Hong Kong Visas Made Easy

05

Sep 2023

2023 | Quality Migrant Admission Scheme | What ARE Your Chances Of Successfully Securing A QMAS Visa?

Posted by / in Musing, Special Programmes / 7 responses

What Are The Chances Of Successfully Securing A QMAS Visa In 2023?

Demystifying the ‘Black Box’ of Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Visa in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

chances of successfully securing a qmas visa

Backgrounder

What are the chances of successfully securing a QMAS visa? Hong Kong has always been an attractive destination for skilled professionals.

However, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) visa, one of the pathways to make this city your home, has been notoriously opaque.

This post aims to shed light on the elusive nature of the QMAS visa process, especially focusing on the “black box” phenomenon that clouds this visa’s approval metrics. We will also discuss the impact of the 2022 Enhancement measures, which temporarily lifted the QMAS visa approval quota.

For an alternative viewpoint on the QMAS, you may find “Why I Hate the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme & You Should Too” an interesting read.

What Exactly is the QMAS Visa?

The QMAS visa is a quota-based entrant scheme initiated by the Hong Kong government to attract highly skilled or talented persons to settle in the city. Unlike employment visas, which require a job offer, the QMAS allows individuals to enter Hong Kong without prior employment. Applicants undergo a stringent points-based test that evaluates various factors such as age, language proficiency, and professional experience.

The ‘Black Box’ Nature of the QMAS Visa

The Enigma of Approval Metrics

The QMAS visa process is often described as a ‘black box’ due to its lack of transparency. While other visa categories have well-defined criteria for approval, the QMAS is less forthcoming, leading to widespread speculation about the “chances of successfully securing a QMAS visa.”

The Talent List: A Guiding Light?

Contrary to popular belief, Hong Kong does have a Talent List that serves as a guide for potential QMAS applicants. This list, as discussed in this article, outlines specific sectors where talent is in high demand, such as fintech, data science, and environmental engineering. While not a guarantee for approval, aligning your skills with the sectors on the Talent List could improve your application’s prospects.

Subjective Elements in the Evaluation Process

The QMAS visa process involves a degree of subjectivity, as the Immigration Department has the discretion to approve or reject applications based on various undisclosed factors. This subjectivity adds another layer of complexity to the already opaque process.

The 2022 Enhancement Measures: A Game-Changer?

Temporary Lifting of Quotas

The 2022 Enhancement Measures temporarily lifted the QMAS visa approval quota, potentially increasing the “chances of successfully securing a QMAS visa.” This unprecedented move opens up more opportunities for applicants, making it a golden period to apply.

Streamlined Application Process

The 2022 Enhancement measures also aim to make the application process more efficient. However, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect the ‘black box’ nature of the QMAS visa.

Expert Tips for Navigating the QMAS ‘Black Box’

1. Consult Immigration Experts: Given the complex nature of the QMAS, it’s advisable to consult immigration experts who can provide personalized guidance.
2. Comprehensive Documentation: The more robust your portfolio, the better your chances. Include all relevant certifications, publications, and letters of recommendation.
3. Stay Abreast of Policy Changes: Immigration policies can change rapidly. Keep an eye on official announcements to adapt your application strategy accordingly.

Last Words …

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Visa remains a complex and often misunderstood aspect of Hong Kong’s immigration landscape. However, with the temporary lifting of the QMAS visa approval quota and the availability of the Talent List as a guiding resource, the odds may be turning in favour of applicants. While the process may still resemble a ‘black box,’ a strategic approach can significantly improve your chances of successfully securing a QMAS visa in 2023.

 

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More Stuff You May Find Useful or Interesting

It’s Official – 77% Of All QMAS Approvals Go To Mainland Chinese

10 Must Have Resources For A Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Application

Finally Immd Shed Some Light On What Constitutes ‘Talent’ For The Purposes Of A QMAS Approval

Why I Hate The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (& You Should Too)

How Important Are Employment Testimonials In A QMAS Application?

