If you are a Hong Kong BN(O) status holder who is lawfully and ordinarily resident in the UK, you can apply to switch to a BNO visa from within the UK. This option is available to those who are currently in the UK under a different visa type. The application to switch to the BNO visa must comply with the guidelines outlined in Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) of the Immigration Rules. Please note, the application for switching to the BNO visa can only be submitted through the standard service, as the Home Office UKVI does not provide Priority or Super Priority services for this particular application.

Aden & Co Solicitors is a leading provider of UK immigration services, delivering exceptional legal representation for UK visa and immigration matters. Our team of highly qualified and experienced immigration specialists has earned a reputation for excellence, demonstrated by the 5-star ratings from 99% of our clients on Google Reviews.

When applying for a BNO visa, you can choose between a 30-month or a 60-month period. After five years of residence in the UK on a BNO visa, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Following one year of holding ILR, you may apply for naturalisation as a British Citizen or registration as a British Citizen.

Our team of expert immigration solicitors in London is available to provide comprehensive advice and legal representation for your BNO visa application on a fixed-fee basis. You can get free online advice by asking a question or book a consultation with one of our specialists for in-depth guidance regarding your application to switch to a BNO visa from within the UK.

Essential Criteria for Switching to the BN(O) Visa in the UK

To successfully switch to the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) Visa from within the UK, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Submission of a Valid Application: Applicants must ensure a valid and complete application is submitted.
• Age Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
• BN(O) Status: Applicants must hold British National (Overseas) status as defined under the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986.
• Ordinary Residency: The applicant must be ordinarily resident in the UK, Hong Kong, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, or the Isle of Man at the time of application.
• Financial Requirements:

• • If residing in the UK for 12 months or longer, applicants automatically meet the financial requirements.
  • If living in the UK for less than 12 months, applicants must prove they can sustain themselves without accessing public funds for at least six months.

• Grounds for Refusal: Applicants must not fall under Part 9 (grounds for refusal) of the immigration rules.
• Immigration Law Compliance: Applicants must not:

• • Be in breach of immigration laws, except where overstaying is disregarded under paragraph 39E.
  • Be on immigration bail.

• Permission History: If applying for an extension:

• • The previous grant of permission must not exceed six months.
  • Applicants must not have spent more than six months in a country listed in Appendix T immediately before their last permission.

BN(O) Visa Grant Period and Conditions

Upon approval, the applicant will receive permission based on the chosen duration:

• 5 Years: For applications requesting a 5-year grant.
• 30 Months: For applications requesting a 30-month grant.

The following conditions will apply to the granted permission:

• No Access to Public Funds: Applicants cannot claim public benefits.
• Work Authorization: Employment, self-employment, and voluntary work are permitted, except for roles as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.
• Study Permission: Study is allowed, provided compliance with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) as per Appendix ATAS.

How Can Aden & Co Solicitors Assist with Switching to a BN(O) Visa?

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we specialize in providing expert immigration advice and legal representation on a fixed-fee basis for individuals applying to switch to the BN(O) visa from within the UK. Our dedicated team ensures a seamless process by managing every aspect of your application.

Comprehensive Immigration Services Include:

• Eligibility Assessment: We thoroughly evaluate your eligibility for switching to a BN(O) visa, considering all relevant UK Home Office requirements.
• Document Guidance: Our experts will guide you on the specific documents needed to support your application.
• Document Review: We meticulously review your evidence to ensure it aligns with Home Office standards.
• Application Completion: Our solicitors will complete the online application form on your behalf.
• Detailed Cover Letter: We draft a robust cover letter explaining how your application meets all the required criteria.
• Submission & Appointment Booking: We handle the online submission, pay the necessary Home Office fees, and secure your appointment at the UKVCAS centre.
• Document Uploading: All supporting documents will be uploaded to the online portal for your application.
• Follow-Up: We manage all communications with the Home Office and respond to any inquiries until your application is decided.

Transparent Fixed Fees for BN(O) Visa Applications

Our services are available at a fixed fee ranging between £1,000 and £1,500 (excluding VAT). The final fee depends on the complexity and workload associated with your case.

Please note, the fixed fee does not include disbursements such as the UKVI application fee, which must be paid separately by the applicant.