BNO Visa vs Tier 2 Visa – a guide for Hong Kong doctors
- September 01, 2022
Once you have received a job offer to work in the NHS, Hong Kong doctors have two options to choose from when applying for a visa: the British National Overseas (BNO) visa or the Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa for health and care workers.
The two visas have different criteria, requirements and merits, and which is best for any doctor will depend on the individual’s circumstances.
To help you better understand which visa is best suited to Hong Kong doctors relocating to the UK, we’ve put together this blog which will touch on the following questions:
- What is a BNO Visa?
- What is a Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa?
- What are the differences between the two visas?
- Which visa is better for me as a Hong Kong doctor?
- I am relocating with family, which visa do they need?
- What is the application process for the BNO visa?
- What is the application process for the Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa?
- #IMG Tips
- I have completed my visa application, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
British National (Overseas) Visa
If you’re from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas), you and your family members can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa, also known as a BNO visa. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK and was launched by the UK Home Office in 2021.
Within the BNO visa, there are two broad ‘routes’ which have the same general conditions but cater to two different groups of people:
- BNO Status Holder route – for BNOs and their dependent partners or minor children. Other adult family members with a high degree of dependency may also apply under this route.
- BNO Household Member route – for BNO citizens’ adult children (born on or after 1 July 1997) and the adult child’s dependent partner and minor children. All applicants must form part of the same household as the BNO citizen (i.e. normally live together) and be applying alongside the BNO family member.
Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa (Health & Care)
A Tier 2 visa is what allows overseas health and care workers to live, and work in the UK. Similarly to the BNO visa, it is provided by the Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License.
The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.
It is safe to assume that the NHS trust you are applying to has a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship licence and that your IMG Consultant will have already checked this for you.
The Tier 2 visa allows you to work in the UK for the duration of your sponsorship period.
You can also bring over certain family members with you on a Tier 2 Dependent visa.
For a detailed overview of the Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa, see our blog here.
BNO Visa vs Tier 2 Visa
The BNO or Tier 2 visa essentially serve the same purpose for Hong Kong doctors, but they have some differences and similarities which are important to understand in order to make an informed decision between the two.
The main characteristics of the two visas are summarised below:
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Some of the most significant differences between the two visas is that on the BNO visa, you and your dependents must pay the IHS, whereas the IHS is no longer applicable to doctors on the Tier 2 visa.
You can claim this back every 6 months, but processing can take up to 6 weeks, and you may be doing this several times throughout the duration of your visa. You can read more about this here.
Police Check or Certificate of No Criminal Convictions (CNCC)
For the Tier 2 visa, you are required to produce a CNCC by the Home Office, whereas it is not required for the BNO visa, but it is very likely that you will be asked by the Trust to provide one.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
On the Tier 2 visa, you will require a CoS, which is a digital reference number from a Certified Sponsor (your NHS Trust) which you will need to complete your visa application.
With the BNO visa, you do not need a CoS because this visa isn’t dependent on a job offer.
Dependents
The criteria for dependents are stricter with the Tier 2 visa than the BNO visa.
On the Tier 2 visa, the only people defined as dependents are your partner, children under 18 and children over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependent, whereas the BNO visa has greater allowances for children over 18 and family members dependent on you because of illness, disability or age.
BNO or Tier 2 Visa for HK Doctors
Whether the BNO or Tier 2 visa is better is entirely dependent on the particular circumstances of each doctor, but options are entirely suitable for doctors relocating from Hong Kong to the UK.
As mentioned above, some of these deciding factors may be the eligibility criteria, any dependents you may have, or your rights once you are in the UK on that visa.
We know that securing a BNO visa in Hong Kong can be quite a challenge at present, so if you think that the Health & Care Visa is a more feasible or easier option for you, don’t hesitate to connect with us to discuss your options.
Visas for Families
If you are relocating to the UK with family, each member of your family will need to apply for a visa alongside you.
BNO Visa
For doctors travelling on the BNO visa, you will be able to have your family apply as ‘dependents’.
This can include your:
- husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
- child or grandchild under 18
- child 18 or older, born on or after 1 July 1997 (and their partner or child under 18)
- parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter (18 or older) if they live with you and they’re dependent on you because of illness, disability or their age
When you apply, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship with these family members and that you normally live together.
As a British national (overseas), you’ll need to submit your application first to get an application number. This is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). Your family members must use your application number when they apply.
Your family members will need to apply for a BNO visa with the same duration as yours (i.e. 2 years and 6 months or 5 years) and will be able to extend their visa if you apply to extend yours.