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04

Sep 2023

Applying For A Hong Kong Investment Visa | Company Incorporation | Business Support | Zzzzip.com

Posted by / in Feature Article, Investment Visas, Musing, VG Front Page / No responses

Zzzzip.com | Your Gateway To Business Success In Hong Kong | Comprehensive Support | Hong Kong Investment Visa (And Much More …)

One-Stop Professional Help In Support Of Your Hong Kong Investment Visa Application From Will Probert & His Team Of Experts

hong kong investment visa

Background

Hong Kong is a bustling hub of commerce, technology, and innovation. For foreign individuals and business enterprises looking to tap into this lucrative market, the process can be daunting. That’s where Zzzzip comes in. As our sister company and a one-stop solution for all your business needs in Hong Kong, Zzzzip offers a range of services that make your transition smooth and efficient.

Here’s how Zzzzip can assist you in obtaining a Hong Kong Investment Visa, setting up your business, and ensuring its growth.

Why Hong Kong?

Before we dive into the services offered by Zzzzip, let’s understand why Hong Kong is a prime location for business investment:

1. Strategic Location: Situated at the heart of Asia, Hong Kong serves as a gateway to Mainland China and other Asian markets.
2. Business-Friendly Environment: Known for its low taxes and free trade policies, Hong Kong is consistently ranked among the easiest places to do business.
3. Robust Legal System: With its roots in British law, Hong Kong offers a transparent and reliable legal framework.

Zzzzip Support

Company Incorporation

Zzzzip makes the company incorporation process fast and easy. They can set up your company within 24 hours, allowing you to hit the ground running. Their experts guide you through every step, ensuring that your business is set up correctly from the get-go.

Bank Account Setup

One of the most challenging aspects for foreign businesses is setting up a local bank account. Zzzzip can get this done for you in as fast as three days.

Business Administration

From company secretary services to registered & business address and mail handling, Zzzzip takes care of all the nitty-gritty, letting you focus on growing your business.

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Zzzzip offers comprehensive accounting and bookkeeping services, including tax returns and virtual CFO services. They are also a Xero partner, ensuring seamless financial management.

Payroll & HR

Managing payroll and HR can be cumbersome. Zzzzip offers services like payroll management, MPF management, and HR outsourcing to make your life easier.

Creative & Digital Services

Whether it’s logo design, branding, or web development, Zzzzip has got you covered. They even offer business cards, stationery, and company email address services.

Cross-Border Support

Zzzzip is not just limited to Hong Kong; they offer cross-border business support. They have helped Hong Kong-based clients with international expansion and multi-national businesses establish themselves in Asia.

Testimonials

As the sister company of Hong Kong Visa Centre, Zzzzip offers unparalleled customer support and reflects the hard-earned reputation of our Group of companies as a whole.

 

Contact Zzzzip.com

 

Hong Kong Investment Visa!

If you need definitive help with your Hong Kong Investment Visa application get it all here, 100% for free!

Last Words …

Zzzzip is your go-to partner for starting and running a business in Hong Kong. Their comprehensive services, ranging from company incorporation to obtaining a Hong Kong Investment Visa, make them an invaluable asset for any foreign individual or business enterprise looking to make it big in Hong Kong.

 

 

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Hong Kong Employment Visa – Do You Need A Degree?

Hong Kong Employment Visa Self-Sponsorship – The Reality For Entrepreneurs Masquerading As Employees

Foreign National Entrepreneurs Starting Up In Hong Kong Or China – Where Is Better For Visas?

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03

Sep 2023

Do You Have A Business Plan Template I Can Use For My Hong Kong Investment Visa Application?

Posted by / in Investment Visas, Your Question Answered / 6 responses

Is There A Business Plan Template I Can Use For My Hong Kong Investment Visa To Help Get My Case Approved?

Business Plan Template I Can Use For My Hong Kong Investment Visa

Updated September, 2023

A Business Plan Template?

A Common Question

Do you have a business plan template I can use for my Hong Kong investment visa application is a question that we get asked quite often. It’s funny how this question just keeps on cropping up. I’m not quite certain where this red herring originates from as the Hong Kong Immigration Department standard communications do not specifically call for such a comprehensively produced document (and we do not expressly request one from our clients in support of their applications).

