At First Law Solicitors, we represent individuals and families from Hong Kong holding British National (Overseas) status, helping them secure lawful residence and long-term stability in the United Kingdom through the BN(O) visa route.
Our solicitors understand that this visa is more than an immigration category it is a lifeline for families seeking freedom, safety, and opportunity. We combine precise legal preparation with compassionate strategy to ensure your application meets every Home Office requirement, while supporting your smooth integration into UK life.
The British National (Overseas) visa was introduced in 2021 as a special route for people from Hong Kong who hold BN(O) status, as well as certain family members. It allows you to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom and provides a direct pathway to settlement and British citizenship.
This route remains fully open in 2026 and continues to be one of the most stable and flexible immigration categories available.
There are two main options:
1. BN(O) Status Holder Route: For individuals who hold BN(O) status and are ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or the United Kingdom.
2. BN(O) Household Member Route: For close family members, such as partners, children, and dependants, who form part of the BN(O) household.
Children aged eighteen or over may also qualify if they were part of the same household as the BN(O) status holder when the route opened and remain dependent on them.
To qualify, you must demonstrate:
There is no English language requirement for initial entry, but it applies at the settlement stage after five years.
Our solicitors prepare every element of the application including family composition, dependency evidence, and financial proof to ensure it meets Home Office standards and avoids delays or refusals.
Successful applicants are granted permission to live in the United Kingdom for either two and a half years or five years, depending on the chosen route. You can extend this permission or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five continuous years of lawful residence.
Once you hold ILR for twelve months, you may apply to naturalise as a British citizen.
Our firm advises clients on maintaining lawful residence, protecting continuous stay, and planning strategically for citizenship, including ensuring that tax, residence, and travel arrangements align with long-term settlement goals.
The Home Office requires evidence that you and your family can support yourselves financially without relying on public funds. This can include employment income, savings, or support from family and friends already in the United Kingdom.
We provide precise guidance on evidential formatting under Appendix Finance of the Immigration Rules, ensuring that every bank statement, payslip, and accommodation document is accepted without challenge.
For clients relocating with property, business interests, or complex assets, our private client team offers comprehensive tax and estate planning to structure the move efficiently.
The BN(O) route supports family unity. You can apply with your partner and dependent children under eighteen. Adult children born on or after 1 July 1997 may apply separately if they form part of the same household.
In certain circumstances, extended family members such as grandparents or carers may also be included where there is compelling dependency evidence.
Our solicitors prepare detailed family relationship statements and dependency proofs, ensuring compliance with Home Office expectations for the 2026 standard of evidence.
Since January 2026, all BN(O) visa holders are issued with digital eVisas instead of physical Biometric Residence Permits. Your immigration status is now securely stored and accessible through your UKVI digital account.
At First Law Solicitors, we manage every stage of your application in accordance with the Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA), which governs the use of digital identity and data protection across UK immigration systems.
All identity verification, document uploads, and signatures are handled through our encrypted client portal using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) for maximum security and legal validity.
While the BN(O) route is straightforward for most applicants, some encounter refusals for technical reasons such as residence evidence or family dependency.
Our solicitors represent clients in Administrative Review and Judicial Review proceedings, identifying procedural errors and challenging disproportionate decisions under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (family life protection).
We have successfully overturned refusals for families facing complex residency, documentary, or transitional issues.
Legal Precision: Every application is reviewed by a senior solicitor to ensure absolute compliance with Home Office and FCDO standards.
Strategic Relocation: We coordinate with tax, property, and family law experts to ensure your relocation to the United Kingdom is efficient and future-proof.
Digital Excellence: Our DUAA-compliant systems and secure portal ensure your data and documents are protected to the highest standard.
Compassionate Expertise: We combine professionalism with empathy, understanding the unique challenges of relocation from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom.
At First Law Solicitors, we do more than complete visa forms we help families rebuild their futures with security, dignity, and legal certainty.
If you hold British National (Overseas) status or are a family member of a BN(O) citizen and wish to apply for residence in the United Kingdom, contact First Law Solicitors today for expert legal advice.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange a private consultation with an experienced immigration solicitor.
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