The BNO status was established by the Hong Kong Act 1985 and formally introduced on July 1, 1987, via the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986. For those who do not meet the criteria for British citizenship, a new Hong Kong BNO visa for the UK has been available since January 31, 2021. Our expert team of nationality solicitors offers fixed-fee services to guide you through the application process for British citizenship from a BNO status. Feel free to reach out online for complimentary advice or schedule a detailed consultation with our specialists.
As a British National (Overseas), you may qualify for British citizenship under the following conditions:
To qualify under the five-year residence requirement, you must:
1- Have lived in the UK for a minimum of five years, known as the residential qualifying period.
2- Be present in the UK for at least five years prior to your application date.
3- Not have been outside the UK for more than 450 days during the five-year period.
4- Have spent no more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months of the five-year period.
5- Not have breached any immigration rules during the five-year period.
6- Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for the last 12 months of the five-year period.
The residential qualifying period is calculated from the date your application is received by the Home Office UKVI. You must demonstrate that you were present in the UK at the start of this period. For example, if your application was received on November 25, 2020, you need to prove your presence in the UK on November 26, 2015. Time spent in the UK while exempt from immigration control, such as during diplomatic service or while in detention, cannot be included in the residential qualifying period.
If you do not meet the five-year residence requirement, you might still qualify based on crown or similar
service. You need to demonstrate:
1- Service under the government of a British overseas territory, or
2- Service with a body established by law in a British overseas territory, where members are
appointed by or on behalf of the Crown.
Such registration is granted only in exceptional cases. You must prove:
3- Holding a responsible position,
4- Providing outstanding service, and
5- Having a strong connection to the UK.
To be eligible for British citizenship as a BNO with no other nationality, you must:
1- Be a British National (Overseas),
2- Hold no other citizenship or nationality,
3- Have not renounced any citizenship or nationality, and
4- Not have lost any citizenship or nationality through action or inaction.
Ensure you do not have any unacknowledged nationality before applying for British citizenship.
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