The Hong Kong Training Visa Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign National Interns & Trainees

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

Hong Kong Training Visa? A Guide for Aspiring Foreign National Interns and Trainees

Are you eyeing Hong Kong as your next career destination? In this post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the Hong Kong training visa: eligibility, application process, duration, and rules around additional employment. Moreover, I’ll highlight the benefits you can reap from your time in this dynamic city. 

How to Be Eligible for a Hong Kong Training Visa

Eligibility for the Hong Kong training visa depends on your chosen training program’s format and content. The Immigration Department will closely review your Internship or Training proposal and issue the training visa based on the agreed-to structure and duration. Typically, these visas span six months but may stretch up to 12 months in some cases.

The Application Process – 2 Things To Consider

Applying for a training visa can be a bit daunting. There are 3 mission critical elementss:

(a) A detailed training plan.

(b) The training content cannot be procured anywhere else outside of Hong Kong.

(c) The training employer is a well-established entity with the human resources in Hong Kong to enable a successful period of training.

To this end, be sure to submit all requisite documents to promulgate these propositions. Internships tend to be easier to secure a Hong Kong training visa for.

Hong Kong Training Visa Duration and Extensions

As mentioned earlier, training visas usually run for six months, although some do extend to 12 months. The expectation is that, once your training period wraps up, you’ll head back home, carrying your newfound skills and experiences with you. Seeking to adjust from a training visa to an employment visa at the end of the training period is fraught with difficulty.

Benefits of a Hong Kong Training Visa

Embarking on a Hong Kong training visa experience will allow you to gain new skills while being immersed in Hong Kong’s unique culture and business environment. Generally, it’s a good opportunity to expand your professional network and absorb fresh perspectives. In short, a Hong Kong training visa encompasses growth on both personal and professional levels.

It’s why they’re quite commonly found in our practice.

Side Employment: Is It Allowed?

While the idea of taking up extra employment during your training may feel tempting, Hong Kong’s training visa rules don’t support this. The Immigration Department typically doesn’t entertain applications for side employment, as the primary focus of your time in Hong Kong should be your training program, not work outside of it.

End Note

As long as the sponsor of your Hong Kong training visa is well-established, your training plan is comprehensively documented, the training content can only be procured in Hong Kong and you do not seek to use the training visa as a stepping-stone visa to a full employment visa subsequently, you can go into your application with a high level of confidence of approval.

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Is 7 Weeks A Long Time For The Hong Kong Immigration Department To Finalize A Training Visa Application?

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What Are The Chances Of Swapping From A Training Visa To An Employment Visa For The Same Employer Once The Period Of Training Is Over?

 

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Baby Born In Hong Kong To A Foreign National Temporary Resident | How To Complete the Dependant Visa Process

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Family Visas, Feature Article, Musing / 3 responses

Arranging The Visa For A Baby Born In Hong Kong To A Foreign National Temporary Resident

How To Complete the Dependant Visa Process Once You Have Baby’s Passport

When a baby born in Hong Kong to a temporary (i.e. non-permanent) resident gets his passport, you need to consider finalising the immigration (dependant visa) formalities associated with the birth in the HKSAR.

For a baby born in Hong Kong, This is a straightforward process not otherwise detailed in the dependant visa section of the Hong Kong Visa Handbook – so here you go:

Firstly, ensure you register the baby’s birth in Hong Kong within 42 days. This short video teaches you how:

Documents Required

1– Copy of  the baby’s Hong Kong birth certificate
2– Copy of the baby’s passport
3– Copy of parents’ Marriage Certificate
4– Copy of father’s passport bio details and current visa label pages/QR code approval letters
5– Copy of mother’s passport bio details and current visa label pages/QR code approval letters
6– Copy of HKID card for both parents
7– Original ID235B (baby’s Permit to Remain – issued by ImmD at the time you registered the birth and secured the birth certificate) along with a copy
8– Completed Transfer of Endorsement form

Process

This takes place on the 5th floor of Immigration Tower in Wanchai. There is a walk-in quota each day which tends to fill up early. Better to make an advance appointment using the telephone booking service. Call 2824 6111 to learn how to do this.

Time to Complete

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Hong Kong Top Talent Pass | RTHK Radio 3 | Backchat | What’s The Situation Today?

