Eligibility Quiz
Are you a British National (Overseas)?
Application Process
The British National (Overseas) visa is a dedicated route for people from Hong Kong to live, work, and study in the UK. You can apply for either a 30-month or a 5-year visa. Most applicants choose the 5-year option to save on long-term costs and administrative steps.
Step 1: Get Your TB Test
Before you start your application, you must obtain a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic. This certificate is only valid for 6 months, so time your appointment so it is valid when you submit your application.
Step 2: Prepare Your Evidence
Gather digital copies of the following:
- Proof of Residency: Documents like utility bills or bank statements showing you live in Hong Kong (if applying from abroad) or the UK (if applying from within the country).
- Financial Evidence: You must show you can support yourself for at least 6 months. As of 2026, the benchmark is approximately £2,000 for a single adult and £3,100 for a couple.
- Relationship Proof: If applying with family, have marriage or birth certificates ready.
Step 3: Submit the Online Application
You must apply through the official UK government website. During this process, you will choose how to verify your identity.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity
There are two ways to prove who you are:
Option A: The "UK Immigration: ID Check" App If you have a biometric passport (from Hong Kong SAR, the UK, or an EEA country), you can use the smartphone app.
- Download the app on your iPhone or Android.
- Scan your passport and take a digital photo of your face.
- If you use the app, you will receive a digital immigration status rather than a physical permit.
Option B: Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) If you cannot use the app or do not have a biometric passport, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
- Attend the appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
- Your passport will be kept while your application is processed.
- You will receive a vignette (a physical sticker) in your passport if approved.
Step 5: Receive Your Decision
You will be notified of the decision via email. Once approved, you have the right to work and study in the UK. You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent settlement) after 5 years of continuous residence.
Fees
| Item | Cost (30-Month Visa) | Cost (5-Year Visa) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | £193 | £268 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (Adult) | £2,587.50 | £5,175 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (Child) | £1,940 | £3,880 |
| Priority Service (Optional) | ~£500 | ~£500 |
Total Estimate: For a single adult applying for a 5-year visa, the total cost is approximately £5,443.
Note: These fees do not include the cost of your TB test, travel to the UK, or the cost of translating documents that are not in English or Welsh.
Processing Time
- Standard Service: You will usually receive a decision within 12 weeks of submitting your application and verifying your identity.
- Priority Service: If you need a faster decision, you can pay for priority processing to receive a result within 5 working days.
- Document Validity: Your TB certificate must be valid at the time of application. Once your visa is granted, if you received a vignette (sticker) in your passport, you generally have 90 days to enter the UK. If you used the app, your digital status is valid from the date of the decision.
- Residency Requirement: To qualify for settlement after 5 years, ensure you do not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.