Useful To Have

When it comes to applying for a Hong Kong Business Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa, a highly detailed business plan is not always a strict requirement. While it’s true that a solid business plan is crucial for any business’s success, a detailed plan may not be entirely necessary when applying for this particular visa. Here are a few reasons why:

Strictly Needed?

Firstly, the Hong Kong Immigration Department is mainly interested in the entrepreneur’s ability to contribute to the economy and add value to Hong Kong. This is why the department places more emphasis on the applicant’s entrepreneurial history, domain experience experience, skills, and manifest and obvious qualifications for success rather than a dusty business plan. Your expertise and qualifications in the related field will help ImmD understand how you can make useful contributions to the Hong Kong economy. You still need to show how your plan for the business looks but by no means does it need to be 60 pages long!

Secondly, detailed business plans can be complicated and may not always accurately predict the future development of a business, especially in the ever-changing and dynamic Hong Kong market. An over-reliance on business plans could lead to missed opportunities or a lack of flexibility in response to rapid changes in the market environment.

Thirdly, Hong Kong is known for its business-friendly environment, and there is a certain level of trust in entrepreneurs and investors who decide to start a business in the city. As long as you can demonstrate your experience and are willing to commit to running a business in Hong Kong that can benefit the local economy, ImmD are likely to view you favourably.

Lastly, providing evidence of current market demand, industry trends, and your existing network is essential when applying for a Hong Kong Business Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa. Along with your business objectives and potential revenue streams, evidence of market research can demonstrate your understanding of the local market and the viability of your business idea.

The Best Approach

If you need definitive help with your Entrepreneur Visa application get it all here, 100% for free!

Last Words …

As you will hear in my QnA reply below,  a detailed business plan may not be strictly necessary when applying for a Hong Kong Business Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa. While a solid business plan can be useful in some cases, the key elements for success lie in the applicant’s experience, qualifications, and their ability to make valuable contributions to the Hong Kong economy. Your understanding of the local market, industry trends and supporting evidence, and your existing network can all provide the immigration officials a good idea of your potential success, this will make it easier to secure a Hong Kong Business Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa.

QUESTION

“Hi Stephen,

Do you have a business plan template I can use for my investment visa application?”

ANSWER

The long answer is no – because you simply don’t need one.

This question has been covered by Hadley here:

60 Pages or 7 Pages for Your Hong Kong Investment Visa Plan? It’s Your Choice…

and I have written about it here:

A Detailed Business Plan for Your Hong Kong Investment Visa? – Not Really…

and discussed it here:

How Extensive Should My Business Plan Be In Order to Get a Hong Kong Investment Visa?

The best resource can be found in the Hong Kong Visa Handbook investment visa templates section:

Hong Kong Investment Visa Application Templates

But if you absolutely, definitely, have to, without a shadow of a doubt have a Business Plan Template you can find a complete one here.

Also, these days, you can get significant prompters from the various Ai services to help you do all the heavy lifting.

More Stuff You Might Find Useful Or Interesting

How To Apply For A Hong Kong Investment Visa Without Any Professional Help!

What Do Both Hong Kong Employment And Investment Visa Applications Share In Common?

The Reality Behind The Hong Kong Immigration Department’s “4 Weeks” Application Consideration Time Frame

How Is The Hong Kong Investment Visa Process Typically Experienced By The Foreign National Visa Applicant?

How Important Is The Support Of Investhk In Your Hong Kong Investment Visa Application

 

Check Out VisaGeeza.Ai

All Our Know-How : All Our Experience : Fully Interactive

100% FREE!

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02

Sep 2023

Redundancy | Expiring Hong Kong Employment Visa | Process Pitfalls | How To Manage

Posted by / in Employment Visas, Musing / 149 responses

What To Do If You’ve Lost Your Job And Have An Expiring Hong Kong Employment Visa?

Do You Have To Leave? What About Your Eligibility For PR?

Expiring Hong Kong Employment Visa

 

Introduction

Experiencing an expiring Hong Kong employment visa after being made redundant can be a stressful situation. Hong Kong’s visa and immigration processes can range from being straightforward to incredibly complex, depending on your unique circumstances. In this guide, we’ll answer crucial questions and provide actionable steps to help you navigate this challenging period.

