British National (Overseas) visa

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Apply for the first time from inside the UK

You can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa from inside the UK if:

  • you’re in the UK as a visitor
  • you’re in the UK on a different visa and want to switch to a BNO visa
  • you’ve made an asylum claim

You’ll need to apply online. Before you apply, you can check:

If you have an outstanding asylum claim, you should only withdraw it after you’ve submitted your BNO visa application.

If you’ve already withdrawn your asylum claim, you must submit your BNO application as soon as possible. Your application may be refused if it’s submitted more than one month after you withdraw your asylum claim.

There is a different process if you want to apply to extend your current BNO visa.

How to apply

As part of your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

  • use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your BNO, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or EEA passport - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
  • have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you need to go to an appointment, the centre may have to keep your passport and documents while they process your application.

Apply online

Apply now

Continue your application

You can continue your application if you’ve saved it. To do this, find out how to sign in to your account.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

  • do not have internet access

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 12 weeks of your application date.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, the 12 weeks starts from the date you submitted your online application.

If you went to a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) point, the 12 weeks starts from the date you attended your appointment and submitted your fingerprints.

Your application may take longer to process if:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified or you need to provide more evidence

  • you need to attend an interview

  • you do not have a valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate

  • you have a criminal conviction for an offence that is recognised in the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

After you apply

You can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision about your application.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man until you get a decision.

If you’re applying with a family member

You and your family members might get your decisions at different times.

If your family members are waiting for a decision, it does not automatically mean their application has been unsuccessful.

If you need to change or cancel your application

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UKVI.

You can ask to cancel your application. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

After you get a decision

You’ll get a letter or an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Find out what happens after you get your decision.

If your application is unsuccessful

If your application is unsuccessful, your family members’ applications will also be refused.

You may be able to stay in the UK for up to 12 months if you were not able to prove that you:

  • have enough money to support yourself and your family in the UK

  • have a permanent home in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong

When you get your decision letter, it will say if you’re allowed to do this. You’ll be able to apply for a BNO visa again.

If you stay in the UK for up to 12 months, you’ll get a refund for some of the healthcare surcharge you paid.

As an adult (18 or older), you’ll get a refund of:

  • £936 if you applied for 2 years and 6 months

  • £2,496 if you applied for 5 years

As a child under 18 you’ll get a refund of:

  • £705 if you applied for 2 years and 6 months

  • £1,880 if you applied for 5 years

View a printable version of the whole guide

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