Extension Of The Hong Kong BNO Visa - 2024 Update
The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) Visa allows eligible Hong Kong BN(O) citizens to live, work, and study in the UK.
Emma Okenyi
Introduction
Initially, applicants can choose between a 2.5-year or a 5-year visa. Once granted, you can extend your BN(O) Visa to either accumulate the 5 years required for settlement or if you already have 5 years but are not yet ready to apply for settlement. It is essential to understand the process of applying for an extension from within the UK.
Eligibility and Application Timing
The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) Visa allows eligible Hong Kong BN(O) citizens to live, work, and study in the UK. If you have been granted an initial BNO visa for 30 months or 5 years, you are eligible to apply for an extension. This application must be submitted before your current visa expires. Provided you apply before the expiry date, you can continue to live and work in the UK under the same conditions as your previous visa until a decision is made on your extension application.
It advisable to apply for your extension no earlier than 28 days before your visa expires. There is no limit to the number of times you can extend your BNO visa.
Family Members and Children Under 18
Family members can also apply to extend their BNO visa. Each family member must submit their own application. The process and requirements will depend on their age and dependency status. Subsequently, children under 18 must apply to extend their visa along with both parents, provided both hold a BNO visa, unless:
- One parent has sole responsibility.
- One parent has a permanent right to live in the UK (e.g., they are British).
- One parent moved to the UK before the child.
Children will need to use the extension reference number of their parents' application to link the applications.
Partners, Children Over 18, and Adult Dependant Relatives
Partners, children over 18, and adult dependent relatives can apply separately from the main applicant and do not need to prove their relationship to the main applicant. If a relationship ends, a partner can independently apply to extend their visa.
Application Process
To apply for an extension, you need to complete an online application. You will be required to prove your identity, which can be done in one of two ways, depending on your passport type:
- Using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BNO, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), or EEA passport.
- Attending a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide fingerprints and a photo for a biometric residence permit.
You can find your local UKVCAS service point using the link here.
Fees and The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge
The visa application fee must be paid for each applicant:
- £180 for a 2.5-year extension.
- £250 for a 5-year extension.
Furthermore, you and your family members will need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) to access the NHS. The current costs are:
- £2,587.50 per adult for 2.5 years.
- £5,175 per adult for 5 years.
- £1,940 per child under 18 for 2.5 years.
- £3,880 per child under 18 for 5 years.
The IHS is payable as part of your online visa application.
Fee Exemptions
If you are extending your visa for 30 months and receive benefits, you are exempt from paying the application fee and healthcare surcharge. However, this exemption does not apply to extensions for 60 months. Proof of receiving benefits and inability to pay the fees must be provided.
Decision Timeline
Decisions on applications are usually made within 12 weeks. The 12-week period starts from the date of online submission if using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or from the appointment date at a UKVCAS service point.
Applications might take longer if additional verification is needed, an interview is required, or there are criminal convictions to consider.
Post-Application
You can remain in the UK while awaiting a decision. However, you must not travel outside the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man until a decision is made. Family members' decisions might be received at different times, which does not imply that their applications have been unsuccessful.
For more detailed guidance or assistance with your application, please contact our team at Paragon Law. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of the BNO Visa extension process.
Need Further Assistance?
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