In light of the Chinese government’s decision to impose a new National Security Law on Hong Kong, the UK government has created a bespoke immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) citizens, and their dependants, to enter or remain in the UK. This article explains the new Hong Kong BN(O) visa route and provides an overview of the eligibility requirements for prospective BN(O) visa applicants.
The new BN(O) visa route will open from January 2021 and will provide BN(O) citizens, and their immediate family members, with the right to live, work and take up long term study in the UK. BN(O) citizens are currently only permitted to stay in the UK as visitors for up to 6 months and are restricted in the activities they can undertake.
From next year, applicants will be able to apply for this visa either from outside or inside the UK. Permission to enter and/or remain in the UK will be granted for an initial period of 30 months and will be extendable by a further 30 months, or alternatively a single period of 5 years will be granted. Individuals will have the opportunity to settle in the UK (otherwise known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) once they have accrued 5 years of UK residency, with options for British Citizenship after spending a further 12 month period with ILR status.
Eligibility
BN(O) visa applicants will need to show:
The application will be digital and successful applicants will be issued a ‘digital online visa’. This visa route will involve a fee which will be announced in due course.
Entering the UK before the Hong Kong BN(O) visa is available
Whilst the Hong Kong BN(O) visa route will become fully operational from January 2021, the UK government recognises a number of BN(O) citizens may wish to travel to the UK at an earlier date. These individuals have the opportunity to apply at the UK border for permission to enter in a general category outside the scope of the normal rules. The decision whether or not to grant permission will be at the discretion of Border Force Officers who may consider granting BN(O) citizens, and any accompanying dependants specific permission for a period of 6 months, provided they meet the eligibility criteria listed above.
BN(O) citizens in the UK
There may be BN(O) citizens who are currently in the UK and may wish to apply for the Hong Kong BN(O) visa. From January 2021, BN(O) citizens already in the UK in a different immigration category will be able to switch to the Hong Kong BN(O) visa from within the UK.
What steps can you take to prepare now?
The UK government has not yet released any information on the costs of the visa or about the digital application process. However, BN(O) citizens either inside or outside the UK should now consider their eligibility for the visa by ensuring they have access to a valid or expired BN(O) passport. We recommend they also begin gathering evidence of their normal residence in Hong Kong, in addition to documentation that demonstrates their ability to afford life in the UK.
How can we help?
At Newfields, we can provide individuals with a checklist of documents and review the evidence you gather to assess whether it will meet the BN(O) visa requirements.
Register your interest in this route by contacting us and we will contact you once further information about the digital application is released. We will complete the application for you, and we will liaise with the Home Office if they have any queries in respect of your application. We will maintain contact with you over the subsequent years as you navigate your pathway to indefinite leave to remain and British Citizenship, updating you of any regulatory changes that might affect your immigration status. Our support will extend to family member dependants and through our trusted networks, we will be able to refer you onto UK-regulated solicitors who can advise on other areas of law, from conveyancing and succession planning, to business and corporate matters.
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“Glyn and his team at Newfields have been Instrumental in advising on a range of immigration matters. As part of my talent ID role at the Ospreys I recruit on a global basis. Glyn is always on hand to advise and guide me through each step of the process with a great deal of calmness and professionalism. Glyn and his team are experts in their field and their knowledge on all immigration matters is incredibly impressive. Glyn and his team are hugely supportive, friendly, responsive and professional. I would have no hesitation in recommending Newfields. ”
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“We cannot describe how impressed we are with the work Glyn did for us. Countless emails back and forth to ensure that we had all the right documents in place. His detail was very thorough and knowledge of the goings on was very impressive. He was on call for any questions we may have had and this went a long way in stressful times when we needed just that extra bit of information. We are very pleased with the service we received and would highly recommend Glyn to anyone who needs his services”
“Glyn and Newfields make the visa process seamless each season; from the moment we inform them of the signing of our import players to the day they arrive in the UK. Glyn has always given sound advice and I would recommend Newfields Law wholeheartedly”
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“Very professional and makes life a lot easier, amazing to work with”
“The RFL have worked with Newfields on a wide range of immigration issues and have found that they have an excellent understanding of many immigration matters. Glyn is always available for both the governing body and the clubs to answer the most straightforward or complex query; his attitude and work ethic are outstanding.”
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“Glyn and his team worked tirelessly with Billy Nelson, the Boxing Board of Control and Home Office Policy teams to secure a sponsorship arrangement and set of visas for myself and my family, whilst accommodating my overseas boxing commitments. 10/10 for service and getting the result we needed!”
“Glyn and his team at Newfields have helped immensely through my visa application process. The ability Glyn has to explain procedures in terminology that makes the entire process less overwhelming and daunting was a huge help. I'll always be grateful for the assistance Glyn provided and the efficient communication he and his team provided.”
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“Glyn has been instrumental in advising the England Rugby Football Union as well as many clubs on a wide range of immigration matters, and is always on hand to steer us in the right direction. He and his colleagues always respond promptly, efficiently and often with very little notice, which is essential in the fast moving environment within which we work.”
“Perhaps one of the most stressful things about moving abroad is all the admin around the visa application procedure. I was very fortunate that before and during my time in South Africa I had Glyn on hand to help with my application. He was extremely helpful and very professional, which certainly helped alleviate quite a lot of my stress! I would definitely recommend Glyn to anyone looking for assistance with their Visa application Abroad.”
“Outstanding and efficient service for my family and I”
“We have had nothing short of exceptional service from Glyn and his team at Newfields. Their attention to detail for our visas was beyond anything that we had anticipated with every step of the process being made as simple as possible for us - even to the point where Glyn went out of his way after hours to meet me to receive my BRP. We couldn't have asked for a better service and have recommended Glyn to numerous other South Africans engaging in the visa process”
“I have used Newfields for numerous visa applications, and I am so grateful to Glyn and his team for their commitment and hard work to make sure each application was seamless. Glyn personally went above and beyond; efficiently communicating what was required, and taking the time to walk me through the process, making sure I understood each step. He made a very overwhelming application process a lot easier and a lot less stress!”
“With the help of Glyn, our visa applications that at first were a challenging and daunting prospect, were made straightforward and were done in a very efficient manner. I would definitely use Glyn and his team's services again.”
“Newfields has supported me in the challenge of playing rugby in England. Despite facing difficulties due to the pandemic, Glyn has handled the matter promptly and professionally. With that great support, I am looking forward to a great start in the UK”
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