Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a BNO Status Holder

As a British National (Overseas) (BNO) status holder, you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing five years of continuous residence in the UK under the BNO visa category. This period can also be combined with other settlement visa routes that lead to ILR. To qualify, you must meet the residency requirement, ensuring you have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period. Once you obtain ILR as a BNO status holder, you may apply for British citizenship through naturalisation or registration after one year.

The ILR application for BNO status holders is governed by the regulations outlined in Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) of the UK Immigration Rules. The Home Office UKVI only accepts ILR applications through the standard processing service, as Priority and Super Priority services are not available for BNO status holders.

Aden & Co Solicitors, a leading UK immigration law firm, specialises in providing high-quality legal services for visa and immigration matters. Our team of fully qualified and experienced immigration solicitors has earned a stellar reputation, reflected in our 5-star Google Reviews from 99% of our satisfied clients.

If you require expert legal guidance for your ILR application as a BNO status holder, our immigration solicitors in London offer fixed-fee legal services to ensure a transparent and efficient process. You can seek free initial immigration advice by submitting an online query to our BNO visa specialists. Alternatively, book a detailed consultation with one of our expert immigration solicitors to receive tailored legal representation for your ILR application.

Eligibility Criteria for ILR as a BN(O) Citizen

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holder, applicants must meet the following stringent requirements:

• Valid ILR Application: The applicant must submit a properly completed application for ILR under the BN(O) route.
• Residency Requirement: A continuous lawful residence of at least five years is required under an immigration route leading to settlement. The most recent leave to remain must have been granted under the Hong Kong BN(O) route.
• Continuous Residence Compliance: The applicant must satisfy the conditions set out in Appendix Continuous Residence, ensuring no significant gaps in lawful residence.
• Suitability Requirements: The application must not be subject to refusal under Part 9 – Grounds for Refusal, which includes factors such as criminality, deception, and breaches of immigration rules.
• Immigration Compliance: The applicant must not:
  • Be in violation of UK immigration laws, except where paragraph 39E applies, allowing for specific periods of overstaying to be disregarded.
  • Be on immigration bail at the time of application.
• English Language Proficiency: Unless exempt, the applicant must demonstrate English language skills at a minimum B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in both speaking and listening. This must be proven as per Appendix English Language.
• Knowledge of Life in the UK: Applicants aged 18 to 64 must meet the Knowledge of Life in the UK (KoL) requirement, as outlined in Appendix KOL UK.

Absences from the UK for ILR as a BN(O)

To secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as a British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] status holder, you must satisfy the continuous residence requirement. This means you must not have spent more than 180 days outside the United Kingdom within any consecutive 12-month period over the five-year qualifying period. When submitting your ILR application, you must provide a comprehensive record of all absences from the UK, including the reasons for each.

Furthermore, the period between the approval of your entry clearance and your physical arrival in the UK can be counted towards your continuous residence. However, any absence from the UK during this time will be considered part of the 180-day allowance within a rolling 12-month period.

How Aden & Co Solicitors Can Assist with Your ILR Application

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors in London offer expert legal advice and representation on a fixed-fee basis for your ILR application as a BN(O) status holder. We provide end-to-end support, ensuring your application meets all Home Office UKVI requirements. Our comprehensive legal services include:

• Assessing your eligibility for ILR by thoroughly reviewing your personal circumstances.
• Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your ILR application and advising on potential improvements.
• Providing tailored guidance on the required supporting documents for your application.
• Reviewing and verifying your documents to ensure compliance with Home Office UKVI immigration rules.
• Completing and submitting your ILR application online, ensuring all information is accurately provided.
• Assisting with the payment of the ILR application fee.
• Scheduling your appointment at the application centre for document verification and biometric enrolment.
• Drafting a detailed cover letter to strengthen and support your application.
• Uploading all necessary supporting documents before your biometric appointment.
• Communicating with the Home Office UKVI to facilitate a timely decision on your ILR application.

Fixed Fees for ILR as a BNO – Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer transparent and competitive fixed fees for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications under the British National (Overseas) (BNO) route. Our professional legal team charges a fixed fee ranging from £1,000 to £1,500 (excluding VAT), depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of work required to prepare a robust application.

It is important to note that our fixed fee exclusively covers our legal services and does not include disbursements, such as the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) application fee. Applicants must pay the Home Office UKVI charges separately as per the applicable fee structure.