British National Overseas visa expansion to include qualifying adult children

The British National (Overseas) ('BNO') visa route will be extended to enable adult children (born on or after 1 July 1997) of qualifying British National (Overseas) citizens ('BNO Status Holders') to apply for a UK resident visa independently of their BNO Status Holder parents. The changes take effect for applications submitted from 30 November 2022.

The BNO visa allows BNO Status Holders and certain family members to obtain a visa to live, work and study in the UK with eligibility for settlement after five years and British citizenship after six years' total residence in the UK with permission in this category. 

Applicants can apply for a BNO visa either as a BNO Status Holder or a BNO Household Member (immediate and extended family members forming part of the same household). 

The BNO Household Member route will be extended to allow adult children of BNO Status Holders to apply independently of their BNO Status Holder parent. Prior to 30 November 2022, the UK's Immigration Rules provided that only children aged below 18 may apply together with their BNO Status Holder parent(s), leaving adult children without a route to join their younger siblings and parents in the UK.

The Home Office has estimated that the new extension could allow an additional 11,700 qualifying young Hong Kong nationals to take advantage of the scheme. 

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