Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa| One Year Only | Work Full Time?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Special Programmes, Your Question Answered / 2 responses

Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa

What are the conditions of work under a Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa?

I just love the easy Hong Kong immigration questions – gives me a break from thinking too hard!

QUESTION

Hi there!

I’m Australian and I have an approved Working Holiday Visa, but am wondering if I can work full-time (albeit for a max of 3 months per employer), or whether only part-time hours are allowed?

Also I have received an approval for the visa from the Immigration Department and have to leave Hong Kong for it to be validated…can I just leave for a day?

Is the purpose just for my passport to be stamped at Immigration on re-entry to Hong Kong Airport?

Many thanks for your help! 

PODCAST SUMMARY

Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa: An Opportunity to Experience Hong Kong

Are you a young individual eager to explore Hong Kong on an extended holiday while also supplementing your travel costs through employment? Look no further than the Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa. In this post I’ll walk you through the details of this unique visa, allowing you to make the most of your Hong Kong adventure.

The Flexibility of the Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa

The Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa offers unparalleled flexibility for those looking to spend an extended period in this vibrant city. As a visa holder, you can work for up to four individual employers, with each employer allowing you to work for a maximum of three months during your 12-month stay. The best part? You can choose to work full-time or part-time, giving you the freedom to manage your schedule as you wish. Some nationalities can also work for a single employer for 6 months which UK citizens can do so for the whole 12 months!

Check out the Hong Kong Immigration Department website here.

• Australian citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than three months
• Austrian citizens – not allowed to work for more than six months
• British citizens – not allowed to work for more than 12 months
• Canadian citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than three months
• Dutch citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than six months
• French citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than six months
• German citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than three months
• Hungarian citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than six months
• Irish citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than three months
• Italian citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than three months and up to a total of six months (effective date of the scheme to be confirmed)
• Japanese citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than six months
• Korean citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than six months
• New Zealand citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than three months
• Swedish citizens – not allowed to work for the same employer for more than six months

Working Hours: No Limits, No Boundaries

One of the standout features of the Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa is the absence of strict working hour limitations. Unlike some other visas, you have the liberty to work as many hours as you desire. Whether it’s a full-time job or a part-time gig, you have the flexibility to shape your work schedule to suit your needs.

Collecting Your Working Holiday Visa QR Code Approval Letter

Once your Working Holiday Visa is approved, you will be notified accordingly. The next step is to download the QR code approval letter after paying on line for the document. If you’ve in Hong Kong, you can take a short trip to Macau and back. Upon your return, simply present your Approval Letter and your passport to activate your visa as you enter Hong Kong. Same if you’re coming to Hong Kong directly from your home country after your visa has been approved.

Activating Your Visa and Enjoying 12 Months in Hong Kong

Upon returning to Hong Kong, you can activate your Working Holiday Visa by re-entering the city. At this point, you’ll have a 12-month limit of stay under this immigration status, starting from the date of your re-entry. There’s no requirement to spend a specific number of days outside Hong Kong; all you need to do is exit to relinquish your current visitor visa status and return to activate your Working Holiday Visa.

Last Words

In conclusion, the Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa is an excellent opportunity for young travelers to experience Hong Kong while working to cover their expenses. With its flexibility and ease of activation, it’s a hassle-free way to make the most of your extended stay in our amazing city.

If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to reach out.

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50 Days | A Long Time To Process A Hong Kong Employment Visa Application?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Your Question Answered / 12 responses

How Long To Process A Hong Kong Employment Visa Application | Q4 2023?

How long should a Hong Kong Employment Visa Application take to finalize?

(Especially in light of the 4 weeks cited on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website?)

QUESTION

My working visa application is now almost into its 7th week (49 days and counting).

There were documents that immigration requested from my sponsor which may have delayed things a bit.

Day 1 – was personal filing of my employment visa application in Wanchai.

Day 28 – request of ImmD for certain documents from my sponsoring employer.

Day 31 – my sponsoring company faxed the required documents to immigration.

It is now almost 50 days and my application is still in progress.

Apart from the time it is taking, my other questions are:

(A)  Is the online enquiry actually updated daily or is it true that there will not be updates on Sunday and Monday because it would be results from the weekend.

(B)  I visited immigration and asked if I could get more detailed information.  He said someone would call me but nothing yet. How can I get the case Officer’s information if at all possible.

Thanks in advance.

