Author: Kash Legal Services

Spouse visaUK – The new family immigration  Spouse visa rules in the UK have raised concerns about the separation of couples who wish to reunite in the country. As of April 11th, 2024, anyone applying for a visa to bring a loved one from overseas must earn at least £29,000 per year, a significant increase from the previous minimum income requirement of £18,600. This change will make it much harder for low-income families to reunite, potentially leading to separation and hardship. The new  Spouse visa rules apply to the spouse already living in the UK, and the minimum income requirement will increase further to £38,700 by next spring. This is significantly higher than the average salary in the UK, which is around £27,000 per year.

The UK’s ranking for ease of family reunion has also dropped, with the country now second from bottom among 56 countries, according to the Migrant Integration Policy Index. This highlights the challenges that families face when trying to reunite in the UK. The Home Office has defended the new  Spouse visa rules, stating that they are necessary to reduce net migration and prevent abuse of the system. However, critics argue that the rules are too restrictive and discriminatory, particularly towards low-income families and women. The new rules will have a significant impact on families living in the UK and abroad, who may be separated by the introduction of the minimum salary level. It is essential that the government considers the impact of these rules on families and takes steps to ensure that they are not unnecessarily separated. To conclude, the new family immigration visa rules in the UK are causing concern for families who want to reunite. The significant increase in the minimum salary requirement for  Spouse visa will make it much harder for low-income families to reunite, potentially leading to separation and hardship. The government must consider the impact of these rules on families and take steps to ensure that they are not unnecessarily separated. At Kash Legal Services, as UK immigration lawyers, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of families affected by these regulations..

Requirements for a Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa

To get a Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa, you need to show that:

• You are at least 18 years old
• You are a British National (Overseas) under the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986
• You live in Hong Kong or the UK
• You can support yourself in the UK for at least six months
• Your application meets all the rules
• You have a valid TB certificate if needed

BN(O) Status Holder Requirement

To qualify for a Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa, you must be a British National (Overseas) under the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Ordinance Order 1986.

If you were a British Dependent Territories citizen connected to Hong Kong, you had to apply to be a British National (Overseas) before 1997. People born after June 30, 1997, can’t be British Nationals (Overseas). Also, BN(O)s can’t pass this nationality to their kids.

If you lost your BN(O) status, it might be hard to get it back. You can use an expired BN(O) passport to apply for a Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa. If you don’t have a BN(O) passport, you can use a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport instead. It is important to note that the Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa has an Ordinary Residency Requirement. This means that in order to be eligible for the visa, you must meet certain residency criteria. Whether you apply from inside or outside the UK, you must be living in Hong Kong to qualify for the visa. Additionally, if you choose to apply from inside the UK, you must also be residing in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man to meet the residency requirement.

Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa Ordinary Residency Requirement

You can apply for a Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa from inside or outside the UK. If you apply from outside the UK, you should live in Hong Kong. If you apply from inside the UK, you should live in Hong Kong, the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

The Home Office will look at where you usually live to decide if you qualify for the visa. We can help you figure out what proof you need to show this. When applying for the Hong Kong BN(O) Status Holder Visa, it is important to note that the Home Office will consider where you usually live to determine your eligibility. If you have been residing in the UK for a year already, you may not need to demonstrate financial support for six months. However, if you are required to show proof of financial stability, there are various methods to meet this requirement, such as demonstrating sufficient funds or obtaining assurances of support from a third party.