What Are You Really Buying From A Hong Kong Immigration Consultant?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in 60 Second Snapshot, Employment Visas, Family Visas, Investment Visas, Long Stay & PR, Refusals & Appeals, Special Programmes, VG Front Page, Visitor Visas / 9 responses

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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Short Term Work Visa For Hong Kong | Cancelled If the Holder Activates It | But Only Starts Work Just Before Expiry?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Uncategorized, Your Question Answered / No responses

Will A Short Term Work Visa Be Cancelled Due To Non-Activation?

Short term work visa for Hong Kong – I originally answered this question 9 years ago but it is still relevant today …

 

QUESTION  OF  THE  WEEK

We have sponsored an Indian passport holder for a short term work visa for Hong Kong to work “legally” here in early September 2014.

However, due to personal matters, he went back to India in early October and is expecting to be back at the end of October.

And he told us that the immigration office had stamped “journey completed” on his work visa, so we are wondering IF his work visa is still valid to come back to work for us?

If his short term work visa for Hong Kong has expired, he will enter Hong Kong as a Visitor with 14 days visa free period to stay then we will need to apply for a work visa for him again?

PS. the short term work visa for Hong Kong we sponsored him is going to expire on 30 November. 

ANSWER HERE

Your Essential Guide To Applying For A Short Term Work Visa For Hong Kong

Overview

Are you planning to embark on, say, a consulting engagement in Hong Kong for a short period of time? If so, it is essential to obtain a short term work visa to engage in such activities lawfully. In Hong Kong, the director of immigration has established specific guidelines for visitors engaging in consulting activities. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to obtaining a short term work visa for Hong Kong.

Process and Requirements

The law in Hong Kong is clear that even if you intend to engage in consulting activities for a short period of time, you will need the express consent of the director of immigration to do so. Proper documentation, sponsorship, and disclosure of business information are required to ensure compliance with immigration laws.

Short Term Consulting Activities

The Immigration Department in Hong Kong is responsible for approving visa applications, including those enabling visitors to perform consulting activities. The Department has specific criteria that need to be met by applicants, including disclosure of business information and the need for a proper sponsor in Hong Kong.

Special Dispensation

There is the possibility of special dispensation for 14 days if you can get the support of a government-accredited agency.

Application Process and Timelines

If you intend to apply for a short term work visa for Hong Kong, you will need to complete ID 990B sponsorship form and ID 990A employment visa application form. Providing an express statement or contract that specifies the consulting services you intend to offer is also essential. Once you have completed all these requirements and submitted your application, you can expect the process to take approximately four to six weeks.

Conclusion and Guidance

The importance of a short term work visa for Hong Kong cannot be overemphasized to visitors intending to engage in consulting activities. To ensure compliance with immigration laws in Hong Kong, proper documentation, sponsorship, and disclosure of business information are essential. Following the steps outlined in the Hong Kong visa handbook and meeting all requirements will increase the chances of success and lead to a hassle-free experience in Hong Kong.

Remember, if you plan to engage in consulting activities in Hong Kong for a short period of time, it is essential to obtain a short term work visa. Applying for a work visa can be a complicated process, but following the guidance laid out in this blog post will enable you to navigate it successfully.

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Hong Kong Work Visa | What Does It Mean | Suitable Credible Sponsor?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Investment Visas, Musing / 4 responses

A Suitable Credible Sponsor For Your Hong Kong Work Visa Application?

Over the last 20 years or so I have coined a number of phrases in Hong Kong immigration parlance …

Suitable credible sponsor for a work visa? In this short piece, I discuss how the Hong Kong Immigration Department assess the bona fides of a Hong Kong company seeking to sponsor the employment visa permissions of a foreign national employee.

Condition Precedent

To ensure the approval of your Hong Kong employment visa application, it is crucial to have a suitable and credible sponsor. The Immigration Department carefully examines the suitability and credibility of the employer during the application process. Here is everything you need to know about how a Hong Kong company can be deemed suitable and credible:

Definition of a Suitable Credible Sponsor

* A suitable sponsor refers to an employer who meets the requirements set by the Immigration Department for sponsoring an employment visa.
* A credible sponsor is an employer who has a good track record and is considered trustworthy by the Immigration Department.

Factors Considered by the Immigration Department

1. Financial Stability: The Immigration Department assesses the financial stability of the employer to ensure they can fulfil their obligations towards the sponsored employee.
2. Business Track Record: The employer’s track record, including their business history, reputation, and compliance with laws and regulations, is evaluated.
3. Employer of Hong Kong Locals: The employer is presently employing Hong Kong locals in its business.
4. Industry Knowledge: The employer’s knowledge and experience in the relevant industry are considered to determine their suitability as a sponsor.
5. Properly Set Up Office: The employer has suitable business premises out of which it is presently operating.

Documentation Required

6. Financial Documents: The employer must provide financial statements, bank statements, and other relevant financial documents to demonstrate their financial stability.
7. Business Registration: The employer’s business registration documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate, are required.
8. Employment Contracts: The employment contract between the employer and the sponsored employee should be comprehensive and comply with Hong Kong labour laws.
9. Business Plan: If the employer is a new business, a detailed business plan outlining the nature of the business, market analysis, financial projections, and staffing plan is necessary.

Importance of a Well-Established Employer

* A well-established employer with a proven track record is more likely to be considered suitable and credible by the Immigration Department.
** Established employers are expected to have the necessary resources, financial stability, and industry knowledge to support the sponsored employee.
*** New businesses may face additional scrutiny and need to provide a compelling business plan to establish their suitability and credibility.