POST REFERENCED IN PODCAST ANSWER: How To Gee Up A Hong Kong Visa Application That Is Taking A Long Time To Finalise

PODCAST SUMMARY

Hong Kong Employment Visa Application: What to Expect

Are you in the process of applying for a Hong Kong Employment Visa? The Hong Kong Immigration Department has provided an estimated processing time of four weeks on their website. However, the reality is a bit different. In this guide, we’ll delve into the actual processing time, how to track your application, and what to do while you wait.

Actual Processing Time for Hong Kong Employment Visa

The Immigration Department’s stated processing time of four weeks can be a bit misleading. This four-week period only begins once they have all the necessary information to evaluate your application thoroughly. In practice, this means that the typical processing time is more like six to eight weeks.

Tracking Your Hong Kong Employment Visa Application

If you’re anxious about the status of your application, you’ve likely explored the Immigration Department’s online inquiry system. However, it’s crucial to understand that this system is relatively basic and may not provide real-time updates. It’s more of a post-box portal than a sophisticated, real-time application process tracking system. The moment an Immigration Officer marks your case as approved or denied, the system should update, and you’ll receive a notification.

Communicating with the Immigration Department

While waiting for your application to be processed, it’s natural to want more information. Having a conversation with the Immigration Officer responsible for your case can provide valuable insights into where your application stands. Although they won’t reveal the final decision, they can give you an idea of the timeline and progress.

Notifications for Visa Approval

In most cases, the Immigration Department will fax you the approval letter if you’ve indicated that you can be contacted via fax. This often happens shortly after the Department reaches a decision. It’s worth noting that the online system may not be updated immediately, so relying solely on it may not be the best approach if time is of the essence.

Be Patient and Informed

If you’re waiting for your Hong Kong Employment Visa Application to be processed, it’s essential to remain patient. The processing time can vary, depending on the complexity of your case and the department’s workload. While the online system can be helpful, it’s not always the most reliable source of information. Communicating directly with the Immigration Officer handling your application is often the best way to get a clearer picture of your application’s status.

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Hong Kong Travel Pass | A Three Year 60 Day Visitor Visa | A Comprehensive Guide | Updated | November 2023

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Feature Article, Musing, VG Front Page, Visitor Visas / No responses

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What is the Hong Kong Travel Pass?

The Hong Kong Travel Pass, also known as the Travel Pass, is a supercharged visitor visa specifically designed for frequent visitors with genuine business reasons for travel.

Qualification Criteria

To be eligible for the Hong Kong Travel Pass, you must have had three trouble-free visits within the 12 months prior to your application via the airport and demonstrate a positive benefit to Hong Kong. You must also have a continuing home country employment or business that you will return to at the end of each visit.

Benefits of the Hong Kong Travel Pass

With the Hong Kong Travel Pass, you can stay up to two months with unlimited entries during the validity period of the pass. Additionally, you can utilize the residence lines at the airport, ensuring faster processing through immigration clearance.

How to Apply

To apply for the Hong Kong Travel Pass, you must submit an application to the Immigration Department. The process typically takes six to eight weeks to complete.

Last Words …

The Hong Kong Travel Pass provides an array of benefits for frequent visitors to Hong Kong.

If you meet the qualification criteria, consider applying for this special visa to experience faster immigration clearance, extended stays, and the ultimate convenience of unlimited entries.

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Extending A Hong Kong Visitor Visa | A Comprehensive Guide | Updated | November 2023

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Extending A Hong Kong Visitor Visa?

Are you in Hong Kong as a visitor and considering extending your stay? Whether you obtained your visa upon arrival or applied for an entry visa before coming to Hong Kong, it is possible to apply for an extension to your visitor visa. In this post, I will guide you through the process of extending a Hong Kong visitor visa and provide some valuable tips for a successful application.

First Extension: Assessing Eligibility

In most cases, first visa extensions are granted without much difficulty. However, the Immigration Department will carefully assess your bona fide days as a visitor and require you to state the reasons for needing the extension and the completion date of your visit. They will expect you to leave Hong Kong by the specified date. It is crucial to provide a convincing justification for the need to extend your stay to increase the chances of approval.

Securing Further Extensions: The Immigration Department’s Scrutiny

If you require a subsequent extension, be aware that the Immigration Department will closely examine the reasons behind your prolonged stay. Building a positive record with the Immigration Department is vital at this stage. It is essential to strategically plan the duration of your stay and demonstrate a genuine need for an extended visit. Keep in mind that the Immigration Department typically doesn’t grant extensions beyond the maximum limits of stay allowed upon arrival or the limits set by a pre-arranged visa.

