UK Toughens BN(O) Visa Path: Hong Kong Applicants Face Stricter English Test & Potential Income Threshold for Settlement

UK Toughens BN(O) Visa Path: Hong Kong Applicants Face Stricter English Test & Potential Income Threshold

Hongkongers aspiring to settle in the United Kingdom under the British National (Overseas) visa pathway are set to encounter more stringent requirements. British authorities have confirmed that a significant overhaul of the country's immigration system will introduce a tougher English language test and potentially an income threshold for BN(O) visa holders seeking permanent residency.

Anxiety Among Applicants Over New Details

This news has created considerable anxiety among applicants, particularly after initial relief that the five-year qualifying period for settlement remained unchanged. However, the fine print of the government's consultation paper, released by the Labour government, quickly clarified the impending challenges. Many had initially focused on the exemption from the proposed increase in the general settlement qualifying period to 10 years, only to find new hurdles.

Imminent Changes and Consultation Period

The planned changes, part of a broader reform of the UK's settlement system, are now open for a 12-week public consultation. British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that these new measures are expected to be implemented from April of next year. While BN(O) scheme applicants are indeed exempt from the proposed increase in the general settlement qualifying period to 10 years, they will specifically face the stricter English language requirement.

The British Home Office further elaborated that an income threshold is also under consideration as part of this reform. A spokesman for the Home Office indicated, "Those on the BN(O) route must also meet the annual earnings contributions laid out in our model, but this will be subject to consultation." The revised English test is expected to be equivalent to a British A-level standard, posing a significant challenge for many.