British National (Overseas) visa

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Apply for the first time from outside the UK

You must apply online.

Before you apply, you can check:

You should wait for a decision on your application before you travel to the UK.

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 visa application centre

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

  • you may need to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply online

Your visa will start on the day it’s approved, even if you request a specific start date when you apply.

Apply now

If you use a valid BNO or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport to prove your identity, you do not need to travel to the UK using the same passport.

Continue your application

You can continue your application if you’ve saved it. To do this, you can sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

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 visa application centre service 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.

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 plan to travel to the UK with your family and you want to be certain you can all travel together, you may want to wait until all family members have received a decision before making travel arrangements.

If your application is successful

You must travel to the UK:

  • within 90 days, if you went to a visa application centre to prove your identity

  • before your visa expires, if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app to prove your identity

Children under 18 must travel with one or both parents, unless they’re joining their parents who are already in the UK.

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. If your application is successful but your family member’s is not, you can still come to the UK.

You’ll get a refund for the healthcare surcharge you paid for each unsuccessful application.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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