British National Overseas (BNO visa) status is a type of British nationality that was created for Hong Kong residents in the lead-up to the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China in 1997. To be eligible for BNO status, an individual must have been a British Dependent Territories citizen (BDTC) and have a connection to Hong Kong at the time of the transfer, either by being a resident or by having been born or naturalized there. Additionally, BNO status can be passed down to children born outside of Hong Kong, as long as one parent holds BNO status at the time of the child’s birth.
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Can BNO visa holder work in UK?
Holders of BNO visa can work and study in the UK without any restrictions, but they are not eligible for certain benefits and public services that are available to British citizens. BNO visa holders are subject to immigration control and are required to apply for a visa if they wish to stay in the UK for longer than six months.
They can apply for a standard visitor visa, a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa, or a Tier 1 or Tier 2 work visa, depending on their circumstances. Starting from Jan 2021, BNO visa holders are eligible for a new immigration route, which allows them to live and work in the UK for five years, after which they can apply for settled status.
What is the difference between British passport and BNO?
A British passport is a document issued by the British government that confirms the holder’s identity and nationality as a British citizen. It allows the holder to travel internationally and serves as proof of citizenship for accessing certain benefits and public services within the UK.
British National Overseas (BNO) status, on the other hand, is a type of British nationality that was created for Hong Kong residents in the lead-up to the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China in 1997. BNO status does not confer the same rights and privileges as British citizenship. BNO passport holders do not have the automatic right of abode in the UK, meaning they are subject to immigration control and are required to apply for a visa if they wish to stay in the UK for longer than six months.
BNO passport holders have limited rights compared to full British citizens, for example, they cannot vote in general elections and do not have an automatic right to live and work in the UK. But starting from Jan 2021, BNO visa holders are eligible for a new immigration route, which allows them to live and work in the UK for five years, after which they can apply for settled status.
How long BNO can stay in UK?
Holders of BNO visa can stay in the UK for up to six months at a time. However, if they wish to stay for longer than six months, they are required to apply for a visa.
Starting from January 2021, BNO citizens are eligible for a new immigration route, which allows them to live and work in the UK for five years, after which they can apply for settled status. The new visa is called the UK BNO Visa, it grants the right to work and study without restriction, access to the National Health Service (NHS) and the right to apply for public funds such as Universal Credit.
It’s important to note that while the BNO visa allows holders to live and work in the UK for five years, it does not grant them full citizenship rights and they will not be able to vote in general elections, run for public office, or apply for certain jobs that require full citizenship.
What tier is BNO visa?
The BNO visa, also known as UK BNO Visa is a new immigration route that was introduced on January 2021 for British National Overseas (BNO) citizens who are residents of Hong Kong. This new visa is not under the traditional Tier based points-based system, the UK has for other types of work and study visa.
It is a standalone route for BNO citizens, which allows them to live and work in the UK for five years, after which they can apply for settled status. The route provides the right to work and study without restriction, access to the National Health Service (NHS) and the right to apply for public funds such as Universal Credit.
How many BNO visas are approved?
The UK BNO Visa only started to be issued on January 31st, 2021. But I can tell you that the UK government has announced that around 3 million BNO citizens are eligible for the UK BNO Visa, which was created to provide a pathway to live and work in the UK for five years and then apply for settled status.
It is important to note that the number of BNO visas approved will depend on various factors, including the number of applications received and the individual circumstances of each applicant. Additionally, the UK government may set annual limits on the number of visas that can be issued under this program.
You can check the UK government official website or contact them directly for more information on the latest statistics and updates on the BNO visa application process.
