Citizenship Areas
Support for eligible British National (Overseas) status holders, adult children and family members planning their future in the UK.
We assess your BN(O) status, residence and personal circumstances to establish the appropriate application.
Certain adult children of BN(O) status holders can apply independently of their parent. We review their eligibility and related family options.
The route includes distinct provisions for status holders, eligible adult children and family members. We assess which applies to each person and how the applications should be coordinated.
BN(O) status is a form of British nationality, but it does not itself give the right to live in the UK. We advise on the relevant immigration permission and any separate nationality options.
We provide advice tailored to your current location, immigration history and family plans.
Review status, residence, existing permission and the position of each family member.
Advise on supporting information and prepare the appropriate application around your circumstances.
Assist with submission, the relevant identity process and linking related family applications where required.
Explain the grant and conditions, and plan extensions, settlement or nationality applications as appropriate.
We assess the appropriate application process for your location and existing immigration status. Overseas applicants should obtain a decision before travelling to take up residence under this route.
BN(O) permission allows work without employer sponsorship, including self-employment. Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach is restricted.
Study is permitted, subject to any relevant conditions. We explain how your plans fit the permission granted.
Access to public funds is normally restricted. Where financial circumstances change, we can assess whether an application to change conditions is appropriate.
We also review immigration implications when personal circumstances or future plans change.
Eligible partners and children may apply under the route. We assess the relationship, children’s arrangements and the appropriate basis for any adult child’s application.
Certain other family members may qualify under specific dependency provisions. We review the individual care and family circumstances rather than assuming every relative can join.
Initial applications may need to be made together, depending on the relationship and application category. We review timing, links between applications and each person’s eligibility.
Each family member needs their own application. Children’s cases can involve additional parental and care considerations, which we assess alongside the wider family plan.
Applicants can seek permission for two years and six months or five years. Further extensions are available where the relevant conditions are met.
We assess the appropriate grant and extension timing, taking account of existing permission and the intended settlement pathway.
Family members require their own extension applications. Adults who originally entered as dependants may be able to extend independently; children’s applications need separate consideration.
We review changes in family circumstances, including a relationship ending, before advising on the appropriate next application.
Eligible applicants may qualify for indefinite leave to remain after five years of qualifying continuous residence. Some time on other routes leading to settlement may count, subject to the applicable rules and the applicant’s current BN(O) permission.
We review residence, absences, suitability and the relevant English language and Life in the UK provisions. Different provisions apply to children, so we assess family eligibility individually.
Settlement does not automatically confer British citizenship. We assess the appropriate nationality application: registration may be relevant for a BN(O) status holder, while naturalisation or child registration may apply to other family members.
We review the relevant residence, status and nationality conditions before recommending an application.