Contents

1. The Basics of Hong Kong Employment Visas
2. What Happens When You’re Made Redundant
3. Actionable Steps to Take
4. Impact On PR
5. More On PR Eligibility
6. Final Thoughts

The Basics of Hong Kong Employment Visas

In an ideal world, the process of securing a Hong Kong employment visa is linear: you receive a job offer, apply for a visa, get approved, and start working. However, life is rarely that simple. What happens when you’re made redundant just weeks before your expiring Hong Kong employment visa is due?

What Happens When You’re Made Redundant

Being made redundant before your employment visa expires puts you in a precarious situation. You may find yourself asking:

– Do I have to leave Hong Kong?
– Will my employment visa be extended without a sponsor?
– What are my options?

Actionable Steps to Take

1. Job Search

Without a job offer, you can’t extend your expiring Hong Kong employment visa.

2. Visitor Visa

Visit the Immigration Tower in Wanchai to apply for a visitor visa, stating that you’re seeking alternate employment.

3. On The Ground Presence

ImmD may grant you a few weeks under visitor status to find a new job, especially if you’ve been a long-term resident.

4. Re-Application

Once you have a job offer, re-apply for an employment visa using forms  ID990A and ID990B.

5. Visa Activation

After approval, activate your new visa by exiting and re-entering Hong Kong.

6. Family Members

If you have dependents, their visa processes will follow yours.

Impact On PR

The test for approval for PR in Hong Kong is as follows:

You need to have been continuously and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a period of not less than seven years where any absences from Hong Kong in that time – be they of long or short duration – are of a merely temporary nature as evidenced by what you leave behind in Hong Kong to return back to at the end of each temporary stay abroad. You need to have held back-to-back residence visas throughout the seven years claimed as ordinary residence in Hong Kong; must be no security objection to being granted the Right of Abode; must be no outstanding taxation liabilities in your hands in Hong Kong at the time that you’re applying for Right of Abode. And you need to have been in Hong Kong for a settled purpose. Your settled purpose is a function of the visa type that you hold

A visitor visa is not a residence visa. Any time you spend on visitor status is going to count against you come the time for your PR application. If your situation is one of mere Administrative Flux for a very short time between employment visas and your feet are terra firma Hong Kong all throughout, ImmD may conclude your ordinary residence has been maintained even though you had a short stint as a visitor.

However, the longer the stint the greater the chance of visitor status definitively breaking your continuity. Keep it short time folks!

More On PR Eligibility

If you need definitive help with your PR application get it all here, 100% for free!

Final Thoughts

While navigating an expiring Hong Kong employment visa after redundancy is challenging, it’s crucial to act swiftly to regularize your situation. Doing so will not only save you from legal complications but also help you maintain your continuity of residence in Hong Kong.

 

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Paying For Visa Help? The Who’s Who Of The Hong Kong Immigration Services Industry

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01

Sep 2023

Half Way Through the Process | Cancel One Hong Kong Employment Visa Application | Start A Second One Instead?

Posted by / in Employment Visas, Your Question Answered / 10 responses

Cancel One Hong Kong Employment Visa Application to Start a Second One?

It sometimes happens that 2 job offers emerge in quick succession and you prefer to accept the 2nd one but the visa application for the first one has already started …

Cancel One Hong Kong Employment Visa Application to Start a Second One

So What Happens In A Situation Like This?

Cancel one Hong Kong employment visa application to start a second one? The process of applying for a work visa in Hong Kong involves several steps and parties, including the employer, the Immigration Department, and the applicant. Here are some general considerations regarding your situation:

Withdrawal of Application

If your work visa application is still being processed, it is generally possible to withdraw it. You would need to inform both the company sponsoring you and the Immigration Department as soon as possible.

New Sponsor

If you decide to go with another job offer, the new company would have to start the visa application process from scratch. This would include submitting all the required documents and waiting for the application to be processed, which could take several weeks.

