British National Overseas (BNO) citizenship is a type of British nationality created in 1985 that people in Hong Kong could apply for before the 1997 handover to China to retain a link with the UK.

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The lifelong status, which cannot be passed down to family members, did not give holders any special rights. It meant only they could visit the UK for six months without a visa.

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But the new system i.e. BN(O) visa route, in place from 31 January 2021, allows these BN(O) citizens also known as BN(O) Status Hongkongers, and their close family members to apply to stay for either 2 years and 6 months or five years to live and work in the UK.

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After the first five years, they are able to choose to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which means an individual can live and work without reapplying for a visa.

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And after one year of this status, individuals are able to apply for British citizenship.

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UK BNO visa: Can Hong Kong residents now live in the UK? - BBC News