Adult dependent relatives will need to use your extension reference number, whilst other family members can apply separately from you.
The cost of your family’s BNO visa will be the same as yours - £180 or £250 (per person).
Tier 2 Visa
For doctors with a Tier 2 visa, your family will need a dependent visa to live with you in the UK. They will need to complete separate applications.
Your family members can apply for a dependent visa if they are your:
- husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
- child under 18 (including if they were born in the UK during your stay)
- child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependent
When you apply, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship with these family members and that you normally live together.
There can be a range of factors that will affect a family member’s eligibility for the Dependent visa, so we recommend you check here for full details.
Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee.
Once you have completed your own application for the Tier 2 visa, they’ll also will need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.
As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity.
The cost of your family’s Dependent visa will be the same as yours – either £232 or £464 (per person).
BNO Visa Application Process
It is important to check what documents you will need before you begin your application.
As part of your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what type of passport you have. You’ll either:
BNO visa applications can be completed from within the UK or outside the UK, but in either instance, the application is completed online, and the process is as follows:
Compile your details and scan all required documents before starting. You can find the full list of required documents here.
- Start the application
- Create a UK Visas and Immigration account
- Pay the visa fee
- Further actions will be prompted:
- Download document check list - A helpful checklist to ensure you submit everything that is needed (we strongly recommend you use this to ensure nothing is missed).
- Provide documents and biometric details - At this stage, you will need to download the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your passport with a biometric chip and upload a photo of yourself*. You can choose this option if you have a British National (Overseas) passport, a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a passport from an EEA country.
- Making an appointment with your local visa application centre – If you do not hold a passport with a biometric chip, you can go to an appointment at a visa application centre to give your fingerprints and a photo - this is to get a biometric residence permit (BRP).
- Selecting location for BRP pick up in UK – If you have applied for a BRP, you will have 30 days from your date of arrival in the UK to retrieve this from a post office, so think carefully about the location you choose in the UK. Once you’ve chosen, you will be sent a BRP collection letter which you should print and take to the post office to retrieve your BRP.
- Submit your completed application
*If you choose not to apply for a BRP and your visa application is approved, you will be given a link to generate a code to share when necessary. This may be people concerned with your relocation such as your employer or landlord, and they will be able to use the code to check your status on the gov.uk website.
You can find the online application form here and you’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Your IMG Consultant will also be able to assist you with the application.
Once you’ve applied, you can expect to receive a decision within 12 weeks, though your application may take longer to process if you need to provide more evidence.
Please note, you can apply for the BNO visa from overseas, but you should wait for a decision on your application before you travel to the UK.
Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) Visa Application Process
Like the BNO visa, we always advise that you check what documents you will need before you begin your application.
Once you have accepted a job offer and pre-employment checks are complete, the hospital will apply for a CoS from the UK Home Office.
Health and Care Visa applications are complete online, and the process is as follows:
Compile your details and scan all required documents before starting. You can find the full list of required documents here.
- Start and complete the application - Once you have entered all your details, the application service will offer an appointment at a local visa appointment centre near you.
- Pay the visa fee
- Further actions will be prompted:
- Download document check list - A helpful checklist to ensure you submit everything that is needed (we strongly recommend you use this to ensure nothing is missed).
- Provide documents and biometric details - At this stage, you can upload electronic copies of your documents.
- Making an appointment with your local visa application centre - Once you have made an appointment you will receive your appointment confirmation letter via email. Make note of the details and print this confirmation to take with you to the appointment.
- Selecting location for Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) pick up in UK - You will have 30 days from your date of arrival in the UK to retrieve your BRP from a post office, so think carefully about the location you choose in the UK. Once you’ve chosen, you will be sent a BRP collection letter which you should print and take to the post office to retrieve your BRP.
- Submit your completed application
Application Review
Once you’ve completed all the above steps your application will be processed for review, and you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
Every application is different however, so your application may take longer to process if you need to provide more evidence.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.
#IMG Tips
- Take time to choose best visa for you – speak to your IMG Consultant to discuss your options and circumstances to decide the best visa for you.
- Gather and scan all documents early – go through the relevant checklist and read the guidance provided to stay on top of your application and minimise any delays
- Think about the start date you want written on your CoS – if you will be applying for the Skilled Worker visa, think carefully about what date you want written on your CoS (it is only valid for 90 days)
- Have your application checked before submitting – your IMG Consultant will be more than happy to double check your visa application before it’s submitted – take advantage, we’re here to help!
