【UK HPI and BNO Application Overview!】 | MiExpert | All-in-o

In order to attract high-skilled university graduates from around the world, the UK government has announced the latest UK immigration policy and launched a new UK visa for "high-potential individual" (HPI) targeted towards university graduates. From May 30, 2022, if you graduated from an international university recognized by the British government within 5 years prior to applying for a visa, you can apply for an HPI visa without having a BNO or being hired in advance. In fact, if the applicant's family can prove that they have enough living expenses, they can also be eligible to immigrate to the UK together alongside the HPI. According to the official British government website, eligible universities are based on the World University Rankings, and the visa is applicable for students who graduated between November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2022. This meant that the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology graduates are all eligible for this visa. Applicants also need to prove that their English proficiency has reached at least B1 level and that they have a deposit of at least £1,270 (HK$12,573) for living expenses. If the HPI application is successful, a 2-year work visa will be issued (3-year period for those with a doctoral degree), and it can be converted to other long-term work visas if the eligibility requirements are met in the future. The HPI visa fee currently costs around £715 (approximately HK$7,075), and requires you to also subscribe to the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). As most people understand, from 31 January 2021 onwards, eligible Hong Kong residents can apply for a British National (Overseas) passport (BNO) "5+1" visa to immigrate to the UK. What most people are not aware of, is that after July 20, 2021, you will no longer be able to apply to the UK through the "Leave Outside The Rules" (LOTR) pathway. The LOTR pathway allows BNO holders and their families to enter the UK 6 months before they officially attain the BNO visa. LOTR applicants cannot enjoy social welfare or the NHS. The BNO immigration process to the UK is as follows: 1. Apply for a new visa online with proof of identity. - Applicants can scan the BNO or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport in the "UK Immigration: ID Check" mobile app on iPhone and Android without going to the Visa Application Centre; or - Make an appointment at the North Point Visa Application Centre, provide fingerprints and photos to apply for a biometric residence permit. 2. Applicants can choose to stay in the UK for 2.5 years or 5 years, during which they can apply for an unlimited visa extension. 3. Upon living in the UK for up to 5 years, BNO holders can apply for permanent residence with an indefinite leave to remain. 4. After living as a PR for a year, you are applicable for official registration as a British citizen.