The Shenzhen Shuttle: An Alternative Approach?

Another option for frequent visitors is the “Shenzhen Shuttle.” This involves taking short trips to Macau or crossing the border into China and quickly returning to Hong Kong. Referred to as “double backers,” these visitors aim to reset their stay in Hong Kong. However, relying on this method for long-term visits can be challenging. Immigration officers scrutinize individuals who have spent more than 180 days within a 12-month period or appear to be continuously staying in Hong Kong. While this approach may work for business or regional travel, it is not recommended for longer stays due to the potential complications and the possibility of short conditional landing.

Last Words …

While extending a Hong Kong visitor visa is feasible, it is crucial to follow the Immigration Department’s guidelines and provide clear justifications for the extension. Remember that the Department assesses each case individually, and the decision ultimately lies with them.

If you require further assistance or have specific questions, it is advisable to consult with a professional immigration advisor to ensure a smooth and successful visa extension process.

 

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Immigration Hong Kong Visa For Unpaid Charity Work | It Is Allowed | What Kind Of Visa Is Needed?

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Immigration Hong Kong Visa –  the question of volunteering for a good cause

QUESTION

Dear Stephen

I run an NGO.   We rely on volunteers from the community in order to achieve our objectives.

We are aware that certain groups, including visitors, domestic helpers and those on employment visa are not allowed to do any work / work for anyone other than the named employer and this includes unpaid work.

Immigration Hong Kong visa …

1. Do you have any insights into the definition of “unpaid work” ?  (e.g. If my mum visits and walks my dog, is it unpaid work?)

2. If someone is volunteering with an NGO, is the onus on the NGO to check that they have the right to volunteer?

3. Are you aware of anyone being prosecuted for doing volunteer work, or NGOs being investigated/prosecuted for this?

UNPAID WORK

Unpaid Work and Volunteering in Hong Kong | Understanding Immigration Hong Kong Visa Requirements for NGOs and Individuals

If you are an NGO operating in Hong Kong, it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding unpaid work and volunteering, specifically in relation to immigration compliance. This knowledge is especially crucial for visitors, domestic helpers, and individuals with employment visas.

In this answer, I explore this common question about these regulations and provide information for NGOs and individuals involved in unpaid work and volunteering in Hong Kong that intersects with immigration and visa requirements.

What is Unpaid Work?

Unpaid work refers to any form of service or labour performed without receiving compensation, whether monetary or non-monetary. While the Immigration Department of Hong Kong does not explicitly define unpaid work, it is important to note that any work or service, whether paid or unpaid, might potentially breach the conditions of stay for visitors or others who do not the permission to engage in this unpaid activity.

Visitors in Hong Kong are strictly prohibited from engaging in any employment or services, regardless of remuneration. Even simple activities like having a visiting family member walk your dog could be seen as unpaid work, conceptually – after all there are professional dog walkers out there – but commonsense generally prevails with the Immigration Department.

Volunteering with an NGO

When individuals volunteer with an NGO, it is crucial for both the individual and the organization to adhere to immigration regulations. Although the primary responsibility lies with the individual to comply with their specific immigration status, NGOs should also exercise due diligence by verifying the immigration status of their volunteers and assessing their lawful employability (even if unpaid). This helps ensure that no one involved is in breach of the conditions of stay or violating the immigration regulations. NGOs can seek guidance from the Immigration Department or consult with immigration professionals to ensure compliance with relevant immigration and visa requirements.

Generally, non-permanent resident foreign nationals who hold a Dependant visa (not if the sponsoring spouse is a student though), Top Talent Pass, QMAS, CIES, IANG or Unconditional Stay are free and clear with ImmD. Everyone needs express permission.

In the final analysis, it all boils down to the attitude of the Immigration Department to prosecute for breach of conditions of stay. My firm advice is better safe than sorry.

Formally apply to ImmD for their permission and see where the application takes you.

Consequences of Violations

Engaging in unauthorized work, including unpaid work, can result in severe consequences. Violations of the conditions of stay may lead to penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or even deportation. Both individuals and organizations need to be fully aware of and adhere to the immigration regulations to avoid legal complications or negative outcomes.

Related Stuff

To delve deeper into the regulations and concepts related to immigration and work activities in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Visa Handbook is a valuable resource.