Time Factor

Keep in mind that withdrawing an application and then submitting a new one will likely extend the time it takes to secure a work visa. Make sure you have enough time left on your visitor visa to accommodate this.

Changing Employers Later

If your work visa has already been approved but not yet issued (i.e., you haven’t started working), changing employers becomes more complicated. You would generally need to go through the application process again with your new employer under a change of sponsorship application.

Legal Implications

Depending on your contract with the first company, withdrawing after a visa has been approved could have legal repercussions. Make sure to read your contract carefully and consult a legal advisor if necessary.

Communication is Key

Regardless of the stage you’re at, communication with both your current and potential future employer is crucial. Make sure they are both aware of the situation and are willing to cooperate.

QUESTION

I am currently in Hong Kong and about to sign a contract with a company that will sponsor my work visa since I came here basically to be with my boyfriend. However, there might still be a chance to get an opportunity with another job I have been waiting for an answer from. My question is if it is possible to interrupt the visa processing and change it to another company before it’s issued.

I would really appreciate your advice.

Click Here To Listen To Podcast Answer

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Is There Such An Animal As A ‘Flexible’ Working Visa For Hong Kong?

The Perils Of Contriving A Job Offer Just For The Purposes Of A Hong Kong Employment Visa

I Have Technically Overstayed My Employment Visa By Just One Day But I Have No Job – What Happens Now?

I Would Like To Apply For A ‘Job Seekers’ Visa For Hong Kong – How Do I Got About Doing So?

Will A Short Period Of Time Away From Hong Kong Compromise My Ability To Secure The Right Of Abode Here After 7 Years?

.

PODCAST ANSWER

Play

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30

Aug 2023

Hong Kong Visa Geeza | A Day-In-The-Life Of | Hong Kong Immigration Lawyer

Posted by / in Employment Visas, Family Visas, Investment Visas, Long Stay & PR, Musing, Refusals & Appeals, Special Programmes, Visitor Visas / 1 response

A Day-In-The-Life Of Hong Kong Immigration Lawyer Stephen Barnes [aka] The Hong Kong Visa Geeza

10 Years Ago …

Hong Kong Visa Geeza: a day-in-the-life [and more]. On Tuesday, October 22, 2013, my client, compadre-in-arms and all-round good gal Gail Turner of Gail Turner Photography shadowed me around to take a photo montage of a typical day in my life here in Hong Kong.

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(01) - Checking Overnight Emails
(01) - Checking Overnight Emails
(02) - Uploading Daily Blog Post
(02) - Uploading Daily Blog Post
(03) - General Catch Up With Josephine Lau
(03) - General Catch Up With Josephine Lau
(04) - Client Document Management Discussion With Miko Lau
(04) - Client Document Management Discussion With Miko Lau
(05) - Telecon Case Discussion With Amy Ko
(05) - Telecon Case Discussion With Amy Ko
(06) - Review Before Lawyer Meeting
(06) - Review Before Lawyer Meeting
(07) - Meeting With Lawyer Daniel Walker
(07) - Meeting With Lawyer Daniel Walker
(08) - Making Myself Understood Regarding the Terms of a Lease
(08) - Making Myself Understood Regarding the Terms of a Lease
(09) - Praying To God Through Our Smartphones!
(09) - Praying To God Through Our Smartphones!
(10) - On My Way to RTHK Radio 3
(10) - On My Way to RTHK Radio 3
(11) - Arrived at Kowloon Tong
(11) - Arrived at Kowloon Tong
(12) - Heading to Broadcast Drive
(12) - Heading to Broadcast Drive
(13) - Arriving at RTHK Just in the Nick of Time
(13) - Arriving at RTHK Just in the Nick of Time
(14) - Guest of el-Maestro Phil Whelan & Morning Brew
(14) - Guest of el-Maestro Phil Whelan & Morning Brew
(15) - Getting Ready for Hard Talk by Whelan
(15) - Getting Ready for Hard Talk by Whelan
(16) - Mr Whelan Keeping Me On My Toes!
(16) - Mr Whelan Keeping Me On My Toes!
(17) - All Done So Now Back to Wanchai
(17) - All Done So Now Back to Wanchai
(18) - A Working Lunch Awaits!
(18) - A Working Lunch Awaits!
(19) - Back in Wanchai
(19) - Back in Wanchai
(20) - Delaneys Director's Burger for Lunch
(20) - Delaneys Director's Burger for Lunch
(21) - Urgent Client Matter Over Lunch
(21) - Urgent Client Matter Over Lunch
(22) - Mes Amis Meeting With Ruby Before We Head to ImmD
(22) - Mes Amis Meeting With Ruby Before We Head to ImmD
(23) - Finishing Touches Then Off We Go
(23) - Finishing Touches Then Off We Go
(24) - Walking to Immigration Tower
(24) - Walking to Immigration Tower
(25) - A Pose for Posterity Before We Head Up
(25) - A Pose for Posterity Before We Head Up
(26) - Post-ImmD Meeting Debrief
(26) - Post-ImmD Meeting Debrief
(27) - Happy With the Outcome!
(27) - Happy With the Outcome!
(28) - Walk to Real Estate Agent Offices on Johnston Road
(28) - Walk to Real Estate Agent Offices on Johnston Road
(29) - Signing-Off the Video Cha Cha Studio Lease
(29) - Signing-Off the Video Cha Cha Studio Lease
(30) - Visit to the Video Cha Cha Studio Building On Lockhart Rd
(30) - Visit to the Video Cha Cha Studio Building On Lockhart Rd
(31) - Final Meeting of the Day - Coffee in Wanchai
(31) - Final Meeting of the Day  - Coffee in Wanchai

