications will also be refused. If your application is successful but your family member’s is not, you can still come to the UK. You’ll get a refund for the healthcare surcharge you paid for each unsuccessful application.

If you meet the eligibility requirements , you can apply to extend your existing BNO visa. You must apply before your existing visa expires. Your visa extension does not have to be granted before your current visa expires. You’ll be able to stay in the UK and do the same things you were able to do on your previous visa until a decision is made on your extension application. If you want to live permanently in the UK , do not apply earlier than 28 days before your visa expires. This is to make sure you have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously when you apply to settle. Your new visa will start on the date it is granted. If you have time remaining on your previous visa, you can have up to 28 days added to your new one. There is no limit to the number of times you can extend your BNO visa. Find out how much is costs . Your family members Your family members can apply to extend their BNO visa. Each family member will need to make their own application. How they apply depends on their age and if they are dependent on you. They can apply at any time before their current visa expires. Children under 18 In most cases, children under 18 need to apply to extend with both parents who have BNO visas, unless: one parent has sole responsibility one parent has the right to live in the UK permanently, for example if they are a British Citizen one parent moved to the UK before the child They will need to use your extension reference number to apply. Partners, children over 18 and adult dependent relatives Partners, children over 18 and adult dependent relatives can apply separately from you and do not need to prove their relationship to you. If your relationship ends, your partner can apply to extend their visa independently from you. Apply online As part of your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what type of passport you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BNO , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or EEA passport - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Apply now Continue your application You can continue your application if you’ve saved it. To do this, you can sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email. Get help to apply online You can get help with completing the online form if you: do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device do not have internet access You can only use this service if you’re applying for a visa in the UK. You cannot get immigration advice through this service. How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks of your application date. If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, the 12 weeks starts from the date you submitted your online application. If you went to a UKVCAS service point, the 12 weeks starts from the date you attended your appointment and submitted your fingerprints. Your application may take longer to process if: your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to provide more evidence you need to attend an interview you have a criminal conviction for an offence that is recognised in the UK You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply You can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision about your application. You must not travel outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man until you get a decision. If you’re applying with a family member You and your family members might get your decisions at different times. If your family members are waiting for a decision, it does not automatically mean their application has been unsuccessful. If you need to change or cancel your application If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UKVI . You can ask to cancel your application . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. After you get a decision You’ll get a letter or an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next. Find out what happens after you get your decision .

If you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you may be able to apply to stay permanently. Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It’s also called ‘settlement’. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship. Eligibility You can apply for settlement if you have a BNO visa and you’ve spent 5 continuous years in the UK. The earliest you can apply is 28 days before you’ve been in the UK for 5 years. In most cases you must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 month period. If you think you’re affected by this rule, find out how to calculate your time in the UK (‘continuous residence’). Time spent in the UK that counts toward the 5 years You can count time spent in the UK on any visa that allows you to apply for settlement, as long as your last visa was a BNO visa. For example: Entrepreneur visa Family visa Global Talent visa (or a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa) Investor visa Minister of Religion visa Representative of an Overseas Business visa Skilled Worker visa (or a Tier 2 General work visa) Sportsperson visa UK Ancestry visa Time spent in the UK that does not count towards the 5 years You cannot count time you spent in the UK that was outside of the immigration rules. For example, if you had permission granted via ‘leave outside the rules’ at the border for BNO status holders and their family members. You also cannot count time spent on any visa that does not allow you to apply for settlement, for example: Youth Mobility Scheme visa Student visa - previously called a Tier 4 (General) student visa Youth Knowledge of language and life in the UK If you’re 18 to 64 you’ll usually need to: book and pass the Life in the UK Test meet the English language requirements by having an English qualification with at least level B1 in speaking and listening or a degree taught or researched in English There are some circumstances where you do not have to take the Life in the UK Test , or when you do not have to meet the English language requirement . Your family members applying to settle Each family member will need to make their own application. How they apply depends on their age and if they’re dependent on you. Partners, children 18 or over and adult dependent relatives If your partner, their children aged 18 or over or your adult dependent relatives were dependants on your BNO visa, they can apply for settlement with you or make their own application. They do not need to apply at the same time as you or prove their relationship to you. Children under 18 Children under 18 can apply for settlement if they were previously dependants on your BNO visa. Each child will need a separate application which will link to yours using your settlement application details. They must apply for settlement with both of their parents, unless one or both of their parents is already settled or has British citizenship. You should include details of this parent’s settlement application or citizenship in the form. Your child’s application does not need to include details about both parents if: one parent is the only surviving parent one parent has sole responsibility for them there are serious or compelling family or other considerations, for example you (if you’re settled in the UK) or your child has a serious illness Adult dependent relatives If your adult dependent relative was a dependant on your BNO visa, they can apply for settlement with you or make their own application. They do not need to apply at the same time as you or prove their relationship to you. They must be the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter of someone who is one of the following: applying for settlement at the same time already settled a British citizen Include details of this person’s settlement application or citizenship in the form. Each adult dependent relative needs a separate application. This will be linked to yours using your settlement application details. Fees and how long it takes It costs £2,885 for each person applying. You’ll also need to have your fingerprints and a photo taken (biometric information) - there’s no fee for this. You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . Apply to settle in the UK As part of your settlement application, you’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to prove your identity. You should apply using the ‘ BNO ’ category on the application form. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Start now After you apply If your settlement application is successful you’ll be granted indefinite leave to remain. You’ll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status). Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa . You’ll need to create a UKVI account. Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied. If your application is unsuccessful If your application for settlement is unsuccessful, your BNO visa may be extended for 30 months. You’ll need to meet the requirements for limited leave to remain to get an extension. You’ll be contacted by UKVI either by email or letter and asked to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS) .

