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Hadley Says

Will A Criminal Record Impact On Your Application For A Hong Kong Residence Visa?

March 5th, 2024

Posted by / in Employment Visas, Family Visas, Hadley Says…, Investment Visas, Long Stay & PR, Refusals & Appeals, Special Programmes, Visitor Visas / 144 responses


 

UPDATE: March 5, 2024

This article tries to clarify the impact of a criminal record on your application for a Hong Kong residence visa

Used to be no – but now the game has completely changed.

Criminal records now must be disclosed across all visa types.

Every now and again the question of criminal convictions and the impact they have on the Hong Kong visa process raises its head. Hadley here waxes lyrical on this subject and surprisingly, has quite a lot to say!

Criminal Record Impact On Your Application For A Hong Kong Residence Visa – Is Your Conviction Already Spent?

Of course, the million dollar question right now is will the existence of a prior criminal conviction automatically disqualify an applicant? If not, what is the threshold? Will ‘spent’ convictions need to be disclosed?

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The Hong Kong Visa Geeza (a.k.a Stephen Barnes) is a co-founder of the Hong Kong Visa Centre and author of the Hong Kong Visa Handbook. A law graduate of the London School of Economics, Stephen has been practicing Hong Kong immigration since 1993 and is widely acknowledged as the leading authority on business immigration matters here for the last 24 years.

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RESPONSES
  • Ehti

    23 Feb 2024 am29 2:45am
    01

    I have a theft conviction while living in hk, i was sent to jail until I got a bail for HKD500 and went through a trial in the court, I’m living in Hong Kong under a dependent visa will it cause any problems for me if I have to renew my visa please let me know thanks.

    • The Visa Geeza

      5 Mar 2024 pm31 12:54pm
      02

      Possibly. The extension will not be straightforward in my view. Much depends on the facts of your conviction and if the police have any objection to your remaining in Hong Kong. Handle the application for extension of stay with care.

  • Eric

    30 Jan 2024 pm31 1:06pm
    03

    In the case of dui + dangerous driving, which led to a short custodial sentence overseas, will this affect continuation of a visa in HK/ applying for pr? Nominal property damage and no one is hurt.

    • The Visa Geeza

      1 Feb 2024 am29 10:41am
      04

      Should not be an issue.

      • Eric

        3 Feb 2024 pm29 7:30pm
        05

        I understand for PR, they will ask if you are convictsd/ in jail if there’s a break of residency of more than six months? How do you deal with that?

        • The Visa Geeza

          5 Mar 2024 pm31 12:55pm
          06

          if you are subject to even one day prison sentence that will legally break your ‘ordinary residence’.

  • ERIC

    26 Jan 2024 pm31 10:10pm
    07

    I am from a very strict country, first time caught and if convicted for DUI, and this may lead to a short custodial sentence (1-2 months max). There is very minor damage to public and no injuries to any persons at all (including myself). In other countries it may probably not lead to imprisonment because of the above described situation/ actual severity. But in my country, it does lead to short jail term.

    I am currently on a HK visa, and may want to apply for extension of visa/ HK PR status in time to come.

    May I ask what my situation will likely be viewed (bearing in mind the very short custodial sentence given my situation), and will I run into any difficulties when trying to renew my visa or when applying for permanent residency status?

    Many thanks for your kind advice and guidance.

    • The Visa Geeza

      1 Feb 2024 am29 10:42am
      08

      Should not be a problem

  • EK

    8 Jun 2023 am30 5:14am
    09

    Hi. I have a record of 2 years probation order (already spent) from South Korea, for possession of illegal pornography. Does this disqualify for “student visa”? Thank you so much for your time.

    • The Visa Geeza

      9 Jun 2023 pm30 2:01pm
      10

      Sorry – have no idea. You’ll need to disclose it as part of your application and see what ImmD make of it.

  • Bob

    23 May 2023 am31 4:46am
    11

    I have a drunk driving offence from South Korea, maximum fine and driving license revoked (2 years). I hope to enter HK with a Working Holiday visa at the exact end of the 2 year period. What are the chances of rejection for me..? I need to be sure as I will be goijg with my partner. Thank you so much.

    • The Visa Geeza

      24 May 2023 am31 1:30am
      12

      I doubt it will be a problem.

