Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa – Same Household Requirement

Since 30 November 2022, adult children (born on or after 1 July 1997) of BN(O) Status Holders are no longer obligated to be part of the same household or apply simultaneously with the BN(O) Status Holder. This amendment allows adult children to submit independent applications without being linked to their parents’ visa process.

Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa – Residency Requirement

Applicants for the Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa may apply from within or outside the UK.

• Applications from Outside the UK:
  You must ordinarily be resident in Hong Kong on the date of your application.

• Applications from Inside the UK (Switching Routes):
  You must normally reside in Hong Kong, the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man at the time of application.

The Home Office assesses “ordinary residence” by considering whether the applicant has an established, voluntary, and habitual life in a specific location, excluding temporary or incidental absences. It is crucial to present strong evidence of your residency status, which can vary depending on your personal circumstances.

Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa – Financial Requirement

If you are applying from outside the UK, you must demonstrate the ability to adequately maintain and accommodate yourself (or be supported by a BN(O) Status Holder) without recourse to public funds for at least 6 months.

If you are switching into this route from within the UK, the same financial rules apply. However, the financial requirement is automatically considered satisfied if you have resided in the UK for at least 12 months.

The Immigration Rules outline multiple ways to meet the financial criteria. Applicants can rely on credible third-party financial support, where applicable.

Adequate Maintenance:
The calculation follows the formula:
A – B ≥ C
Where:

• A = Weekly income (or cash savings divided by weeks of leave granted)

• B = Weekly housing costs

• C = Income support threshold for a similar household

We can guide you in providing the correct financial evidence and ensuring compliance with the official formula.

Adequate Accommodation:
Accommodation must not be overcrowded and must meet public health and safety standards.

Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa – In-Country TB Test Requirement

A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate is required if:

• You are in the UK and applying to switch into the BN(O) Household Member route;

• Your most recent UK visa was valid for 6 months or less;

• You spent more than 6 months in a listed country (Appendix T) before your last grant of leave.

Your TB certificate must be issued by an approved test centre and be no older than 6 months.
This requirement is waived if you submitted a valid TB certificate as part of a successful application within the last 12 months.

Duration of a Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa

• If you do not already hold BN(O) route permission, your visa will expire on the same date as the linked BN(O) Status Holder’s visa.

• If you already hold BN(O) route permission, you can choose between a 30-month visa or a 5-year visa, depending on your preference.

BN(O) Household Member Visa – Conditions

Visa holders enjoy the right to work in almost any capacity, including employment, self-employment, or voluntary roles, provided they adhere to UK employment regulations.

Dependent children may attend school (under 18) or pursue education/training (16–19 years).

Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa – Application Fees

• 30-month visa: £180 per person

• 5-year visa: £250 per person

Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access and prove financial capability to support themselves and their dependents for 6 months in the UK.

Settlement in the UK – Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member Visa Route

To achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), visa holders must show 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.

Time spent under other settlement-eligible visas may be combined with time spent under the BN(O) route. Absences of up to 180 days in any 12-month period are permitted.

Applicants under 65 must also meet the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirements.

British Citizenship for BN(O) Household Members

After holding settled status for 12 months, applicants may:

• Apply to register as British (under Section 4 of the British Nationality Act 1981)

• Adult dependents may apply for naturalisation as British citizens.

Applicants must meet stricter residency limits:

• No more than 450 days outside the UK during the last 5 years;

• No more than 90 days outside the UK in the 12 months prior to applying.

Dependents of BN(O) Household Members

A BN(O) Household Member Visa holder may be joined by:

• A dependent partner
  
  
• Dependent children under 18 of the visa holder or their partner.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

Navigating the UK immigration process, particularly for Hong Kong BN(O) Household Member visa applications, can be challenging due to the stringent documentation and eligibility requirements outlined in the Immigration Rules. Seeking expert guidance from professional immigration service providers like Link And Day Lawyers can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome by ensuring that your application is meticulously prepared and fully compliant with Home Office regulations.

At Link And Day Lawyers, we specialize in supporting BN(O) citizens and their families throughout every stage of the visa process. Our experienced immigration specialists possess in-depth knowledge of the UK immigration framework and are adept at interpreting and applying the complex policies governing Hong Kong BN(O) visa routes.

We take pride in delivering a client-focused approach, offering tailored advice that addresses individual circumstances with precision and clarity. Our team is committed to providing strategic, trustworthy, and results-driven immigration services for Hong Kong BN(O) Household Members, ensuring that every application is presented to the highest professional standard.