Learn More …

To learn more about the suitability and credibility of an employer for a Hong Kong employment visa application, you can refer to the following sources:

Hong Kong Visa Centre – Establishing the Bona Fides of a Hong Kong Employer – This resource source explains what the Immigration Department looks for when establishing the bona fides of a Hong Kong employer as a suitable and credible sponsor in the context of an IANG application (the requirements are the same whether GEP or IANG).

Hong Kong Visa Centre – Establishing Financial Bona Fides for New Businesses – If the proposed employer is a new business, this source provides insights into how new businesses can establish their financial bona fides to be deemed suitable and credible sponsors.

It is essential to provide comprehensive and detailed information in your employment visa application to demonstrate the suitability and credibility of your proposed employer. By following the guidelines and providing the necessary documentation, you can increase the chances of a successful application.

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Unconditional Stay | Hong Kong | The Role It Plays Today | Do You Need It? | Can You Qualify?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Long Stay & PR, Musing / 1 response

The Ultimate Guide to Unconditional Stay in Hong Kong

The Second Cousin To The Right Of Abode

Introduction

Unconditional Stay? Since the enactment of the Basic Law and the implementation of the arrangements for the Right of Abode in the HKSAR, the role of Unconditional Stay status in the realm of Hong Kong immigration practice has very much taken a back seat although, as you can see from this presentation taken from the Hong Kong Visa Handbook above, there is a place for it today.

What is Unconditional Stay in Hong Kong?

Unconditional Stay status in Hong Kong is not the same as permanent residence or the right of abode. It serves as an administrative convenience, offering certain benefits to foreign nationals. This status allows you to live and work in Hong Kong without worrying about visa restrictions.

Eligibility Criteria for Unconditional Stay

To qualify for Unconditional Stay in Hong Kong, you must meet the following criteria:

– Seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong
– Hold a qualifying visa throughout this period

**Note**: Foreign domestic helpers and those admitted under the Supplementary Labour Scheme are not eligible for this status.

Benefits of Unconditional Stay

The primary advantage of obtaining Unconditional Stay status is the increased flexibility it offers in terms of permitted activities (unlimited) and the duration of stay in Hong Kong (unlimited). It essentially frees you from the clutches of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

How to Apply for Unconditional Stay

To apply for this status, you must submit an application form ID91 for each applicant to the Extension Section of Immigration HQ. The application process involves multiple steps, including providing various documents like:

– A copy of your resume
– Full copies of all passports held during the previous seven-year period
– Copies of salary tax returns for the last seven years
– And more…

For a complete checklist, you can refer to this Pre-Submission Checklist for Unconditional Stay.

Important Points to Remember

1. Physical Presence: You must be physically present in Hong Kong at least once in any given 12-month period to retain this status.
2. Continuous Residence: Any absence from Hong Kong exceeding six months must be justified when seeking it.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information, you can refer to these resources:

– Am I Compelled to Apply for Hong Kong Permanent Residency After 7 Years?
– Hong Kong Unconditional Stay Visa Information
– Unconditional Stay Application
– Crafting Your Application Plan
– Official Application Form
– How to Complete the Application Form
– How to Submit & Manage Your Application

 

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Hong Kong QMAS | Is There Such a Thing as an ‘Occupations in Demand’ List | 2023

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Special Programmes, VG Front Page, Your Question Answered / 8 responses

Hong Kong QMAS –  Is There Such a Thing as an ‘Occupations in Demand’ List In 2023?

All Hail The Talent List …

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme is very often compared with other immigration programmes in the quality of life jurisdictions such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, USA and the UK. Recently, the HKSAR Government has supercharged it in a number of ways, including the temporary removal of the quota until 2025 and the expansion of the Talent List.

QUESTION

“I am from India and have done a BA and an MBA (Sales & Marketing). Currently, I am working as Sales Manager in a telecommunication company. I just wanted to confirm if my profession is eligible under the QMAS points scheme for Hong Kong.”

ANSWER

The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) c/w Talent List is a program designed to attract highly skilled professionals in specific sectors to Hong Kong. The Talent List highlights the industries and professions that are in high demand in Hong Kong, allowing qualified individuals to apply for a visa under the QMAS program.

The Talent List is applicable in other areas of Hong Kong immigration practice, but this post will concentrate on its applicability to the QMAS programme alone.

Key Features of the Talent List:

1. Targeted Industries: The Talent List focuses on 50+ in-demand industries, including asset management, data science, fintech, and more.
2. Points-based Test: Applicants must pass either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test to be eligible for the visa.
3. Selection Process: Applicants are selected based on their scores in the Points Test, and the highest-scoring candidates are granted visas.
4. Visa Duration: Successful applicants are initially granted a visa for 1 year, which can be extended for 2 years, 3 years, and then indefinitely, subject to meeting specific requirements.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the QMAS Talent List, applicants must:

1. Be aged 18 or above when applying.
2. Have a good education background, usually a first degree from a recognized university or a tertiary educational institution.
3. Have good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities, and relevant experience in the targeted industries.
4. Have a genuine intention to settle in Hong Kong.
5. Be proficient in written and spoken Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) or English.
6. Have a clean criminal record and good character.

Application Process:

1. Submit an application for the QMAS Talent List program, along with all required supporting documents.
2. Take either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test.
3. If you meet the minimum passing mark, your application will be processed, and you will be ranked with other applicants.
4. If you are among the highest-scoring candidates, you will be issued a visa under the QMAS program.

The Hong Kong QMAS Talent List can be found here.

 

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