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:
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
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:
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.
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differences between the two visas is that on the BNO visa, you and your dependents must pay the IHS, whereas the IHS is no longer applicable to doctors on the Tier 2 visa.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.
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.
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:
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:
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).
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.
*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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Consultant Psychiatrist – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
South Wales
A dynamic and transformational CAMHS service in South Wales is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in child and adolescent mental health. The successful candidate will join a well-established multidisciplinary team delivering specialist care across the region, contributing to service development and clinical leadership within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a progressive mental health service with access to regional tier 4 services and a population of approximately 380,000. The post supports the organisation’s strategic vision to integrate CAMHS more closely into community settings while developing clinical pathways in areas including eating disorders, complex care, youth justice, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
We welcome applications for full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements and will support CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) development on an individual basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.
Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.
Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.
Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).
Experience delivering psychiatric care in CAMHS or related services is required.
A collaborative, developmental, and family-focused approach, with excellent communication and leadership skills, is highly valued.
Opportunities for career development through CPD, peer supervision, quality improvement, and service leadership.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide consultant-level psychiatric care to children and adolescents as part of a multidisciplinary CAMHS team.
Lead clinical care planning, review, and treatment delivery in partnership with colleagues across mental health, health, education, and social care.
Work closely with specialist regional services including adolescent inpatient units, eating disorder outreach services, and forensic CAMHS consultation teams.
Participate in the CAMHS consultant on-call rota (with prospective cover).
Contribute to service improvement, pathway development, and integrated working in line with strategic planning goals.
Provide supervision and clinical leadership to junior medical staff and allied professionals.
Participate in annual appraisal, job planning, and revalidation, with access to local peer groups and CPD.
Uphold principles of clinical governance, information governance, and risk management across the CAMHS Directorate.
LIFE IN SOUTH WALES
South Wales offers a rare combination of coastal beauty, green open spaces, and urban convenience. With beautiful landscapes, affordable living, and excellent local amenities, it is an ideal location for professionals and families alike. The region is well-connected by public transport and road networks and offers easy access to nearby cities and airports.
Healthcare professionals in the area benefit from a supportive and inclusive working environment and access to a wide network of services across health, education, and social care.
If you are passionate about delivering outstanding CAMHS care and want to help shape future services in a supportive, innovative setting, we welcome your application. Please note that we may close this post early if sufficient applications are received.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice.
At least two video interview preparation sessions.
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including:
Document gathering and checking.
COS and Visa Application support, if applicable.
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
Travel arrangements and family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.
Consultant Psychiatrist – Acute Inpatient Service
South of England | Close to London
An inclusive and progressive NHS mental health trust in the South of England is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in acute inpatient care. The successful candidate will join a compassionate and collaborative multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality psychiatric care to adults and clinical leadership across inpatient services. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading NHS Foundation Trust known for integrated working, a strong culture of kindness and respect, and its commitment to clinical excellence and innovation.
Applications are welcome for full-time, part-time, or flexible working patterns. CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) support is available and tailored to individual needs.
Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.
Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.
Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).
Clinical experience in managing acute adult mental illness in inpatient settings is required.
Strong teamworking, communication, and leadership skills are essential.
Ongoing opportunities for professional development through training, leadership pathways, teaching, and academic engagement.
Provide Consultant-level psychiatric care to adult inpatients, in line with the Trust’s Acute Operational Policy.
Deliver clinical leadership and active involvement in quality improvement initiatives.
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a recovery-focused, trauma-informed approach to care.
Coordinate with specialist and community teams to ensure effective patient transitions and continuity of care.
Supervise and support junior doctors, specialty trainees, and students.
Participate in Consultant on-call rota (details available on request).
Engage in audit, teaching, research, and service development activities.
Located in the South of England, this opportunity offers the perfect balance of professional fulfilment and quality of life. The area combines vibrant urban centres, picturesque countryside, and excellent transport links — with London just 30 minutes away by train, and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports nearby for easy international travel.
This region is known for its historic market towns, outstanding schools, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Whether you\'re relocating alone or with family, it offers something for everyone — from city convenience to coastal calm.
The Trust is committed to inclusivity, wellbeing, and the development of its workforce, offering access to flexible working and a wide range of staff benefits.
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice.
At least two video interview preparation sessions.
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including:
Document gathering and checking.
COS and Visa Application support, if applicable.
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
Travel arrangements and family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.
An NHS district general hospital in the West Midlands is looking for a Specialist Grade Haematologist with an interest in haemato-oncology, laboratory haematology and blood transfusion. The Haematology department comprises a team of 3 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Haematology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath (or equivalent) are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
FRCPath (or equivalent) and broad experience in clinical and laboratory haematology are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in clinical trials, haemato-oncology, education, or blood transfusion should apply. The salary will be between £96,990 to £107,155 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide clinical support in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working closely with consultants and the multidisciplinary team.
Participate in the delivery of chemotherapy and specialist care via the dedicated oncology/haematology unit.
Contribute to clinical governance, teaching of junior doctors and nurse practitioners, and development of service pathways.
Assist with laboratory haematology duties including blood film reporting, and advise on transfusion and diagnostic services.
LIFE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS
This hospital is located in a picturesque region of the West Midlands, with access to both rural retreats and small city living. Residents enjoy a mix of traditional market towns and vibrant city centres, with good schools, easy rail access to Birmingham, and plenty of green spaces for outdoor activities. The area has deep historical roots, from medieval cathedrals to Roman forts, offering a unique combination of heritage and modern living.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS hospital in South East England is looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with an interest in Upper and Lower GI cancers. The Oncology department comprises a team of four Clinical Oncologists and a Consultant Radiographer, supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration, GMC Specialist Register, CCT, or CESR are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
GMC registration with a license to practice, CESR, or a GMC-recognised qualification such as FRCR is required for this role. Anyone with an interest in Upper and Lower GI cancer should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 – £139,882 dependent on experience.
Provide expert oncology care for patients diagnosed with Upper and Lower GI cancers, overseeing treatment plans and managing patient care.
Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings across sites to coordinate treatment.
Contribute to research and clinical trials within the Oncology department, promoting innovation in GI cancer treatment.
Engage in teaching opportunities with medical students and junior doctors, especially in preparation for the launch of a new postgraduate medical programme.
This hospital is located in the South East of England, a region known for its mix of lively coastal cities and peaceful countryside towns. It offers great transport links to London, top-performing schools, and diverse leisure options, including historic landmarks, nature trails, and vibrant cultural scenes. The area is rich in maritime and military history, making it a unique and engaging place to live and work.
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
Document gathering and checking
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel arrangements
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS district general hospital in Yorkshire is looking for a Consultant Dermatologist with an interest in skin cancer and minor skin surgery. The Dermatology department comprises a team of locum consultants, an experienced Specialty Doctor, and a Biologic Nurse Consultant, supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Dermatology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP (UK) or SCE are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Full GMC registration and significant experience in general dermatology and minor surgery, are required for this role. Anyone with an interest in skin cancer management and dermatological surgery should apply. The salary will be between £109,725 and £145,478 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
LIFE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
???????This hospital is situated in the north of England, with popular residential areas including vibrant cities and picturesque countryside locations. Urban dwellers may enjoy city life in places like Sheffield or Leeds, while rural enthusiasts might prefer the surrounding villages and national parks. The region offers great schools, excellent transport connections, and a wide variety of leisure activities for all lifestyles. Historically significant for its industrial roots, the area remains a vital and evolving part of British heritage and modern living.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including: