Hong Kong residents have rights affirmed by the British government to take up residency leading to a full British Passport, with the process commencing January 1st 2021.
The BNO (British National Overseas) Passport was issued to all those who chose to register as British Nationals inside the former colonies at independence, or in the case of Hong at the time of the transfer of Sovereignty.
As of January 1st 2021 the British government have expanded the BNO passport with a process for a BNO residency leading to citizenship for all who would have met the earlier criteria
BN(O) Citizens and their dependants who apply and meet the requirements set out abose will have the following entitlements and restrictions in the UK for the period of leave granted under the Hong-Kong BN(O) visa:
- Leave to remain in the UK for a period of five years. This will consist of an initial period of 30 months’ leave, renewable by a second charged application for a further 30 months. Alternatively, applicants will be able to apply for 5 years’ leave from the outset, upon payment of a higher fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge for the duration. Applying for 5 years’ leave is likely to be more cost effective overall
- The ability to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK after five years’ leave under existing rules, and to apply for UK citizenship after 12 months settlement under existing rules and application processes
- The right to work in the UK in almost any capacity as an employed or selfemployed person, consistent with UK employment laws and subject to having the appropriate skills and qualifications
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Access to education including:
- schooling for under 18 child dependants
- education and training for young people aged 16-19
- the ability to apply for higher education courses
The application is online and we support any Hong Kong Resident wishing to pass through this process.
There will be no requirement for applicants to apply for or hold a valid BN(O) passport and successful applicants will be able to travel on a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport. However, valid or expired BN(O) passports should be kept and submitted with an application as evidence of BN(O) status. Where a BN(O) passport has been lost, eligibility checks can be made using historical records held by Her Majesty’s Passport Office.
Applications for the Hong Kong BN(O) Visa can be made from Hong Kong, from within the UK or elsewhere.
We can arrange all accommodation, tax advice, education advise and health advise to anyone who wishes to look at this application process