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

The Hong Kong Top Talent Pass & Other Visas

Hong Kong Top Talent Pass – a 40 minutes discussion on RTHK Radio 3 Backchat on 25th September 2023

I Recently Contributed To A RTHK Radio 3 Backchat Discussion on the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme And The Immigration State Of Play In Attracting Foreign Talents To The HKSAR

 

LISTEN HERE

 

Understanding the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme

The Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (“TTPS”) is meticulously designed to facilitate eligible individuals in acquiring employment in Hong Kong. To be considered for the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass, applicants must fulfil the criteria of one of the following categories:

1. Category A: High-Income Earners

• Eligibility: Individuals with an annual income of at least HK$2.5 million (or its equivalent in foreign currency) in the year preceding the application.
• Income Types: Includes taxable employment or business income such as salary, allowances, stock options, and profits from self-owned companies. Personal investment income is excluded.

2. Category B: Experienced Graduates

• Eligibility: Degree holders from one of the world’s top 100 universities with a minimum of three years of work experience in the past five years prior to applying.

3. Category C: Recent Graduates

• Eligibility: Recent degree graduates from one of the world’s top 100 universities with less than three years of work experience.
• Note: This category has limited availability and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It does not apply to non-local students who obtained their undergraduate qualification in a full-time, locally-accredited program in Hong Kong.

How to Apply

To embark on the journey to secure a Hong Kong Top Talent Pass, applicants must complete an online application and submit the necessary supporting documents. The outcome is communicated via email, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.

Documentation

• Category A: Proof of income, such as a salary tax assessment notice, proof of stock options, or financial statements.
• Categories B & C: Academic qualifications equivalent to a recognized Hong Kong bachelor’s degree from the world’s top 100 universities.

Benefits and Conditions

Individuals admitted under the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme enjoy a plethora of benefits, including an initial 24-month stay with no additional conditions and the freedom to change jobs without notifying the Immigration Department. They can also bring their dependents, provided they can support them financially and offer suitable accommodation.

Dependents

• You are allowed to work or study in Hong Kong.
• Extensions are granted on a 3-3-year pattern, with the possibility of a six-year extension under the top-tier employment stream for eligible TTPS individuals.

Points to Remember

• TTPS applicants can only receive an “initial stay” once.
• Current residents can apply for TTPS status and, if approved, obtain an entry Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme visa by leaving and re-entering Hong Kong.

Last Words …

The Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme is a wholly new programme, opening doors to opportunities for top-tier professionals and graduates from around the globe. By understanding the intricacies of the application process and eligibility criteria, aspiring applicants can navigate their way to a promising future in Hong Kong, the greatest city in the world! (I’m biased!).

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All About The HKID Smartcard | Features Overview | Still A Three Month Waiting List For A Booking

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

All About the HKID Smartcard | A Comprehensive Guide | What’s Involved

Although getting an appointment to change your ID card is still a long-winded palaver …

All You Need To Know

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the upgraded HKID Smartcard, from its features and benefits to the application process. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of this advanced identification document. Please note, however, that it’s still about a 3-month waiting period to get an appointment …

1. Understanding the HKID Smartcard:

   The new HKID Smartcard is an enhanced version of the traditional identity card, equipped with advanced features and technology. It addresses obsolescence issues, improves durability, and upgrades the chip technology of the previous card, ensuring a more secure and convenient identification experience.

2. Benefits and Functions of the HKID Smartcard:

   In addition to serving as a valid identification document, the Smart HKID Card offers numerous benefits and functions. It provides access to various public services, including public library services, leisure facility bookings, the online health record-sharing system, and subsidized e-health services. Moreover, the Smartcard streamlines immigration processes, both within Hong Kong and during international travel.

3. Application and Replacement Process:

   The application and replacement process for the Smart HKID Card followed a structured approach. The card replacement exercise commenced in the fourth quarter of 2018 and closed four years later. Individuals were called up for card replacement based on their year of birth, with priority given to specific groups like immigration staff, police officers, and government officials initially. Appointment booking, online application submission, and self-service registration and collection kiosks at designated centres ensured a smooth and efficient process for applicants UNTIL they shut it down earlier this year (just about the time 1 million COVID refugees who had missed their appointments by year of birth came back and started seeking to cover for their missed slots for processing).