A Day in My Life...

As you can see, my daily life is full and varied but naturally centres on Wanchai (although I did venture over to Kowloon side this day which I am loathe to do usually as I typically end up with a nose bleed when I cross the harbour!)

31 Photos

 

All About The Hong Kong Visa Geeza

Taken directly from VisaGeeza.Ai …

Stephen Barnes, “Hong Kong Visa Geeza”

Hong Kong immigration lawyer Stephen Barnes is a renowned figure in the field of Hong Kong visas and immigration. He is the co-founder of the Hong Kong Visa Centre, a professional immigration practice. Here is some information about Stephen Barnes and his background:

Background

Stephen Barnes is an experienced immigration advisor specializing in Hong Kong visa and immigration matters. He has extensive knowledge and expertise in this field, making him a trusted authority on Hong Kong immigration matters. Known as the Hong Kong Visa Geeza, this nickname was given to him by Phil Whelan, RTHK Radio Broadcaster, way back in 2005.

Education

Stephen Barnes graduated from the London School of Economics in Law in 1992 and completed the Solicitors Final Examination of the Law Society of England and Wales in 1993. Since then, he has practised Hong Kong immigration exclusively and his expertise and reputation in the field is reflected in the fact that he has been accredited by the Law Society of Hong Kong to deliver CPD programmes in Hong Kong business immigration law and procedures.

Hong Kong Visa and Immigration Experience

As the Hong Kong Visa Geeza, Stephen Barnes has a wealth of experience in handling various types of Hong Kong visa and immigration cases. Over 30 years, he has helped countless individuals and businesses navigate the complex immigration process and achieve their immigration goals in Hong Kong.

Happy Clients and Client Testimonials

The context mentions that there is information about happy clients and client testimonials available. To access this information, you can visit the following link: Hong Kong Visa Centre Happy Clients. This page provides testimonials and feedback from clients who have worked with Stephen Barnes and the Hong Kong Visa Centre.

VisaGeeza.Ai

In 2023 Stephen Barnes spent 6 months programming Hong Kong’s very first artificial intelligence large language model called VisaGeeza.Ai. This free resource is a natural technological development resulting from 13 years of publishing his Hong Kong immigration expertise and know-how freely on the internet via the Hong Kong Visa Geeza website.

More Information

1. [LinkedIn Profile of Stephen Barnes](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hongkongvisageeza/): Stephen Barnes’ LinkedIn profile provides additional information about his professional background, education, and experience in the field of Hong Kong visa and immigration.

