The Hong Kong BN(O) dependant route allows eligible family members to join or remain with a BN(O) status holder or qualifying BN(O) adult child in the UK. Each dependant makes a separate application linked to the main applicant.
For eligible partners, children and, in limited cases, highly dependent adult relatives.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-29.
TL;DR
The Hong Kong BN(O) dependant route allows eligible family members to live, work and study in the UK with the BN(O) main applicant. The fee is £206 for 2 years and 6 months or £285 for 5 years, the maximum initial grant is 5 years, and decision timing should be checked through the current GOV.UK processing-time service.
£206
2.5-year application fee
5 years
Maximum initial stay
5 years
Route to settlement
What is the Hong Kong BN(O) Dependant Visa?
The Hong Kong BN(O) dependant route forms part of the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) immigration pathway. It enables qualifying family members of a BN(O) status holder, or of an eligible adult child of a BN(O) status holder, to apply for permission linked to that family relationship.
Eligible family members may include a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner, children and grandchildren under 18, and certain adult children. A parent, grandparent, sibling, adult son or adult daughter may qualify only where the high-dependency requirements are met.
Each family member must submit an individual application. The applications are linked using the main applicant’s application number or a family linking code. Some categories must apply at the same time as the main applicant, while partners, children under 18 and adult dependent relatives can apply later provided the main applicant’s BN(O) permission remains valid.
Permission can be granted for 2 years and 6 months or 5 years. The route permits work and study and can lead to settlement after 5 years, subject to the settlement requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Hong Kong BN(O) Dependant Visa.
📄
Qualifying Family Relationship
The applicant must fall within an eligible dependant category, such as a partner, child or qualifying adult dependent relative. The required evidence depends on the precise relationship and household circumstances.
💼
Linked BN(O) Main Applicant
The application must be linked to a BN(O) status holder or qualifying BN(O) adult child. Some family members must apply at the same time and form part of the same household.
£
Maintenance and Suitability
First-time applicants must normally show adequate accommodation and funds for at least 6 months. Suitability, identity and any applicable tuberculosis requirements must also be met.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Hong Kong BN(O) Dependant Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work in the UK, except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
- Study in the UK at school, college or university.
- Apply for 2.5 or 5 years depending on family plans.
- Extend repeatedly while continuing to meet the route requirements.
- Apply for settlement after 5 years if the residence rules are met.
- Link family applications using the main applicant’s reference or family code.
✗ You Cannot
- Qualify automatically solely because you are related to a BN(O) status holder.
- Ignore timing rules where your category must apply alongside the main applicant.
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
- Usually access public funds unless the no-public-funds condition is later lifted in qualifying financial circumstances.
- Treat an adult-relative application as routine where the high-dependency test is not met.
- Assume settlement is automatic without completing the qualifying residence period.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Visa fee: 2 years 6 months | £206 per person |
| Visa fee: 5 years | £285 per person |
| Adult IHS: 2 years 6 months | £2,587.50 |
| Adult IHS: 5 years | £5,175 |
| Child IHS: 5 years | £3,880 |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check current fees |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm the Dependant Category
Identify whether the applicant is applying as a partner, child, adult child or adult dependent relative and check the category-specific timing rules.
Link the Family Applications
Obtain the BN(O) main applicant’s GWF or UAN reference, or use the family linking code where available.
Prepare the Evidence
Collect relationship, identity, residence, accommodation, financial and any required medical evidence.
Apply and Verify Identity
Submit a separate online application for each dependant, pay the fee and IHS, and complete the identity process.
Receive Your Decision
Check the current GOV.UK processing-time service for the applicable estimate and wait for the decision before making travel arrangements.
Speak to Our Team Today
Fill in the form and an immigration specialist will be in touch within one business day.
Request a Consultation
Tell us about your case
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Hong Kong BN(O) Dependant Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Hong Kong BN(O) Dependant Visa UK?
It is the family-member route within the Hong Kong BN(O) immigration pathway. Eligible dependants can live, work and study in the UK and may qualify for settlement after 5 years.
Who can apply as a BN(O) dependant?
Potential applicants include a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, child or grandchild under 18, certain adult children and, in limited circumstances, highly dependent adult relatives.
How much does a Hong Kong BN(O) dependant application cost?
The application fee is £206 for 2 years and 6 months or £285 for 5 years. The Immigration Health Surcharge is payable separately for each family member.
Can a BN(O) dependant apply after the main applicant?
Partners, children under 18 and adult dependent relatives do not have to apply at the same time, provided the main applicant’s BN(O) visa is still valid.
Can an unmarried partner qualify?
Yes, where the relationship requirements are met, including evidence of a durable relationship and ongoing commitment.
Can adult children apply?
Some adult children can apply under the BN(O) Adult Child route or as eligible family members, depending on their date of birth and relationship to the BN(O) status holder.
Can parents or siblings apply as BN(O) dependants?
Only in limited cases as adult dependent relatives where the high-dependency and long-term care requirements are met.
Can BN(O) dependants work and study?
Yes. They can generally work and study, but cannot work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.
Does the BN(O) dependant route lead to settlement?
Yes. Eligible family members can apply for settlement after 5 years, subject to the relevant residence rules.
How long does a BN(O) dependant decision take?
GOV.UK directs applicants to its processing-time checker for a current estimate. Timings vary by location, identity method and case complexity.
Need Help With Your Hong Kong BN(O) Dependant Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.