- Apply for the CNCC early – you will almost certainly need a CNCC regardless of which visa you choose, so apply for this early to speed up the process.
My visa application is complete, what’s next?
First things first, congratulations! You are just a few steps away from completing your journey to the UK and can now firm up your relocation plans, putting into action your relocation checklist.
With your application under review, you should begin discussing your relocation plans with your IMG Consultant. This includes accommodation and travel, schooling, banking and any other questions you might have – our relocation team is happy to help!
Don’t forget, once your application is being processed, you can track its progress online.
Getting started
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss job options in the NHS, from the typical doctor salary in the UK to the most suitable hospital locations for you.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with our team.
For advice, guidance and news and updates for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/british-national-overseas-bno-visa
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8939/
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa
https://www.gov.uk/apply-immigration-health-surcharge-refund/healthcare-setting
Relevant Jobs
A fantastic opportunity awaits Histopathologists seeking a fixed-term position. This Pathology Services provides support for CESR accreditation and facilitates entry into specialty training within the NHS. The department is both high-performing and supportive, particularly welcoming overseas doctors new to the NHS or UK-based doctors seeking career advancement. They deliver pathology services to their acute hospitals and local GPs, with some laboratories offering specialized services to the wider NHS and engaging in research studies. Serving 1.76 million patients and conducting 60 million tests, the partnership has resulted in 27,000 additional community phlebotomy appointments, improved turnaround times, and streamlined workflows.
The Pathology Service thrive on a dedicated workforce leveraging cutting-edge technologies, delivering exceptional clinical services centered on patient care.
What is the Pathology Service like?
The Pathology Services comprises four pathology laboratories. These laboratories are responsible for providing pathology services to both acute hospitals and local general practitioners. Additionally, certain laboratories within the network offer specialized services to the broader NHS and engage in research studies and trials. As part of a significant initiative within the NHS, pathology services in England are undergoing reorganization, transitioning into larger local network models. This restructuring has led to the establishment of 29 pathology units nationwide.
This development positions the pathology service as an exceptionally appealing workplace, situated at the forefront of NHS innovation and digitalization in pathology. Despite these advancements, this pathology service remains committed to delivering the latest tests and services, incorporating cutting-edge clinical science into modern patient care. Currently, they manage approximately 120,000 cases with a team of 36 consultants (augmented by some outsourcing), with the capacity to expand its consultant team to 40 full-time positions.
What is the department & team like?
The Pathology Service was established following the Lord Carter review of Pathology services in England, aiming to reduce overtesting, enhance resilience, and lower costs. amalgamates staff, services, and IT platforms from four trusts to enhance pathology quality in the Black Country, serving 1.4 million individuals and conducting 60 million tests annually. It underwent a comprehensive IT system overhaul to facilitate integrated services, embrace new technologies, and expedite laboratory results.
The pathology service operates three laboratories offering nationally accredited consultant-led pathology services. With state-of-the-art facilities and IT systems, they garnered commendation from Lord Carter for its efficiency and innovation in pathology. Notably, innovations showcased during Lord Carter\'s visit in 2021 included pre-barcoded tubes for sample tracking and digital automation in microbiology labs.
Lord Carter praised the service as a model of service integration and technological advancement, emphasizing the importance of technology, including artificial intelligence, in expediting diagnostics. He commended the leadership and dedication of the staff, highlighting their achievements and commitment to patient care. The evidence is there to be seen, as latest figures show they scored 92 per cent compliance on a dashboard provided by NHS Improvement, ranking it one of the best performing services in the country
Career Development & Opportunities Available
Career development opportunities are aplenty. The Centre is one of the highest performing centres in the UK, with excellent CQC scores, a fantastic leadership team, and highly advanced specialist reporting functions. All of this provides an excellent platform for anyone to excel and develop, whether it\'s a step towards specialisation in one anatomical area, or whether it\'s advancing yourself in the world of digital pathology, the right individual can really flourish here.
Digital Pathology and AI is a massive part of what the Group are doing, and part of what makes this opportunity so exciting. Working from home, working abroad, or taking on additional workload out of hours - digital pathology is taking off. They are the most advanced Digital Pathology Service in the UK, and this provides everyone with huge opportunity to grow and develop in a really exciting global field of pathology.
