Version 15.0 of the Home Office caseworker guidance on the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) route, published for staff on 8 October 2026, says dependent children no longer need a 5-year continuous residence period before qualifying for settlement.
Key facts
- Who: Dependent children on the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) route applying for settlement; visitors applying to the route from within the UK
- From: The source gives no in-force date. Version 15.0 was published for Home Office staff on 8 October 2026.
- Source: Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BNO) route: caseworker guidance
Version 15.0 of the UK Visas and Immigration guidance was published for Home Office staff on 8 October 2026. It is based on Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) to the Immigration Rules. Its list of changes from the previous version has four items.
Dependent children and settlement. The guidance has been updated to reflect that dependent children are no longer required to complete a 5-year continuous residence period before qualifying for settlement. It also sets out the approach to settlement applications from children whose parents have different visa expiry dates. The key requirements section still states that the route leads to settlement after 5 years' continuous residence in the UK, except where the applicant is under 18 at the date of application.
Different categories in Home Office systems. The guidance clarifies how caseworkers should assess applications where individuals are recorded under different categories within Home Office systems.
Visitors applying in the UK. A person with permission as a visitor may apply on the route from within the UK. The grant of visitor permission does not, by itself, affect eligibility. Visitors are required to intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit when they seek entry, but an application on the route may be made where the applicant's circumstances have changed and they meet the requirements of the route.
The guidance continues to give the application fee as £206 for 30 months' permission and £285 for 5 years' permission, payable by each applicant. Knowledge of language and life is required for settlement applications but not for entry clearance or permission to stay.
What this means for applicants
Dependent children applying for settlement on the route are not required to complete a 5-year continuous residence period first. Where a child's parents have different visa expiry dates, the guidance now sets out an approach for caseworkers to follow.
Visitors already in the UK who meet the requirements of the route can apply from within the UK. Their visitor permission does not, by itself, affect eligibility.
The document is guidance for staff. The requirements themselves are set out in Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) to the Immigration Rules.
Related guide: BN(O) status holder route
Sources
- Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BNO) route: caseworker guidance, Home Office, version 15.0, updated 8 October 2026