  • Peacefinder

    1 Oct 2022 am31 12:07am
    13

    Hello,
    First thank you for helping people about visa and PR related questions it’s been very helpful to read these insight.
    In my case I have been living 6.5 y in Hong Kong and found myself caught in a case of theft by omission. This fall’s in Hong Kong under the criminal dishonesty category.While I’m waiting for my trial very anxiously , I would like to ask if a criminal record for theft(dishonesty) has high chance to cause a rejection of my PR request.Additionally, if this causes problem to PR , will it affect the same way a working visa renewal : as working visa are granted 3 years max , and for a conviction to be spent a length of 3 years must elapse so shall a crime committed a conviction will never be spent during the remaining time of a working visa .Thank you

    • The Visa Geeza

      2 Oct 2022 pm31 12:19pm
      14

      The bottom line is as follows:

      (a) if you get a fine under HKD10,000 it should not be problematic in any way UNLESS the police advise ImmD of their objection to you remaining in HK – this depends on how you acquit yourself during the proceedings.
      (b) if you go to prison, you will break your continuity of ordinary residence for PR purposes and it’s unlikely you will get a visa extended.
      (c) if you’re acquitted generally that’s the end of it with no immigration questions arising unless the police object to you remaining on security grounds (they don’t do do this maliciously – see (a))

      In any event, you need to get the trial out of the way to see which way the wind is blowing

      • Peacefinder

        3 Oct 2022 pm31 3:53pm
        15

        Hi thank you so much for your prompt and precise feedback.
        A lawyer service told me that a convicted charge for dishonesty will not jeopardise working visa reviewal ( sounds similar to case (a) you are referring above) But he told me that i can jeopardise de PR and right to abode application. I would like to confirm your point of view on this?
        Thank you

        • The Visa Geeza

          13 Oct 2022 am31 8:10am
          16

          If you go to jail then the 7 years continuity is boken.

          • Peacefinder

            16 Oct 2022 am31 11:14am
            17

            This is clear and understood, I’ve well noted that prison will be an issue.

            My question relates to the fine scenario: will a criminal conviction for dishinesty below 10k HKD never be problematic to ask for PR or working visa renewal?(unless police give instruction to immigration like you mention above)

            Thanks

          • The Visa Geeza

            19 Oct 2022 pm31 2:10pm
            18

            Correct.

    • Kayb

      12 Jul 2023 pm31 8:55pm
      19

      Hello Peacefinder, I would like to know any updates regarding your case… have you been allowed for PR despite your case? Thank you

  • jox

    3 Sep 2022 pm30 11:05pm
    20

    hello ,I just convicted last Aug 2019 for assault, but I’ll pay fined only 400hkd and no jail .it can be affect my working visa if I’m renewed my work .

    • The Visa Geeza

      4 Sep 2022 am30 11:08am
      21

      Generally no. If the fine is less than HKD10,000 and the police have no objection to you being allowed to remain in Hong Kong, ImmD should agree to extend your employment visa.

  • M

    16 Aug 2022 pm31 3:52pm
    22

    Hello there,

    I have been found guilty of possession of dengerous drugs (very small amount) in front of HK court in July and have been sentenced to a small fine of 2000HKD with no probation period or whatsoever . My current visa is running until beginning of Jan 2023.

    Will my visa renewal/application be refused?

    Thanks a lot for your time and answer.

    Best,

    • The Visa Geeza

      4 Sep 2022 am30 11:18am
      23

      Generally no. If the fine is less than HKD10,000 and the police have no objection to you being allowed to remain in Hong Kong, ImmD should agree to extend your employment visa

      • AM

        17 Aug 2023 pm31 1:37pm
        24

        Hi, I was recently involved in a Criminal Case as the victim, the perpetrator was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for Wounding with Intent and tried to fabricate his way out of the situation, I was left with a fractured wrist and split skull after being hit from behind with a weapon. My question is, if he is a PR or non PR will he be deported after finishing his sentence? I’m also looking to sue him for damages due to loss of earnings.

        • The Visa Geeza

          18 Aug 2023 pm31 1:09pm
          25

          If he’s a PR no. If he is in possesion of a resident visa he will likely be removed from HK.

  • Dave

    29 Jun 2022 pm30 8:23pm
    26

    Hi there,

    If I was convicted of indecent assault in Hong Kong in August 2019, but I had no jail time or fine (just community service), should I be OK getting a working visa this summer to work in Hong Kong again?

    I am from the UK and haven’t been in HK since October 2019.

    I would be aiming to get a visa to work in a school. As far as I am aware, the conviction is classed as spent this August, too.

    Thanks,

    Dave

    • The Visa Geeza

      1 Jul 2022 pm31 1:00pm
      27

      I honestly don’t know. Generally, if the max sentence was a fine ImmD tend not to make an issue of it. You won’t know until you apply however.

      • Dave

        7 Jul 2022 pm31 5:11pm
        28

        Thanks for the reply!

  • Bob

    17 Jun 2022 am30 9:45am
    29

    Hi. I have been charged with felony-kidnapping and class a misdemeanor indecent assault but all dismissed. I got the disposition from the court. Will this hurt on my working visa application and residency application as well?

    • The Visa Geeza

      21 Jun 2022 am30 10:00am
      30

      If there was no guilty finding then no.

  • Jacky

    24 May 2022 am31 4:15am
    31

    Hi There,

    I am inUnited Sates and I have been charged with indecent assault and unlawful restrain. But all the charges are dismissed.
    I want to apply for working visa and potentially apply for residency in Hongkong. Will these two dismissed charges affect my application? Both of these 2 charges are Class A misdemeanor in United Sates. I run the FBI criminal background check and they show these 2 arrests and I got the disposition from the court.

