Overview
For many Hong Kong citizens, the British National (Overseas) (BNO) status has become more than a travel document. It is now a gateway to a new life in the United Kingdom.
The launch of the BNO visa has opened doors for families and young people to live, work, and most importantly, study in the UK.
If you are a parent planning your child’s education or a student considering university in the United Kingdom, understanding how the BNO passport and visa work will help you make the right decisions.
Our guide below covers everything you need to know about the BNO passport and visa.
Table of Contents
What Is a BNO Passport?
The BNO passport was introduced in 1987 for Hong Kong residents before the 1997 handover. Holders are recognised as British nationals (overseas).
BNO vs Hong Kong SAR vs British passport: What’s the difference?
The BNO passport provides Hong Kong citizens with travel rights, access to UK consular protection, and most importantly, eligibility to apply for the BNO visa. While it does not grant full British citizenship on its own, it serves as a recognised status that opens the pathway for settlement and future citizenship in the United Kingdom.
The HKSAR passport is issued by the Hong Kong authorities and is separate from the BNO passport. It is widely used for international travel and allows visa-free entry to certain countries, but it does not provide the same link to the United Kingdom that the BNO passport offers.
The full British passport represents complete citizenship rights in the United Kingdom. Holders are recognised as British citizens with the right to live, work, study, and access public services in the UK without restrictions. Unlike BNO or HKSAR passport holders, British passport holders enjoy the full benefits of citizenship, including voting rights and eligibility for public funding in education.
How To Renew My BNO Passport?
Applications can be made online via the gov.uk website. You’ll need your old passport, proof of identity, photos that meet UK standards, and payment of the BNO passport renewal fee.
Living In The UK: The BNO Visa Pathway
The BNO visa is currently the main route for Hong Kong citizens who wish to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom. It was designed to give BNO status holders a clear pathway to settlement, while also extending opportunities to their families.
Eligibility is open to BNO status holders and their immediate family members, including spouses, partners, and children under the age of 18. This family-friendly structure makes the scheme especially attractive to parents planning their children’s education in the UK.
The application process is straightforward and takes place entirely online through the official UK government website. Applicants will also need to attend a biometric appointment in Hong Kong to provide fingerprints and photographs as part of the process.
In terms of costs, applicants must pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS is a significant but important payment, as it grants full access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of the visa.
To qualify, applicants must also meet certain requirements. These include providing a TB test certificate, showing proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family, and meeting English language standards if required for settlement later.
For families focused on education, the BNO visa has clear advantages over a traditional student visa. Children can attend schools in the UK without separate sponsorship, and parents are free to work full-time to support the household. This flexibility makes it one of the most attractive routes for Hong Kong families seeking both stability and quality education opportunities in Britain.
What Are Settlement Routes: 5+1 and 10+1?
Many Hong Kong citizens search for the terms “BNO 5+1” and “BNO 10+1”. These describe the routes to settlement and citizenship:
- BNO 5+1: After living in the UK for 5 years on a BNO visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After holding ILR for 12 months, you may apply for full UK citizenship.
- BNO 10+1: A longer route — 10 years of continuous residence followed by 1 year of ILR before citizenship.
Which route is better for families?
- Families with school-aged children often prefer the 5+1 route, as it allows faster access to UK citizenship and “home fee” university status.
Those who are less certain about permanent settlement may remain on longer visas before applying.
Studying in the UK with a BNO Visa
- At first, most BNO holders pay overseas fees.
- After 5 years of residence (ILR stage), families may qualify for home fee status — a huge advantage for university costs.
Life in the UK for BNO Families
Moving to the UK under the BNO visa is not just about education; it is about creating a new life for the whole family. While many families take this step to secure better schooling and university opportunities for their children, the visa also provides stability and rights that support parents as they settle into British society.
One of the biggest advantages is the right to work. Parents can take up full-time employment in the UK, which not only helps with household income but also allows them to actively support their children’s education and future prospects. Unlike student visas, which limit family participation, the BNO visa opens doors for the entire household.
