You may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a BNO Dependant up to 28 days before completing five years of continuous residence in the UK under the BNO Dependant visa category. This application must comply with the requirements outlined in Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) of the UK Immigration Rules. Notably, ILR applications for BNO Dependants can only be submitted through the standard service, as the UK Home Office UKVI does not provide Priority or Super Priority processing for such cases.

Aden & Co Solicitors are highly experienced UK immigration solicitors, renowned for delivering exceptional legal services in UK visa and immigration matters. The expertise and commitment of our fully qualified immigration solicitors are reflected in our outstanding reputation, as evidenced by a 5-star rating from 99% of our clients on Google Reviews.

Our dedicated team of immigration solicitors in London offers expert legal advice and representation on a fixed-fee basis for ILR applications under the BNO Dependant route. You can seek professional immigration guidance by submitting an online inquiry to our specialist BNO visa solicitors for free initial advice. Alternatively, book a consultation for comprehensive legal assistance regarding your ILR application as a BNO Dependant.

ILR Eligibility Criteria for BNO Dependants

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a British National (Overseas) (BNO) dependant, applicants must fulfill specific immigration requirements, as outlined in the UK Immigration Rules.

Submission of a Valid Application

Applicants must submit a valid ILR application from within the UK, ensuring compliance with the eligibility criteria set forth in Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) of the Immigration Rules.

Qualifying Period Requirement

The applicant must have lawfully resided in the UK for a continuous period of five years under an immigration route leading to settlement. Notably, the most recent grant of leave must have been under the Hong Kong BN(O) route.

Continuous Residence Requirement

The applicant must satisfy the continuous residence criteria as stipulated in Appendix Continuous Residence throughout the qualifying period.

Suitability Criteria

Applicants must not be subject to refusal under Part 9: Grounds for Refusal of the Immigration Rules.

For those applying for further leave to remain, the applicant must:

• Not be in violation of UK immigration laws (except where paragraph 39E applies, allowing certain periods of overstaying to be disregarded).
• Not be under immigration bail at the time of application.

Relationship Requirements

For applicants under the age of 18 at the time of application, additional conditions outlined in HK 57.2 to HK 57.4 must be fulfilled.

To meet these conditions, the applicant must have previously been granted permission as a dependent child under the Hong Kong BN(O) route. Additionally, at the time of application, the applicant’s parent must either:

• Be applying for settlement under the Hong Kong BN(O) route simultaneously, or
• Already hold settled status or British citizenship.

The applicant’s other parent must also be applying for settlement at the same time or already hold settled status or British citizenship, unless:

• The parent mentioned in HK 57.3 is the applicant’s sole surviving parent,
• The parent in HK 57.3 has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing, or
• There are significant and compelling reasons, as determined by the decision-maker, to grant the child settlement.

Care and Accommodation Requirements

If the applicant is below 18 years of age at the time of application, there must be appropriate provisions in place for their care and accommodation in the UK. These arrangements must adhere to all applicable UK legal and regulatory standards.

English Language and Life in the UK Requirements

Unless exempt, the applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum of B1 level in speaking and listening, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The English language requirement must be satisfied as per Appendix English Language.

For applicants aged 18 and above but below 65, meeting the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement, as specified in Appendix KOL UK, is mandatory.

Continuous Residence Requirement for ILR as a BN(O) Dependent

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a BN(O) dependent, the applicant must meet the continuous residence criteria. This means they must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days within any rolling 12-month period over the five-year qualifying period.

Applicants are required to provide a detailed record of their absences from the UK, including the reasons for each absence, in their ILR application form. The period between the approval of the entry clearance and the applicant’s actual entry into the UK counts as part of the continuous residence period. However, any absences from the UK during this timeframe will be considered within the 180-day limit allowed in a 12-month period.

Comprehensive Legal Assistance for Your ILR Application as a BN(O) Dependant

Aden & Co Solicitors, a leading team of immigration experts in London, provides exceptional legal guidance and representation for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications under the BN(O) visa route. We offer a fixed-fee service, ensuring full legal support throughout your application process until the Home Office UKVI makes a final decision.

Our Immigration Services for Your ILR Application

Our experienced immigration solicitors will handle every aspect of your ILR application, including:

• Eligibility Assessment: We conduct a thorough evaluation of your circumstances to determine your eligibility for ILR as a BN(O) dependant.
• Application Review: Our legal team identifies the strengths and potential weaknesses in your case, providing strategic advice to enhance your application.
• Document Guidance: We offer expert advice on the required supporting documents and meticulously assess them to ensure compliance with Home Office UKVI requirements.
• Application Submission: Our solicitors will accurately complete and submit your online ILR application, ensuring all relevant details are correctly provided.
• Fee Assistance: We guide you through the payment process for the ILR application fee.
• Biometric Appointment Booking: We arrange your appointment for document verification and biometric enrolment.
• Legal Representation: A professionally drafted cover letter will be prepared to strengthen your application and address any key legal points.
• Document Upload: We ensure that all necessary supporting documents are uploaded before your biometric enrolment appointment.
• Liaison with UKVI: We engage directly with the Home Office UKVI to facilitate a timely decision on your ILR application.

Fixed Fees for ILR as a BN(O) Dependant

• Aden & Co Solicitors offer a fixed fee ranging from £800 to £1,500 (no VAT) for handling your ILR application as a BN(O) dependant. The exact fee depends on the complexity of your case and the volume of legal work required.
• The fixed fee excludes disbursements, such as the UKVI application fee, which must be paid separately by the applicant.