1. Overview of the Hong Kong BNO household member visa
The Hong Kong BNO Household Member Visa allows adult children (aged 18 and over) of British National (Overseas) (BNO) Status Holders to live, work, and study in the UK.
Until now, the route was open only to adult children born on or after 1 July 1997. On 9 February 2026, the UK government announced an expansion to include adult children who were under 18 at the time of Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997, closing a gap that had limited access for some families.
2. BNO status and registration before the 1997 handover
BNO Status is a type of British nationality introduced before the 1997 handover of Hong Kong. Individuals who were British Dependent Territories citizens through a connection with Hong Kong could apply for BNO registration. Applications had to be submitted between 1 July 1987 and 30 June 1997, with those born in 1997 eligible until 31 December 1997.
BNO Status cannot be acquired by descent, meaning children born after the handover or those who missed the registration window were not eligible.
3. Development of the Hong Kong BNO visa and household member route
The Appendix Hong Kong BNO route launched in January 2021, offering BNO Status Holders and their eligible family members a pathway to settle in the UK.
Originally, the Household Member route was primarily for adult children born after 1 July 1997, living with their BNO parent(s). Applicants had to demonstrate co-residence and apply alongside the parent moving to the UK.
This created a disparity among siblings: some eligible to register as BNO Status Holders could apply independently, while others, born after 1 July 1997, could not.
On 30 November 2022, the rules were updated to allow children of BNO Status Holders to apply independently, removing the requirement to live in the same household or submit a joint application. Eligibility, however, remained limited to those born on or after 1 July 1997, leaving certain children still excluded.
4. Implementation of the 2026 bno household member changes
The 2026 expansion now allows adult children who were under 18 before 1 July 1997 and did not register as BNO Status Holders to apply. The government highlighted that this change “closes a gap in eligibility that has led to unfair outcomes within families, with some children able to resettle and others not.”
The exact effective date is not yet confirmed, as no formal guidance or explanatory memorandum has been released.
Existing requirements remain unchanged. Applicants must:
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Be an adult child of a BN(O) Status Holder;
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Submit a valid application.
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Avoid refusal under general grounds;
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Hold a valid TB test certificate if required;
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Meet financial requirements; and
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Be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, the UK, the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
5. Settlement in the UK under the Hong Kong BNO household member visa route
The BNO route continues to offer a five-year pathway to settlement. While the government’s consultation on settlement is ongoing, no changes have yet been confirmed regarding settlement requirements for BNO visa holders.
How LawSentis can help
Navigating the BNO Household Member route can be complex, especially with the recent 2026 changes. LawSentis provides expert UK immigration advice and application support, helping BNO Status Holders and their families understand eligibility, prepare documents, and submit applications efficiently. Our team ensures you meet all requirements and maximizes your chances of a smooth transition to the UK. Visit our website for a consultation and explore our full range of immigration services.