Healthcare is another important benefit. By paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during the visa application, families gain access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). This means that BNO families receive healthcare just like UK residents, covering both routine and emergency needs without additional medical insurance.
When it comes to housing, most families begin by renting, particularly in their first few years while they decide where to settle. Over time, many choose to buy property once they have secured employment and established roots in their community. The UK offers a range of housing options, from city apartments to suburban homes near good schools.
The education pathway is one of the main reasons BNO families relocate. Younger children can enter the UK primary and secondary school system, while teenagers can progress to A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or foundation programmes.
For those aiming at higher education, the UK’s universities offer world-class bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees. This smooth transition ensures that children have a continuous and high-quality education all the way through to university.
Moving Towards Citizenship
For many Hong Kong citizens using the BNO route, the ultimate goal is not just residency but full British citizenship. The process begins with applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify, applicants must complete five years of continuous residence in the UK while keeping within the absence limit of no more than 450 days over that period. Meeting these requirements demonstrates commitment to making the UK a permanent home.
Another key step is the Life in the UK Test, which is mandatory for both ILR and later citizenship applications. The test covers topics such as British history, culture, and values, ensuring that applicants have a strong understanding of life in the UK.
The typical citizenship timeline for BNO holders under the 5+1 route is six years in total: five years of residence to obtain ILR, followed by one additional year before applying for full British citizenship. This path is attractive for families who want long-term security and full rights in the UK.
There are significant benefits for students once citizenship is achieved. UK citizens are eligible to pay home tuition fees at universities, which are much lower than overseas fees. They also gain access to government-backed student loans, easing the financial burden of higher education. Finally, BNO students who become UK citizens will not need to rely on post-study graduate visas, giving them unrestricted opportunities to live and work in Britain after graduation.
Travel and ETA
One of the advantages of holding a BNO passport is easier access to a number of visa-free destinations around the world. While the list of countries is not as extensive as that of a full British passport, it still provides greater travel flexibility than the Hong Kong SAR passport in certain regions. This makes the BNO passport a practical travel document for families who wish to explore education opportunities or visit relatives abroad.
From 2025 onwards, the United Kingdom has introduce a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This means that BNO passport holders who wish to enter the UK without a visa for short visits may need to apply for ETA approval before travelling. However, those who already hold a valid BNO visa are not affected by this change, as their visa covers long-term residence and entry into the UK.
For families living between Hong Kong and the UK, the BNO visa offers additional flexibility. Visa holders are free to travel back and forth during their stay, provided they maintain the residency requirements needed for settlement and eventual citizenship. This allows parents and children to balance commitments in both Hong Kong and Britain while working towards long-term goals in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions About BNO
1) Do I need both a BNO passport and visa to study in the UK?
Yes, the passport confirms your BNO status, and the visa gives you residency rights.
2) Can children study at UK boarding schools on a BNO visa?
Yes — no child student visa is required if they are dependents.
3) Will BNO visa holders pay overseas or home fees?
Initially overseas, but after ILR you can access home fees.
4) What happens if my BNO passport expires in the UK?
You can renew it from the UK through gov.uk.
Summary
For Hong Kong citizens, the BNO passport and visa represent more than just paperwork; they are the foundation of a future in the UK. For families, the chance to give children a world-class education and eventually British citizenship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If you’re planning to use the BNO pathway for your family’s education, start early. With the right guidance, you can secure places at top schools and universities and set your children on the path to success.
Contact us today to explore your options and begin your journey.
How Britannia Can Help: Education Consultancy for BNO Families
Making the move to the UK under the BNO scheme is not just a legal process; it’s a life-changing decision. That’s where we come in.
School and university placements
From boarding schools to Russell Group universities. Step-by-step relocation help: From choosing the right city to settling into schools.
Admissions Support
Application forms, interviews, and test preparation.
Relocation Help
From choosing the right city to settling into schools.
Scholarship guidance
Helping families secure funding and reduce costs.
Whether you are planning for 2025/26 entry or thinking ahead, our consultancy supports families through every stage.