Becoming a British citizen

If you’re a British national (overseas), you can usually apply for British citizenship 1 year after you settle in the UK (get ‘indefinite leave to remain’). Your family members Your child is a British citizen if both: they were born in the UK you were a British citizen or settled in the UK (had ‘indefinite leave to remain’) when they were born Partners and adult relatives Your partner and adult relatives can apply for British citizenship by ‘naturalisation’ 1 year after you settle in the UK (‘get indefinite leave to remain’). If your child aged 18 or over was born in the UK and you were not settled in the UK when they were born, they may be able to apply for British citizenship . They need to have lived in the UK until they were 10 years old. Children under 18 If your child was born outside the UK and comes to the UK with you, you can apply to register a child as a British citizen (Form MN1) . If your child was born in the UK and you were not settled in the UK when they were born, they may be able to apply for British citizenship .

British National (Overseas) visa

Overview

If you’re from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas) you and your family members can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa.

If you’re the child of a British national (overseas) aged 18 or older and born on or after 1 July 1997, you can apply separately from your parent. Your family members can also apply with you.

You can apply for the BNO visa from overseas, but you should wait for a decision on your application before you travel to the UK.

Who can apply

You can apply for a BNO visa if you’re 18 or older and either:

a British national (overseas)
the child of a British national (overseas) born on or after 1 July 1997

Your permanent home must be:

in Hong Kong, if you’re applying from outside the UK
in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong if you’re applying in the UK

Your family members

Your family members can apply for a BNO visa if they’re eligible. They must usually apply at the same time as you, unless they’re one of the following:

your partner
your child under the age of 18
an adult dependent relative

Check if your family members can apply.

How long you can stay

You can apply to stay for either:

2 years and 6 months
5 years

You will be able to extend your visa once you’re in the UK if you want to stay longer. You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you want.

After you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply to live in the UK permanently.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work (except you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach)
study (including at school, college or university)

You cannot usually get most benefits (public funds).

Once you have a BNO visa, you might be able to get access to benefits. You’ll be eligible for this in certain financial circumstances, for example if you:

do not have a place to live and cannot afford one
have a place to live but cannot afford essential living costs like food or heating
are at risk of losing your place to live or being unable to afford essential living costs
have a very low income, and not having access to benefits would harm your child’s wellbeing

If you do get access to benefits, you can still apply to live in the UK permanently after 5 years.

View a printable version of the whole guide

British National (Overseas) visa

Overview

Who can apply

Your family members

How long you can stay

What you can and cannot do

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Cookies on GOV.UK

British National (Overseas) visa

Overview

Who can apply

Your family members

How long you can stay

What you can and cannot do

Related content

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK