BNO to LOTR Guide 2025: UK Immigration Process Explained

As the global situation continues to change, British immigration has become a new life choice for many Hong Kong people. Especially for Hong Kong residents holding a British National Overseas passport (BNO), applying to immigrate to the UK through the LOTR program has become a feasible path. In this article, the editor of Fuuffy will provide you with the latest guide to British immigration, especially how BNO Hong Kong residents apply for the LOTR program, British immigration application conditions and fees, etc.

 

What is LOTR?

LOTR (Leave Outside the Rules) is an immigration plan of the British government specific to BNO (British National (Overseas)) holders, rather than a general immigration policy or procedure. Under certain circumstances, BNO holders can apply for residence and work rights under this scheme.

 

BNO Passport and LOTR Scheme

The BNO passport is a special travel document provided to residents of Hong Kong, which was a British colony on or before July 1, 1997. The LOTR program is an immigration program tailored by the British government for BNO holders, with the purpose of providing a more direct immigration path for these passport holders.

 

LOTR application requirements

To apply to immigrate to the UK through the LOTR scheme, applicants usually need to meet the following conditions:

 

1. Proof of identity: Provide a valid BNO passport or other forms of identity proof.
2. Financial requirements: Be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to live in the UK without relying on public funds. Such as bank deposit certificate/investment/UK employment certificate/salary of accompanying family members/accommodation certificate provided by friends or family, with at least 6 months of living expenses in the UK.
3. Accommodation arrangements: Provide proof of accommodation arrangements in the UK.
4. No criminal record: Provide proof of no criminal record and apply at the Hong Kong Police Force "" < span class=""s1"">Certificate of No Criminal Record"".
5. Health conditions: Pass health examination, including TB test, etc.

 

*For specific application requirements and procedures, please refer to the latest UK Government</ strong>Announcement or official website. If you are interested in applying for the LOTR scheme, be sure to get the latest policy updates and professional advice.

 

 

How to apply for LOTR for British immigrants

Application Process The process of applying for the LOTR program is relatively straightforward. The following is an overview of the steps:

 

1. Prepare documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your BNO passport, financial proof, accommodation arrangement proof, etc.

2. Online application: Visit the official British government website and fill in the application form for the LOTR program.

3. Make an appointment for an interview: After submitting your application, you need to make an appointment for an interview, usually at the British Consulate.

4. Submit biometric information: During the interview, you will need to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and photos.

5. Wait for the decision: After submitting the application, you need to wait patiently for the decision of the Immigration Bureau.

 

Notes on LOTR application

- Children without BNO status must enter the country at the same time as their BNO-holding parents to be eligible to apply for LOTR.

- Applications for identities other than BNO, including BDTC and CUKC identities that have long since expired, are not accepted.

- After applying for LOTR, you must apply for a BNO visa to stay in the UK.

- You must apply for LOTR to the customs officer when entering the country

- The application process for LOTR is expected to take two hours, and all documents must be prepared.

- It is recommended to buy travel or medical insurance first, as you are not eligible to apply for social welfare and enjoy free NHS medical services

 

If you are a BNO British national, you can stay in the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months without a visa. But subject to immigration controls, as a visitor you do not have the right to live, work or study long-term in the UK. You should leave the UK at the end of your visit. If you need to come to the UK for more than 6 months, or to work or study, please check whether you need to apply for LOTR.

 

BNO Hong Kong residents apply for LOTR benefits

LOTR is generally regarded as a temporary residence permit granted under special circumstances. For those holding this permission, they may be entitled to certain basic benefits for living in the UK, but these may vary depending on the individual's conditions of stay and status. Generally speaking, individuals licensed under LOTR may enjoy the following benefits:

 

1. Right to live and work: Live and work legally in the UK without applying for a separate work visa.
2. Educational access: Children can enter public schools for education.
3. Medical services: You can use the British National Health Service (NHS), but you may need to pay the Health Immigration Surcharge (IHS).
4. Social security: Certain social welfare support may be available after certain conditions are met.

 

However, a LOTR license may not include all benefits available to UK citizens or permanent residents. People with a LOTR permit may have restrictions on benefits such as unemployment benefits or housing assistance. It is important to stress that the specific benefits and services available may vary depending on changes in UK immigration policy and individual circumstances. Therefore, for those seeking detailed information, it is recommended to consult the Home Office or relevant professionals directly for the most accurate guidance and information.

