Digital British Nationals (Overseas) Applications Now Available

The situation

As expected, on February 23, 2021, the UK government launched a smartphone app to enable applicants for the British Nationals (Overseas) Route (BN(O)) to scan their passport, rather than attend an appointment at a visa application centre.

A closer look

• Eligibility. Applications for the program can be made within the United Kingdom or overseas. Applicants with a BN(O) or Hong Kong SAR passport may submit their biometrics using the app, rather than attend an in-person appointment at a visa application centre.
• Process. Applicants should download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app to scan their passport. Successful applicants will be granted a digital status, linked to their passport.
• Issues. Scanning issues have been reported for Hong Kong SAR passports issued before Summer (June-August) 2019. Applicants holding both a BN(O) and Hong Kong SAR passport are advised to use the BN(O) passport to apply via the app. Applicants unable to use the app and with no alternative passport must attend an appointment at a visa application centre to submit their biometrics. They will receive a visa vignette sticker in the passport, rather than a digital status, removing the need to travel with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card as their status is linked to their password

 

Impact

The UK government indicates that applications via the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app should expedite processing times, where current official processing times are 12 weeks. The applicant will also receive a digital status linked to their passport, and do not have to collect a BRP card in the United Kingdom nor carry this card in case of travel.

Background

The UK government opened the BN(O) route on January 31, 2021. The BN(O) route allows BN(O) status holders to live, work and study in the United Kingdom, with the opportunity to obtain permanent residence after five years. Applicants were encouraged to wait until February 23, 2021 to apply, to benefit from the app.

Looking ahead

Although there is reported interest in the new visa category within Hong Kong, it is uncertain how many people will make use of it due to severe pandemic-related travel restrictions and economic uncertainty. 

Nevertheless, there are 2.9 million BN(O)s in Hong Kong as well as a further 2.3 million eligible dependants under the UK scheme, and the UK government’s projection is that between 258,000 and 322,400 applicants might use the route to settle in the United Kingdom over a five-year period, with an estimated net benefit to the UK economy of GBP 2.4 billion over five years.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact your Fragomen immigration professional or send an email to [email protected].