2. [Hong Kong Visa Centre Website](https://hongkongvisacentre.com/home/map/): The Hong Kong Visa Centre’s website  contains detailed information about their services, team members, and client testimonials. Exploring their website can provide a comprehensive understanding of Stephen Barnes’ role and expertise within the organization.

3. [The Hong Kong Visa Handbook] (https://hongkongvisahandbook.com/). For further information and insights into Hong Kong visa and immigration matters, you may also refer to “The Hong Kong Visa Handbook” by Stephen Barnes. This comprehensive resource offers valuable guidance and knowledge on various aspects of Hong Kong immigration.

 

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The Visa Geeza On RTHK Radio 3 – October 2013

Hong  Kong Immigration Advice For Free – Why A Counter-Intuitive Business Model Is Proving So Successful

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Britcham Spills The Beans On The Hong Kong Visa Centre’s Biggest Secret!

Stephen Barnes’ What’s Up Hong Kong Interview – Immigration, Visas, Life, The Universe And Everything

But Stephen, How Do You Make Any Money When You Give All Of Your Hong Kong Visa Expertise Away For Free?

 

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28

Aug 2023

The Industry Secret Most Hong Kong Immigration Consultants Don’t Want You to Discover

Posted by / in Employment Visas, Family Visas, Investment Visas, Long Stay & PR, Musing, Refusals & Appeals, Special Programmes, Visitor Visas / 31 responses

What Hong Kong Immigration Consultants Like To Keep Quiet About …

All cases are ‘hard’, right?
hong kong immigration consultants

Lifting The Lid

[Looking around furtively…]

Shussh… You are probably paying Hong Kong immigration consultants too much for your Hong Kong visa service.

It’s true, and here’s the reason why.

Hard vs Easy

Your ‘easy’ Hong Kong visa application costs just as much as a ‘hard’ or ‘very hard’ case – yet Hong Kong immigration consultants generally do not distinguish them.

They are all just ‘cases’.

Those that go through quickly and easily are super-profitable for Hong Kong immigration consultants and those that need strident arguments barely break even.

We know this because our 30 years of experience in the Hong Kong immigration services business tells us the following:

Case Experience Generally

– 70% of Hong Kong visa cases tend to be merely administrative in nature and 30% need to be aggressively argued.

– Of the cases that need arguing, 50% require a lot of work and 50% somewhat less work.

– Hong Kong immigration consultants typically charge flat fees irrespective of complexity.

– Hong Kong immigration consultants and visa consultancies are not able to advise a client theirs is an ‘easy’ case for fear of mis-setting expectations.

– Moreover, at the point of agreeing a fee, Hong Kong immigration consultants are not in a position to know if a case will in fact be easy or hard as they have not yet opened a file, read all the available papers nor understood the full case background.

This all means that easy cases inadvertently end up subsidising the hard ones and the majority of clients end up paying for the privilege!

How Can You Know?

Clients are not in a position to know the true level of complexity of their case and so justify the size of their payment as a fee for convenience, service and peace of mind.

There’s nothing wrong with this of course.

It’s a perfectly ethical way to provide an immigration service and tens of thousands of Hong Kong clients every year get good results from Hong Kong immigration consultants and are very pleased with the service.

A Better Way

But there is an alternative.

It’s why I publish this Blog 4-5 times each week.

And wrote the Hong Kong Visa Handbook.

I published Hong Kong Visa Sherpa for companies with more than one hundred employees.

And launched VisaGeeza.Ai – all 100% Free.

More Stuff You May Find Useful or Interesting

But Stephen, How Do You Make Any Money When You Give All Your Know-How Away For Free?

100% Hong Kong Visa Application Success Rate? Take It All With A Piece Of Salt!

Do Immigration Consultants Actually Add Any Value To The Hong Kong Visa Process?

Paying For Visa Help? The Who’s Who Of The Hong Kong Immigration Services Industry

Why Internet Forums Are A Cr@P Source Of Hong Kong Immigration Advice

 
 

Check Out VisaGeeza.Ai

All Our Know-How : All Our Experience : Fully Interactive

100% FREE!

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