UK Announces BN(O) Visa Holders Exempt from 10-Year Settlement Waiting Period

UK officials announced that Hongkongers who moved to the UK on BN(O) visas can be exempt from the plan to double the qualifying period for settlement to 10 years. They must still meet stricter English requirements and criminal record rules, and maintain existing conditions including 5 years of continuous residence and passing the Life in the UK test. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out the arrangements on Monday.