BNO "5+1" Immigration Allows "Astronaut Project" Family members can go to the UK at different times

The UK will open a ‘Hong Kong BN(O) visa’ for BN(O) citizens and their close family members from 31 January 2021.

Applicants will be able to apply to enter or stay in the UK for a period of 30 months (which you can extend by a further 30 months) or a period of 5 years. They will be able to apply from outside or inside the UK.

They will be able to apply for settlement after 5 years if meeting the requirements, and British citizenship 12 months after settlement.

If they are applying as a family unit, they must apply together. The main applicant who is a BN(O) should apply first and get their unique reference number. Any family members applying will need to quote this unique reference number in their applications.

If the family members do not apply with the main applicant, they will not be able to apply for the Hong Kong BN(O) visa to join you later.

Children under 18 should apply with both of their parents, although there are some exceptions.

If the main applicant or their family members travel at different times to the UK, they may not all qualify to settle in the UK at the same time and may have to make further applications for permission to stay in the UK to meet the 5 years required.