Today, the UK government has officially confirmed that it will continue to honour the BN(O) visa route, including the five-year pathway to settlement. Amidst immigration policy changes and suggestions that they may have to wait 10 years to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, Hong Kongers have spent months waiting in uncertainty.

This announcement delivers long-awaited clarity and reassurance for Hong Konger families who have moved to the UK since 2021 under the BN(O)scheme. For a community that has rebuilt its entire lives from the ground up - moving homes, careers, children’s education, and entire support networks - this confirmation carries significant weight.

The Government’s Statement: 

In its official statement, titled ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, the government announced:

“The government remains steadfast in its support for members of the Hong Kong community in the UK and is fully committed to the BN(O) route, which will continue to welcome Hong Kongers. We fully recognise the significant contribution that Hong Kongers have already made to the UK, and the role they will continue to play in the years ahead. That is why those on the BN(O) visa route will continue to be able to settle in the UK after living here for five years.”

This secures the pathway for Hong Konger families to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided they have lived in the UK for five years under the BN(O)route.

The Home Office has also confirmed that:

• 154,000 BN(O) LTE and LTR visa holders from 2021 and 2022 will become eligible to settle in 2026 and 2027.

• They expect 92,000 settlement applications in 2026 and 54,000 in 2027.

This provides reassurance that the BN(O) scheme remains intact and predictable.

Why This Matters So Much

Over the last few years, Hong Kong BN(O) families have invested in a complete life transition: new schools, new workplaces, new languages, and new ways of life. The hope was always that the UK would remain committed to the BN(O) agreement and that the path to long-term settlement was secure.

However, the government's recent announcements, discussions, and speculation surrounding immigration policy have created understandable anxiety. There have been unsettling suggestions that they may have to wait 10 years to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Many families felt uncertain about whether the rules might change and how this could disrupt the stability they were working hard to build.

At The Shan Academy, many of the Hong Konger families we work with have described the past few weeks as stressful and worrying. 

Parents have been asking: “Will we still be able to stay long-term?”, “Will I have to find a new job?” and “What will this mean for my children’s future?”

For children, especially those still adjusting to a new language and school environment, the idea that their future might be unsettled has added emotional pressure at an already delicate time.

What This Means Moving Forward

This announcement gives Hong Kong BN(O) families what they have been seeking: the stability, clarity, and assurance that their efforts to rebuild their lives here are respected. 

For many, it marks the point at which they can finally stop “waiting to see what happens” and move forward with their new lives in the UK. 

Importantly, it is a recognition of the valuable contributions that Hong Kongers are making - from strengthening the British economy, enriching our diverse society, and playing an active role in communities across the UK.

Our Work at The Shan Academy:

The Shan Academy was founded three years ago with a clear purpose: to support BN(O) families with their integration into the UK. Since then, we’ve worked closely with parents and students as they navigate the practical and emotional realities of starting again in a new country.

During this time, we have seen:

• Students struggling with adjusting to a new education system, unfamiliar teaching styles, and learning in a second language.

• Families worried about school placements, academic expectations, and how their children will keep up or settle socially.

• Parents concerned about long-term stability, career transitions, financial planning, and how policy changes might affect their future in the UK.

These challenges are real, and they affect daily life - from confidence in the classroom to decisions about employment, housing, and community belonging.

That is why today’s news is so important, and it's a proud moment for our community at The Shan Academy. We thank the British government for this clarity and continued commitment, and we look forward to continuing our work with Hong Konger families as they settle, grow, and thrive in the UK.

If you’re a BN(O) family and would like to learn more about how we can support you, please book your free consultation at The Shan Academy.