First Wave of BNO Visa Holders Now Eligible for Settlement
15 Jan 2026
A milestone moment for Hong Kong BNO visa holders — the first group who arrived when the route opened in January 2021 are now completing their 5-year qualifying period and can apply for settlement.
Who Is Eligible
You can apply for ILR if you:
- Have held a BNO visa for 5 continuous years
- Have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period
- Meet the English language requirement
- Have passed the Life in the UK test
The earliest you can apply is 28 days before your 5-year date.
Application Details
- Cost: 3,029 pounds per person
- Processing time: Usually within 6 months
- Priority processing: Available for an additional fee
BNO Route Retains 5-Year Pathway
Despite the government's "earned settlement" proposals to extend the qualifying period to 10 years for most work visa routes, the BNO route is confirmed to retain its 5-year pathway to settlement, in line with family visa routes.
What You Should Check
Before applying, make sure:
- Your absence records are complete — use the calculator to verify you have not exceeded 180 days in any rolling 12-month period
- Your eVisa is set up and linked to your current passport
- You have booked and passed the Life in the UK test (50 pounds, must score 75%)
- You meet the English language requirement
After Settlement
Once you receive ILR, you can:
- Live and work in the UK without visa restrictions
- Apply for British citizenship after 12 months with ILR
- Access public funds
Remember: your ILR will lapse if you stay outside the UK for 2 or more continuous years.
Source: BNO visa: Settle in the UK (GOV.UK)