Additionally, the following resources provide relevant insights:

• “As a Visitor Living in Hong Kong“, Do you need to get an Investment Visa if you freelance but all your income is sourced overseas?
• “Short-Term Work in Hong Kong“ – This resource provides information on short-term work opportunities in Hong Kong and the visa requirements associated with them.
• “Permitted Activity as a Visitor” – Read what the Hong Kong Immigration Department says about unpaid work.
• “Lame Excuses Won’t Cut It” – If you’re caught in a place of work your goose is cooked unless it never went in the oven!

Click Here to Listen to the Podcast Answer

 

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PODCAST ANSWER

PODCAST ANSWER

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Getting A Visitor Visa For Hong Kong | A Comprehensive Guide | Updated | November 2023

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Feature Article, Musing, VG Front Page / No responses

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Obtaining A Visitor Visa For Hong Kong: An Essential Guide

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Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on getting a visitor visa for Hong Kong. This material is tailored for foreign nationals seeking clarity on securing visitor visas, particularly when on-arrival privileges are insufficient. Whether for business or leisure, our guide aims to simplify your visa journey.

Understanding Visitor Visas in Hong Kong

Visitor visas in Hong Kong are designed for foreign nationals who cannot secure visa-on-arrival privileges or wish to extend their stay beyond the initial period granted at entry. This guide aims to clarify the criteria and processes involved in applying for and maintaining visitor status in Hong Kong.

Eligibility Criteria: a Visitor Visa for Hong Kong

The key to a successful visitor visa application lies in understanding the eligibility criteria. It’s essential for applicants to demonstrate the intent for a genuine business or leisure visit, without plans for a prolonged or quasi-residential stay in Hong Kong.

Permitted Activities Under a Visitor Visa for Hong Kong

As a holder of a visitor visa, you’re allowed to engage in specific activities. These include:

Incorporating a company,

Opening a bank account,

Participating in trade fairs and conferences.

However, it’s crucial to steer clear of activities that fall under employment or residential intent without the appropriate visa.

More on this here.

Short-Term Work as a Visitor Visa Holder

In certain circumstances you are permitted to work as a visitor visa holder, but the rules are VERY limited.

The Thin Line: Business Visit vs. Employment

A common query is about the scope of a business visit. For instance, installing software might seem like a minor task but can be considered employment, requiring a short-term employment visa instead.

Transitioning from Visitor to Resident Status

For those considering a more permanent move to Hong Kong for business or employment, it’s vital to transition from a visitor visa to the appropriate residency status to avoid violating immigration law.

Challenges for Long-Term and Frequent Visitors

Long-term or frequent visitors must be mindful of their activities in Hong Kong. The Immigration Department closely monitors and assesses such cases to prevent misuse of the visitor visa.

Navigating Immigration Policies and Compliance

The final decision on what constitutes permissible activity under a visitor visa rests with the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Visitors must ensure compliance with all regulations to avoid legal repercussions.

More Information on Visitor Visas

For further details on the visitor visa for in Hong Kong, please refer here. Ensure you stay informed and compliant with all immigration policies.

Need Help?

Considering a trip and need a visitor visa for Hong Kong? Or planning a business venture?

Contact us for expert guidance on your visa application process, ensuring a smooth and compliant journey to Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme | November 2023 | Where Are We Now?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Feature Article, Investment Visas, Musing, Special Programmes / 4 responses

Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme Visa

Going Like Hot Cakes …

The Hong Kong Immigration Department released information about the Top Talent Pass Scheme (“TTPS”) on December 28, 2022.  It’s proving to be quite a hit already!

Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme Eligibility In A Nutshell

Persons who wish to apply to enter the HKSAR under the TTPS are not required to have secured an offer of employment in the HKSAR upon application. They may be granted 24 months’ stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. Applicants may choose to apply for the TTPS under one of the categories as listed in paragraphs (a) to (c) below:

1. Persons with annual income reaching HK$2.5 million or above, or its equivalent in foreign currency, in the year immediately preceding the date of application (Category A);
2. Degree graduates of the world’s top 100+ universities  (updated November 2023) with at least three years of work experience over the past five years immediately preceding the date of application (Category B); or
3. Degree graduates of the world’s top 100 universities in the past five years immediately preceding the date of application with less than three years of work experience, subject to an annual quota which is to be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis (Category C); however, Category C does not apply to those non-local students who have obtained the undergraduate qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in the HKSAR. These folks need to use the IANG programme instead.

Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme – The Nitty Gritty

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is a programme created to facilitate the employment of eligible individuals in Hong Kong.

