Hong Kong BN(O) Visa Update: New Route for Adult Children

What Has Changed Under the BN(O) Visa?

1. Adult Children Can Now Apply Independently

Eligible adult children no longer need to be included as dependants on a parent’s application. You can now submit your own BN(O) visa application, regardless of whether your parent applies.

You may be eligible if:

• You are the adult child of a BN(O) status holder, and

• You were under the age of 18 on 1 July 1997, the date of the Hong Kong handover. 

Previously, many individuals meeting these criteria had no route to apply unless their parent also made a BN(O) application. This restriction has now been removed.

2. Bringing Your Own Family Members

Adult children applying independently can also include their immediate family as part of their application, including:

• A partner, and

• Dependent children.

This is a major shift in policy and addresses long-standing concerns about family separation under the original scheme. The Home Office estimates that around 26,000 people will come to the UK under this expanded route over the next five years.

What Were the Rules Before?

Before this expansion:

• Adult children who were under 18 in 1997 could only apply as dependants of their BN(O) parent.

• If a parent chose not to apply, or could not apply, their children had no route under the BN(O) scheme.

• Families were often split, with some siblings able to move to the UK while others were left behind.

The new rules close this gap and allow affected individuals to apply in their own right.

What Has Not Changed Under the BN(O) Route

Although eligibility has widened, the BN(O) visa process itself remains the same.

The application process, required documents, Home Office fees, and what applicants are permitted to do in the UK have not changed. Applicants can still choose between:

• A 30-month visa, or

• A five-year visa.

After living in the UK for five continuous years on the BN(O) route, applicants may apply for permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain), provided you meet the requirements at that time. This can then be followed by an application for British citizenship under the standard nationality rules.

It is important to note that this policy change does not guarantee a visa automatically. All applications continue to be assessed by the Home Office, and applicants must meet the relevant criteria.

Why This Change Matters

This expansion comes at a time of continuing concern about the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, particularly following the introduction of the National Security Law.

The recent sentencing of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, to 20 years’ imprisonment has further highlighted international concerns around freedom of expression and political dissent.

The UK Government has confirmed that:

• BN(O) visa holders will continue to benefit from a five-year route to settlement, despite wider reforms extending settlement timelines for many other migrants.

• The UK remains committed to providing safe and legal routes for those affected by persecution and political repression.