Life in the West Midlands
Based is a modern industrial city situated on the midlands. It is compact, with no boundary more than four miles from the centre and is approximately a 30-minute drive to Birmingham (15 miles), 1 hour 20 minutes to Manchester (60 miles). The city is an urban, multi-ethnic city with a population of around 250,000. The wider hospital catchment area has a population of in excess of 350,000. With more than 600 shops, bars, café and restaurants, the city is not only a great place to work but also somewhere to relax and enjoy. The city centre is just a 10-minute bus ride from the Hospital.
The nearby countryside of Staffordshire and Shropshire is delightful. To the north is Cannock Chase and to the west the Shropshire borders with attractions of Bridgnorth, the Clee Hills, the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, and the Severn Valley. South of Wolverhampton, the City of Worcester is easily accessible, and to the west north-Wales can be reached in just over an hour. The area has a large network of canals, the majority renovated, offering adjacent housing and popular for narrow boat holidays.
Am I eligible for this role?
To be eligible for this vacancy you will need the following:
EEA candidates:
- Recognised European Medical Degree
- Specialist Qualification in Histopathology
- IELTS or OET
Non-EEA candidates:
- FRCPath
- IELTS or OET
UK-based candidates:
- Within six months of CCT or CCT Holder
This is a great opportunity for any experienced histopathologist interested in specialisation, and with interest in digital pathology.
An excellent opportunity to join the dynamic team at an esteemed organization recognized for its excellence by the CQC. This is an opportune moment to become part of the Acute Medicine and Medicine Specialties Teams. With a strong history of achievements, they are committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care. They are seeking dynamic and motivated specialists histopathologists to become part of their welcoming and enthusiastic gastroenterology team. This presents a chance to join a dedicated histopathology team committed to delivering the highest quality comprehensive service.
This is a great opportunity for overseas consultants or specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
The NHS Foundation Trust stands as one of the nation\'s largest integrated healthcare organizations, delivering both hospital and community services to a populace exceeding 650,000 individuals. Renowned for their ambition and innovation, they boast a skilled workforce comprising over 7,000 dedicated colleagues. Operating across two acute sites for hospital services and encompassing centers and community hospitals in six towns for planned care, they extend their services even to patients\' residences.
Recognized as a high-performing entity with a history of accomplishments, the Trust has functioned as an integrated acute and community services provider since 2011 and achieved foundation trust status in 2007. Guided by their strategic framework \"Our Patients Matter,\" they articulate their short- and long-term objectives and delineate the path to their realization. This framework underscores their commitment to providing the safest, most compassionate, and seamlessly coordinated care to the communities they serve.
Within this NHS Foundation Trust, medical professionals are presented with a plethora of career prospects and exposure to diverse care settings rarely encountered elsewhere. Additionally, they have the opportunity to reside and practice in some of the most culturally rich and picturesque locations across the country!
What is the Department & Team like?
The Histopathology department is dedicated to delivering precise diagnostic services crucial for patient care. Led by a team of experienced consultants and supported by junior doctors and skilled laboratory personnel, the department handles a wide array of cases across various medical disciplines. This includes examining tissue specimens for cancer diagnosis, assessing surgical margins, and identifying infectious diseases.
Equipped with advanced technology and instrumentation such as microscopes, tissue processing equipment, and digital imaging systems, the department ensures accurate diagnosis. The team collaborates closely with other departments like surgery, oncology, and radiology to ensure seamless patient care.
The department processes a significant volume of histopathology and cytology cases, providing essential information to clinicians for treatment planning and patient management. Committed to excellence and precision, the Histopathology team plays a pivotal role in delivering top-notch healthcare to the community.
What is life like in the area?
The North East of the UK offers a diverse mix of rural and urban settings, providing doctors with a range of living options. Residents can explore stunning coastal areas like Northumberland\'s beaches or venture inland to scenic national parks such as the North Pennines. The region is home to respected schools and universities, including Newcastle University. Transportation links are robust, with efficient road and rail networks connecting residents to major cities like Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland, as well as international airports. Housing options range from quaint cottages in picturesque villages to modern apartments in vibrant city centers, catering to various lifestyles.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Histopathology
- Specialist Qualification in Histopathology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- FRCPath
- Experience of working in Histopathology
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Histopathology
An exciting opportunity for a Consultant Breast Radiologist with expertise in breast and general radiology to work for a health board that aims to provide the best services to their patients. Ideal for overseas consultants looking to establish themselves in the NHS. The health board serves a population of 384,000 in several towns. They aim to improve healthcare by collaborating with local government and the third sector.
