17th October 2022

British National (Overseas) Visa

The UK job market has a high demand for teachers and education support staff. Many schools are interested in hiring passionate teachers and school staff from all over the world. For teachers in Hong Kong, it’s a great opportunity to move to the UK and secure a full-time position within a British school.

In order to teach in the UK, a teacher from Hong Kong will need a British National (Overseas) visa also known as a BNO visa. The BNO visa allows Hong Kong teachers to live and teach in the UK. With this visa, applicants are also able to bring their family members with them to the UK. When applying for the visa, applicants have the option to apply to stay for either 2 years and 6 months or for 5 years. Applicants are also able to extend their visa once they’re in the UK if they want to stay for longer. After 5 years of living in the UK, BNO visa holders can apply to live in the UK permanently.

Requirements needed to apply for a BNO visa

In order to be eligible to apply for the BNO visa you must:

• Provide proof that you live in Hong Kong or in the UK
• Have enough money to support yourself (find out more here)
• Provide a TB test certificate

For more information on the BNO visa and to apply visit – https://www.gov.uk/british-national-overseas-bno-visa

Engage Education has helped hundreds of teachers in relocating and working in the UK, supporting them in all stages of their journey. If you are interested in a job or are considering relocating to the UK and would like more information please contact kate.mills@engage-education.com. To also hear about our referral scheme speak to Kate Mills for a chance to receive a £150 referral fee.