Applicants with Criminal Records Overview
Since 1 December 2020, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has implemented stricter rules for applicants with criminal convictions:
Applicants sentenced to over 12 months of imprisonment are automatically refused;
Those sentenced to less than 12 months must provide relevant supporting documents and written explanations, as the assessment standards have become significantly tighter.
With years of experience specialising in UK immigration, our legal team has successfully handled numerous appeal cases, including clients with serious criminal records who ultimately obtained UK visas and successfully relocated. Regardless of case complexity or background, we provide tailored legal strategies and full professional support throughout the process.
Eligibility Requirements
- You own a BNO visa – You do not need to have a valid BNO passport. If the passport is lost or expired, you are not asked to apply for a new one
- You always live in Hong Kong
- You are able to support yourself financially for at least 6 months
- You promise to learn English
- You receive the tuberculosis test certificate from a clinic approved by the Home Office
- You need to pay for the immigration fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
Eligibility for Family Members:
- Spouse (Including unmarried spouse, same-sex partner)
- Children (Including children aged above 18, who is bornt after 1st July 1997)
Visa Period:
- 2.5 years or 5 years
Application Area:
- Applicants can choose to apply in the UK or in the foreign countries
Service Procedures
Telephone consultation booking and assessment
Sign a service agreement
Case analysis
Submit and follow-up
Documents checking
Prepare application documents
FAQ
- Yes. The Home Office does not automatically refuse all applicants with criminal records but assesses each case based on sentence length, offence type, and rehabilitation evidence.
- A prison sentence of over 12 months normally results in an automatic refusal.
- Yes, if full court documents, rehabilitation proof, and a written explanation demonstrating no risk of reoffending are provided.
- The nature and seriousness of the offence, time since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
- Home Office will review each case on an individual basis:The most common documents: Court judgments, police records, medical or social worker reports, and rehabilitation evidence.Our team will assist you in preparing and organising all necessary documents to ensure your submission is clear, well-supported, and compliant with UK immigration standards.
- Yes. Our team has extensive experience handling appeals and successfully overturning refusals.
- All criminal convictions, regardless of how long ago, must be declared honestly.
- Non-disclosure is treated as deception and may lead to refusal or visa cancellation.
- Yes, records may impact the Home Office’s good character assessment.
- Yes. We offer free eligibility pre-assessments to evaluate your success probability and risks.