 

BNO application qualifications

BNO (British National (Overseas)) is a British national status specially established for people who became Hong Kong residents on or before July 1, 1997. To apply for a BNO passport, applicants need to meet the following qualifications:

- Must be born on or before July 1, 1997
- Applicants must be legal residents of Hong Kong on July 1, 1997
- Documents proving eligibility to become a Hong Kong resident on or before July 1, 1997 are required.
- As of July 1, 1997, applicants can apply for BNO if they do not have nationality or citizenship of any other country.
- Complete the correct application form and pay the relevant fees.

 

For those who already hold a BNO passport, they can apply to renew their passport or continue to retain their BNO status after their passport expires. BNO passport holders do not have UK residency rights, but can use their BNO status to apply for a UK visa under certain circumstances, including moving to the UK through the BNO visa scheme (the Hong Kong Resident Visa Scheme). Fuuffy reminds you that the application conditions and policies for BNO passports may change over time. Applicants should check the latest official information or consult professionals to obtain current and accurate information. If you need to send BNO to the UK, detailed instructions: [Send BNO documents from Hong Kong to the UK: Bianjian Express Company is the best Fastest and safest? 】

 

Documents required for BNO application

The following documents are required to apply for a BNO passport:

1. Completed application form: Complete the relevant BNO application form, which can be downloaded from the official British government website.
2. Existing BNO passport or identity document: If renewing, you need to provide your existing BNO passport. If you are applying for the first time, you will need to provide identity documents that prove your BNO eligibility.
3. Birth certificate: A document proving that you were born on or before July 1, 1997.
4. Hong Kong Identity Card: An identity document proving that you were a Hong Kong resident on July 1, 1997.
5. Passport-size photos: Two standard-size, recent, color passport photos are usually required.
6. Method of payment of application fee: Credit card, debit card or other payment method to pay the application fee.
7. Other supporting documents: Other documents may be required to support the application, such as marriage certificate, proof of name change, etc., depending on individual circumstances.

Please note that the above information may change with changes in UK government policy. Applicants should check the latest official guidance before applying. , to ensure that all required documents are provided. If the document is not in English or Welsh, a certified translation may also be required.

 

Is it good for British immigrants to move side rooms?

The most troublesome thing about immigrating to the UK is that after packing your luggage, there are boxes of luggage that need to be moved overseas. At this time, you will definitely be full of questions. Do you know which immigration moving company is better? How much does it cost to move immigrants? Generally, British immigrants will consider shipping their belongings to the UK by air or sea. They will consider different transportation methods according to the quantity of belongings, weight and size of the goods. For example, large furniture or packages with more than 10 boxes can be shipped by ship; small furniture, daily necessities or For less than 10 boxes, it is more cost-effective to ship by air. Want to know how much it costs to send luggage to the UK via UPS, DHL, Aramex, or FedEx? Calculate shipping costs now</a >

 

 

Although shipping is cheaper, the transportation speed is slow and takes 2 months to It took 3 months to arrive in the UK. Shipping companies may have hidden charges. If you choose to immigrate to the UK by ship, remember to ask about the shipping charges. The biggest advantage of air freight is its fast transportation, which usually takes about 10 working days to arrive in the UK. Articles you may be interested in: 【Immigration handling: Immigration to the UK, choose air freight and ship freight? 】

 

The Fuuffy cargo immigration plan is suitable for families of 1-2 people. You can send as much or as little as you want. It is not limited to the minimum consumption of shipping. Now use UPS to send household items to the UK through the Fuuffy platform, and the shipping fee is as low as HK $83/kg for items weighing 21kg or more. The greater the volume, the greater the discount. If you want to inquire about any shipping issues, please feel free toContact Fuuffy customer service.

 

 

Articles related to British immigration

1. Immigration Moving Guide 2024: Is the best overseas moving company for Hong Kong immigrants? Immigration moving list and cost list

2. Send BNO documents from Hong Kong to the UK: Is the express delivery company the smoothest, fastest and safest?

3. Hong Kong Immigration to the UK 2024: Is it better to immigrate to the UK and live there? Steps to immigrate to the UK and visa application methods, conditions, fees

 

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