You will be a part of the Breast Radiology Department, which is a vital part of the healthcare service in the area, providing comprehensive diagnostic and interventional breast radiology services. Their team includes experienced consultants and junior doctors, ensuring high-quality care. The facility is well-equipped, and the successful candidate will lead and enhance the department\'s services. You will have a lot of growth opportunities as the Health Board is involved in education and research, with strong links to other universities. They aim to engage emerging clinicians in addressing Prudent Health Cares. Their Clinical Research Facility and initiatives in BioBanking and telemonitoring demonstrate their commitment to research and advancement.
It is situated in a town that offers a tranquil lifestyle with access to scenic coastal areas. It is a blend of rural and urban living. The region features quality schools and links to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Transportation connections are strong, and housing options are diverse, catering to different preferences. It\'s a balanced location for professionals and families.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Board Certified Specialist in Radiology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- FRCR
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An excellentHealth Board is actively seeking a Consultant Interventional Radiologist to join their innovative team. The role involves enhancing radiological services across the Health Board, reflecting their commitment to exceptional patient care. This opportunity is well-suited for overseas Consultants looking to establish themselves in the NHS or experienced IMGs seeking to complete CESR requirements.
The Health Board caters to 384,000 residents across several towns, delivering a wide spectrum of healthcare services. Their dedication to patient well-being includes a focus on continuous improvement, achieved through collaboration with local government and the third sector. The Health Board actively promotes education and research, fostering multi-profession teaching and supporting the development of up-and-coming clinicians. Their Clinical Research Facility and initiatives like BioBanking and telemonitoring reflect their commitment to advancing healthcare.
The Interventional Radiology Department is well-equipped and managed by experienced consultants and junior doctors. They provide comprehensive care, specializing in minimally invasive treatments for various conditions. Their advanced imaging technology ensures accurate diagnoses, and they handle a significant caseload of interventional radiology cases.
The hospital sits within a town that offers a balanced lifestyle with both urban conveniences and access to scenic rural areas. The region is known for its beautiful landscapes, high-quality schools, and strong transportation links to major cities and airports. Housing options are diverse, accommodating various preferences. This opportunity presents a holistic and enriching professional and personal life for healthcare professionals.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Board Certified Specialist in Radiology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- FRCR
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
This is a good opportunity for any FRCPath or European-qualified histopathologists to join a friendly, high calibre department in the North East of England. The department are looking for experienced but hungry histopathologists to join them for a long-term post, and the trust will support candidates working on the Portfolio Pathway in Histopathology (formerly known as CESR). The trust will consider both UK and overseas applicants.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
The NHS Foundation Trust serves as a district general hospital, providing essential healthcare services to the local population. Under its management, various healthcare facilities in the region. Consistent positive evaluations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) underscore its commitment to delivering high-quality patient care, safety, and efficiency. The catchment area of this trust encompasses the north east, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive healthcare close to home. Through its services, the trust plays a vital role in promoting community health and well-being, contributing to a stronger, healthier population.
What is the department & team like?
The department have been centralized at a state-of-the-art Pathology Centre located at the NHS Foundation Trust\'s main hospital. These services cater to the local population in the North East. The consolidation of Cellular Pathology Services, completed in 2014, marks an innovative reorganization in pathology services. Satellite hot lab facilities are available at the NHS Foundation Trust\'s other sites. The NHS Foundation Trust leads this service, and the appointed individual will be contracted.
Pathologists are equipped with high-quality IT infrastructure to facilitate remote attendance at Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDTs). In cases where physical presence is required, a departmental electric car or a hopper service is available for transportation. Digital pathology implementation is underway progressively for pathologists interested in participation.
Career Development & Further Opportunities Available
The department will in time be moving towards a specialist reporting model and there will be opportunity to carve out your lead role in either the GI, head & neck, and urology sub-specialties.Life in North East
The North East of England offers a diverse mix of rural landscapes and urban centers, providing doctors with a range of living options. Residents can explore historic sites like Hadrian\'s Wall or enjoy scenic walks along the Northumberland coast. The area boasts reputable schools and universities such as Durham University. Transportation links are efficient, connecting the region to major cities like Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as airports for convenient travel. Housing options vary from picturesque villages to modern city apartments, accommodating different preferences and lifestyles.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
Non-EEA candidates:
- FRCPath
- Experience in Histopathology
EEA candidates:
- Specialist certification in Histopathology
- Experience in Histopathology
UK candidates:
- CCT, CESR or within 6-12 months of specialist registration
- Experience in Histopathology