4. Assisting the Elderly and Disabled:

   The Hong Kong Immigration Department recognizes the need for special assistance and support for the elderly and disabled individuals during the card replacement process. Immigration staff will residential care homes, providing on-site assistance to this group. Additionally, NGOs can organize group visits to designated centres to facilitate the process for those with limited mobility.

5. Tips for Photo Submission:

   When it’s time to have your photo taken for the HKID Smartcard, keep in mind that you can take multiple shots and select the best one for your document. Wearing eyeglasses is permitted, although it is recommended to wear non-reflective lenses. Rest well beforehand to appear fresh and lively in the photo.

6. The Technology Behind the Smartcard:

   The HKID Smartcard uses cutting-edge laser engraving technology to add the photo to a polycarbonate card. The decision to use black-and-white imaging instead of colour ensures better quality, security, and durability. This advanced technology guarantees the Smartcard’s longevity, designed to last up to 15 years.

Last Words …

The new HKID Smartcard brings numerous advancements, benefits, and convenience to residents of Hong Kong. It not only serves as a valid identification document but also provides access to a range of public services and simplifies immigration processes. Hopefully, the ID card appointment booking situation will get much better, sooner.

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What Do You Get For Your Money When You Instruct A Hong Kong Immigration Consultant?

First Published 2012 (11 Years Ago – Look How Young I Am!)

Should You Pay or Shouldn’t You Pay?

Do you need a Hong Kong Immigration Consultant? There is sooooo much chatter on public forums about the value that a Hong Kong immigration consultant can add to the overall process of securing residency in Hong Kong. What the majority of these people fail to appreciate is the very simple reason why the Hong Kong immigration services profession is thriving, with customers spoilt for choice as to who to instruct.

Watch the short video above to understand why people are more than happy to spend their hard-earned money on professional visa assistance.

The Value of a Hong Kong Immigration Consultant: Peace of Mind

Two Types Of Customers

There is an ongoing debate among foreign participants on public internet forums about the value that Hong Kong immigration consultants add to the visa process. Some question why one would pay another person their hard-earned money to manage a process that they can easily undertake themselves. While this is a fair question, it deserves an equally fair response.

1: Those Who Don’t Want To Pay

The role of an immigration consultant is to provide a service. Consider a scenario where you have the necessary intellectual knowledge and skills to service your car yourself. You have the time, knowledge of where to buy replacement parts, and even the tools required for the job. However, you choose not to take on this task yourself and prefer to let someone else do it for you. Why is that? The answer is peace of mind.

2: Those Who Do Want To Pay

As a white-collar worker, I prefer not to get my hands dirty and would rather spend my time attending my daughter’s concerts than being under the hood of my car. One of the main reasons I choose not to service my car myself is peace of mind. I recall a time when my beloved but now long-deceased Mazda 626 ran out of petrol on the way to the Cross Harbour tunnel in Causeway Bay during rush hour. It was a scary and stressful experience.

Buying Peace of Mind

These days, I choose not to service my car myself because I value the peace of mind that comes with entrusting that task to a professional. Similarly, clients pay immigration consultants for the same reason – peace of mind. Besides the benefit of having an expert handle critical strategic thinking and analysis on their behalf, clients also appreciate the consultant’s ability to navigate the complexities of running and waiting around at the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

The value of an experienced Hong Kong visa immigration consultant goes beyond just efficiency and expertise. Clients are paying for peace of mind, knowing that their visa application is in capable hands. For those who prefer to handle their visa application themselves, that is perfectly fine. The Hong Kong Visa Handbook, this Hong Kong Visa Geeza Blog and the Hong Kong Visa Sherpa websites have all been created to provide valuable information and support for individuals who choose this route.

And Now, VisaGeeza.Ai Too

Last Words …

In conclusion, the value of engaging a Hong Kong immigration consultant extends beyond the practicalities of the visa process. It offers peace of mind, expert guidance, and the assurance that critical aspects of the application are being handled professionally. Whether you choose to seek professional help or go it alone, we hope that you find value in the resources available to you.

 

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Hong Kong Dependent Visa | My 91 Year Old Father | Can I Get One | What Do I Need To Do?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Family Visas, Feature Article, VG Front Page, Your Question Answered / 2 responses

Can I Get A Dependent Visa For My 91-Year-Old Father?