To qualify for the TTPS, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of one of the following categories:

(1) Category A: Individuals with an annual income of at least HK$2.5 million (or its equivalent in foreign currency) in the year immediately preceding the application date. The annual income includes taxable employment or business income such as salary, allowances, stock options, and profits from self-owned companies. Personal investment income is not considered.

(2) Category B: Degree graduates from one of the world’s top 100 universities with at least three years of work experience over the past five years immediately preceding the application date.

(3) Category C: Degree graduates from one of the world’s top 100 universities in the past five years immediately preceding the application date with less than three years of work experience. This category is subject to an annual quota allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, Category C does not apply to non-local students who have obtained their undergraduate qualification in a full-time, locally-accredited program in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

To apply for the TTPS, individuals must submit an online application and upload the required supporting documents.

Applicants will be notified of the result of their application via email.

For Category A applicants, they must submit the necessary supporting documents to prove their income reached HK$2.5 million or above in the past year. These documents may include a notice of salaries tax assessment from a local competent authority (e.g., taxation office or revenue department), documentary proof issued by the applicant’s employing company specifying the value of stock options granted to the applicant, and/or documentary proof of the financial standing of the applicant’s self-owned companies (e.g., the latest audited financial report, trading profit and loss account, or profit tax return) if applicable. If an applicant’s income is not denominated in Hong Kong dollars, they can choose from 17 other major currencies available in the online application service. After selecting the currency, the computer system will automatically convert the applicant’s income into Hong Kong dollars. If the applicant’s income is not denominated in Hong Kong dollars or one of the 17 foreign currencies, they may convert their income into Hong Kong dollars or one of the 17 foreign currencies when submitting the online application, and then upload the relevant supporting documents to the Immigration Department for assessment.

For applicants in Categories B and C, the level of academic qualifications obtained from the world’s top 100 universities must be equivalent to the recognized Hong Kong standard of bachelor’s degrees. Honorary bachelor’s degrees will not be accepted. Master’s or doctoral degrees are not eligible for these categories.

The updated list of the world’s top 100+ universities can be found here.

If an applicant has not yet obtained their graduation certificate, they may apply for the TTPS by providing documentary proof issued by the relevant university or institution confirming that they have graduated.

Under the TTPS, the “three-year work experience” requirement for Category B must come from full-time employment or self-employment after graduation.

For Category C, “graduation in the past 5 years” is counted by the year of graduation. The “aggregate list of the world’s top 100 universities” is compiled by the Labour and Welfare Bureau based on the top 100 universities in four designated world university rankings in the past 5 years.

Persons admitted under Categories A, B, or C of the TTPS will be granted an initial stay of 24 months without other conditions of stay. They can change jobs without notifying the Immigration Department and do not require a re-entry visa/entry permit if they return within their permitted limit of stay.

TTPS-approved individuals can apply to bring their spouse, same-sex civil partner, and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 as dependents, provided they can support them financially and provide suitable accommodation.

There is no specific application form for a TTPS application and you can submit your TTPS application for yourself and up to eight accompanying dependents via an exclusively online application process.

Dependents admitted under the TTPS can take up employment or study in Hong Kong.

When applying for an extension of stay under the TTPS, applicants must have secured an offer of employment or proof of business. Extensions are granted on a 3-3 year pattern. The Immigration Department assesses the eligibility criterion of a job at a level commonly taken up by degree holders on a case-by-case basis. TTPS persons meeting specific criteria may apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream upon extension of stay, and successful applicants will be granted a six-year extension.

Unemployed applicants may be refused further extension. TTPS applicants can only be granted “initial stay” once, and if they leave Hong Kong and their limit of stay expires, they must apply through immigration policies or schemes other than the TTPS to return for employment or residence.

As a current resident you can apply for this status and, if approved, be granted an entry TTPS visa to be activated by exiting Hong Kong and re-entering to commence your 2 year limit of stay. Your dependant family members’ limit of stay will be updated to match that of the principal once the substantive TTPS visa has been activated. If your current residence visa look likes it will expire prior to formal grant of your TTPS visa it is recommended that you consult with the Immigration Officer tasked with your TTPS application to see how ImmD wish to manage your ongoing residence status in the event of expiry prior to TTPS approval.

Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme – 160,000 Applications & Counting?

By February 2023, 7,500  TTPS applications had been received with 5,800 approved. By the 29th of March 2023, 10,000 approvals had come in.

By November 2023 160,000 applications had been received and 100,000 had been approved!

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