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BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK: A Complete Guide

January 8, 2025

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The BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK provides a pathway for the adult dependents of British Nationals Overseas (BNO) citizens, particularly elderly parents or other relatives, to join their family members in the UK. This visa enables the dependents to live in the UK with the sponsor and may grant them the right to settle and eventually apply for citizenship. If you are considering applying for this visa

What is the BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK?

The BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK is designed for dependent relatives, including elderly parents, who are citizens of Hong Kong under the British National Overseas (BNO) status. It allows these individuals to move to the UK to live with their BNO sponsors if they meet the eligibility requirements. The visa gives the dependent relative the right to stay in the UK for a limited time, with the potential to apply for permanent settlement after a period.

This visa plays a crucial role for families wishing to reunite with their elderly parents or other dependent relatives, providing them with the opportunity to live together in the UK and receive long-term care.

BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK, both the sponsor (the BNO citizen) and the applicant (the dependent relative) must meet certain requirements.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

  • Sponsor’s Status: The sponsor must be a BNO citizen or a person who has settled in the UK.
  • Age Requirement: The dependent relative must be aged 18 or over.
  • Financial Support: The sponsor must prove that they can financially support the dependent relative without relying on public funds. This involves providing evidence of sufficient income or savings to meet the required threshold.
  • Care Needs: The dependent relative must demonstrate that they need the care and support of their sponsor. For elderly parents, this could be physical or medical care that cannot be provided in their home country.
  • Relationship: The dependent relative must be a direct relative, such as an elderly parent, grandparent, or sibling, of the sponsor. Proof of relationship is required through documents like birth certificates and family records.
  • Accommodation: The sponsor must show that there is suitable accommodation available in the UK for the dependent relative.

BNO Visa Dependent Settlement

One of the key benefits of the BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK is the potential for dependent settlement. After living in the UK for a period, the dependent relative can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), a form of permanent settlement, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Key Points for Settlement:

  • After 5 years on the dependent visa, the applicant can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), as long as they meet the continuous residence requirements.
  • If granted ILR, the dependent relative can remain in the UK permanently, work, and access public services. After holding ILR for a certain period, they may also apply for British citizenship.

The pathway to settlement makes this visa an important option for families who want to ensure their elderly parents or other dependent relatives can live with them permanently in the UK.

BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa Fee

The cost of applying for a BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK varies depending on the length of the visa. The initial visa application fee can be substantial, with the standard fee being approximately £3,250 for a 2.5-year visa. If applying for a longer-term visa (for instance, 5 years), the fee may increase accordingly.

Additional Costs:

  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): In addition to the visa fee, applicants are required to pay the IHS. This surcharge grants the dependent relative access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The cost of the surcharge is typically around £624 per year.
  • Biometric Fee: Applicants will also need to pay a fee for biometric information collection (fingerprints and photographs), which is generally around £19.20.

It’s important to factor in these additional costs when budgeting for the visa application.

BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa for Elderly Parents

The BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa for elderly parents is one of the most commonly sought-after options. Many BNO citizens wish to bring their elderly parents to the UK for better care and to live together as a family. The visa application requires proof that the elderly parent has a genuine care need that cannot be met in their home country, and that the BNO citizen is able and willing to support them financially.

Key Considerations for Elderly Parents:

  • Care Needs: The applicant must provide evidence of the dependent parent’s medical condition or other reasons why they are unable to care for themselves in their home country.
  • Financial Requirements: The sponsor must meet strict financial criteria to prove they can support their elderly parent without relying on public funds.
  • Health Care: As elderly parents may have specific medical needs, applicants may be required to show that the sponsor can provide appropriate healthcare, either privately or through the NHS once in the UK.

Documentary Evidence:

  • Medical Reports: For elderly parents, a medical report or doctor’s letter detailing the care needs and condition of the applicant may be required.
  • Proof of Relationship: Official documentation such as birth certificates or family records proving the family relationship will be essential.

BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa Success Rate

The success rate of the BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK depends on a variety of factors, including the strength of the evidence provided and the applicant’s ability to meet the eligibility criteria. However, generally, applicants who have thorough documentation and can meet the financial, care, and accommodation requirements tend to have a higher success rate.

Factors Affecting Success Rate:

  • Complete Documentation: Providing comprehensive and accurate documentation is key. Missing documents or insufficient evidence can result in delays or denials.
  • Financial Support: If the sponsor cannot meet the financial requirements or demonstrate their ability to support the dependent relative, the application may be rejected.
  • Care Requirements: The applicant must clearly demonstrate their care needs and why they cannot be met in their home country.

While there is no official adult dependent relative visa success rate, applicants who meet all requirements and provide strong evidence of their need for care and support are more likely to have a successful outcome.

FAQs

Can I bring my elderly parents to the UK on the BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa?

Yes, if you are a BNO citizen, you can bring your elderly parents to the UK under the Adult Dependent Relative Visa. However, you must meet the visa’s requirements, including proving that your parents are dependent on you for care and that you can financially support them.

How long does the BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa last?

The BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa can initially be granted for 2.5 years. After that, it can be extended for another 2.5 years. After a total of 5 years, the dependent relative may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

What are the financial requirements for this visa?

To apply for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa, the sponsor must demonstrate that they can financially support the dependent relative without relying on public funds. This includes proving income or savings that meet the Home Office’s threshold for financial support.

Can I work on this visa?

The BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa generally allows the dependent relative to live, work, and study in the UK. They can work full-time and enjoy the same employment rights as any other UK resident.

What is the application process like?

The process includes gathering documentation, completing the online application form, paying the visa fee and health surcharge, and attending a biometric appointment. The application will then be processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

What happens if my visa application is refused?

If your Adult Dependent Relative Visa application is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply, depending on the reason for refusal. It is essential to carefully review the refusal notice and address any issues before reapplying.

Conclusion

The BNO Adult Dependent Relative Visa UK offers a valuable opportunity for BNO citizens to bring their elderly parents or other dependent relatives to the UK for support and care. With the right documentation, financial support, and meeting the eligibility requirements, the application process can be successful. While the visa fee and associated costs can be significant, the potential for long-term settlement and family reunification makes this an important option for families. Stay informed on the requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth application process, and always seek professional advice if you are unsure about any aspect of the visa.

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