Why should age get in the way of family reunion?

QUESTION

Can I get a Hong Kong dependent visa in this instance? My 91-year-old father needs to come to live with me in Hong Kong because he has no one to look after him in the UK where he lives.

He has UK and Australian passports.

I have a flat I own in Hong Kong and considerable savings but very little income as I have retired from full-time work and just do freelance work these days.

I am a Hong Kong permanent resident and I can definitely provide for my father.

Will I be able to get him dependent status?

TEXT ANSWER

Hong Kong Dependent Visa

A Hong Kong dependent visa allows family members of Hong Kong residents or permanent residents to live and work in Hong Kong. This visa is typically granted to spouses or unmarried children under the age of 18, but may also be extended to elderly parents where the sponsor is a PR of Hong Kong.

Roof Over Head / Food On Table

To apply for a Hong Kong dependent visa, the sponsor (Hong Kong resident or permanent resident) must prove that they can support their family member(s) financially. This means that they must provide evidence of their income, such as payslips, employment contracts, or tax returns. If the sponsor is self-employed, they will need to provide documentation of their business and income.

Proof Of Relationship

The sponsor must also provide proof of their relationship with the family member(s) they are sponsoring. For spouses, this means providing a marriage certificate. For elderly parents and children, a birth certificate will be required.

Application Form ID997

As part of the application process, the sponsor will need to fill out various forms and provide supporting documents for their family member(s). The dependent visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is essential to seek professional guidance throughout the process.

Permitted Activity

Once the dependent visa is approved, the family member(s) will be able to reside and work in Hong Kong without restriction. However, the visa holder must maintain their dependent status by ensuring that their sponsor remains a Hong Kong resident.

Last Words …

In conclusion, a Hong Kong dependent visa provides family members of Hong Kong residents or permanent residents the opportunity to live and work in Hong Kong. The application process can be complex, and it is crucial to seek professional guidance to ensure a successful outcome.

In the instant case, however, it appears unlikely the 91-year-old father will be looking to work!

 

 

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Hong Kong | Extension Of Visa Requirements | Advice & Assistance | D-I-Y Kit | 100% FREE!

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Family Visas, Investment Visas, Musing, Special Programmes / 3 responses

Extension Of Visa Requirements

Everything You Need To Extend Your Hong Kong Residence Visa With Our D-I-Y Visa Extension Kit 100% FREE!

Extension of Visa Requirements? The Hong Kong Visa Extension Kit is a professionally prepared resource you can rely on to take away the all-too-frequent hassle of the Hong Kong visa extension process. This valuable immigration service contains all of the information, guidance and templates you need to process any kind of residence visa extension for Hong Kong – completely free of charge.

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Extending Your Hong Kong Visa with the Hong Kong Visa Extension Kit

Timing

For the extension of visa requirements, start preparing your application paperwork 35-40 days before your Hong Kong visa is set to expire.

Forms Required

Use the specific forms outlined in the Hong Kong Visa Extension Kit. For the extension of visa requirements for employment visas and accompanying family, for example, the process calls for forms ID91, ID481A, and ID481B.

Submission

Follow the guidance in the Hong Kong Visa Extension Kit and aim to submit your application at least 30 days before your visa expires.

Application Method

1. Online: The Hong Kong Visa Extension Kit shows that you can start your application entirely online.
2. Walk-In: Alternatively, you can walk into the relevant floor of the Immigration Tower without an appointment, but be prepared for a wait or even a return visit if the daily quota is full. The floor you attend depends on the visa type you hold.

Steps

For the extension of visa requirements, follow the steps, templates, and flowcharts provided in the Hong Kong Visa Extension Kit for a streamlined process.

Special Cases

If there has been a change in your circumstances, we recommend submitting a question for personalized advice within 48 hours.

Last Words …

The Hong Kong Visa Extension Kit serves as a comprehensive guide for extending various types of Hong Kong visas. It offers a step-by-step approach, complete with templates and flowcharts, to help you navigate the administrative maze. By adhering to the timelines and using the correct forms as advised in the Kit, you increase your chances of an administratively smooth visa extension in Hong Kong.

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