Support for BN(O) visa holders
There is a lot of support available to BN(O) visa holders to help them settle in the region. There is support to integrate into UK life, society and local communities, while ensuring people can continue to celebrate their culture and language. Some of the support available is funded by Government, other support is available through councils and some from local voluntary organisations.
Government Support
Please Note: As of 31 March 2026 the National Hong Kong Welcome Programme has concluded. The support below is still available to BN(O) Visa hodlers
BN(O) visa holders may be able to access English language classes through the Adult Skills Fund. You can visit our English Language page for more information.
If you are at risk of destitution, you can apply to have your No Recourse to Public Funds condition lifted (northwestrsmp.org.uk).
For more information please see the Welcome: a guide for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders in the UK on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Support from the Regional Strategic Migration Partnership (RSMP)
The Government has created 12 Welcome Hubs across the UK. The North West RSMP hosts the North West Welcome Hub. The Welcome Hubs have their own budgets and commission projects and programmes to support BN(O) visa holders in their regions and devolved nations.
In the North West we regularly fund VCFSE organisations to deliver programmes of support right across the region. Programmes of support include employment, integration, English language and other support needs. Please keep up to date with the projects and support we are delivering to BN(O) visa holders in the North West via our news updates.
For more information on work we have funded previously, please email [email protected]
Support from Local VCFSE Organisations
VCFSE organisations across the North West offer dozens of programmes of support, some of which will be accessible to BN(O) visa holders. The best way to find courses, projects, classes and programmes near you is to search the directory of services on the our Find Services page on our website.