    • The Visa Geeza

      1 Jun 2022 pm30 2:24pm
      32

      No.

      • Jacky

        3 Jun 2022 am30 4:38am
        33

        Hi Thank you for the response.
        If the charge is felony-kidnapping and class a misdemeanor indecent assault but all dismissed as well.
        Does that mean it does not hurt on my working visa application and residency application as well?

  • Ikhlaq

    19 Dec 2021 pm31 12:37pm
    34

    Hi i wanted to ask i want to apply for my hong kong sar passport i born here in hk and living here but i got criminal record will it affect me with applying for hong kong sar passport hope to get you reply soon

    • The Visa Geeza

      28 Dec 2021 pm31 1:29pm
      35

      It depends on the crime. You should apply in any event and see how you go.

  • Ailyn

    15 Dec 2021 pm31 2:19pm
    36

    Hi visa geeza I’m from Philippines Im here now in.Philippines but I have unpaid loan in bank iin HK
    If I get visa again it will.be affect on my visa for vacation or dependent or my work visa if I apply again ?

    • The Visa Geeza

      28 Dec 2021 pm31 1:30pm
      37

      There’s no connection between Immigration and bank loans outstanding. If it were tax it would be different.

  • Tyler

    24 Nov 2021 pm30 5:45pm
    38

    Hello Visa Geeza,

    First of all thank you for what you’re doing, it is awesome.
    I am currently facing charges in HK for theft (shoplifting around 100HKD$) and I might get a record after my trial.
    I am currently staying under a student visa and plan to apply for a working one in the upcoming months.

    Do you think my application will be rejected?

    Thank you in advance!

    Best

    • The Visa Geeza

      6 Dec 2021 am31 9:35am
      39

      It might well be hard for you I’m afraid.

      • equilibrium

        27 Oct 2022 am31 4:44am
        40

        Hi VisaGeeza :
        1- Tyler faced charges for theft (100HKD) with criminal record if convicted. a guilty fine sounds likely below 10k HKD. -> his application from Student to Working Visa might be compromised
        2- several cases (Peacefinder for Theft, M for Drug below 2k fine) , all under an actual working visa -> no issue to renew their working visa or PR application if the fine is below 10k HKD.

        does it means situation 1- (student to working visa) and 2(working visa to renewal or PR)- are different despite the fine lower than 10k HKD?

        • The Visa Geeza

          27 Oct 2022 am31 8:02am
          41

          It means ImmD look at every application individually. They assess the nature of the charges, the conduct of the defendant, the findings of the Court, the sanction imposed and whether or not the police expressly advise if they have any objection to the foreigner remaining in Hong Kong. Every case on its own merits. Generally, ImmD do not look to ‘double punish’.

    • Ste

      16 Feb 2022 am28 2:58am
      42

      Hello Tyler, may i know if there is any uodate on your visa application? thank you for sharing

  • Gigi

    11 Nov 2021 am30 8:37am
    43

    I have a class c misdemeanor conviction for driving around a parking cone in the USA.. would this affect me obtaining a work visa in HK?

    Thank you

    • The Visa Geeza

      6 Dec 2021 am31 9:36am
      44

      Generally no.

  • Leslie

    21 Oct 2021 pm31 7:40pm
    45

    Hi,

    Thanks so much for providing a such brilliant Q&A platform,

    My situation is, I have a money laundering conviction in the UK with merely a fine penalty, and my DBS (basic) is clear as the criminal record is long spent BUT ARCO still shows, wanna know what kind of CR proof HK requests (DBS or ARCO) if I am thinking of applying work permit.

    Thanks!

    • The Visa Geeza

      26 Oct 2021 am31 8:22am
      46

      ImmD will grant visas to people who have no known record of serious crime. I doubt a spent conviction punished by a fine will be a problem.

  • Jerry

    20 Jul 2021 pm31 11:32pm
    47

    Is a DUI from 7 years ago considered a serious crime on the visa application? And will it preclude one from being approved?

    • The Visa Geeza

      3 Aug 2021 pm31 4:23pm
      48

      No and no.

  • Jim

    10 Jun 2021 pm30 9:56pm
    49

    Hi Geeza,

    In September 2019 I was convicted of indecent assault in Hong Kong and sentenced to a set amount of hours of community service, which I completed before moving back to the UK. I had been working as a teacher for the Education Bureau at that point but, due to the ongoing trial, had finished my contract in the August and did not attempt to renew. At the time my lawyer said that after 3 years the conviction would disappear and I would be able to move back to Hong Kong and work. I was just wondering what your knowledge of this is. If I were to want to go back and work in Hong Kong next year, do you think I would be able to get a visa?

    Thanks in advance!

    • The Visa Geeza

      17 Jun 2021 pm30 5:27pm
      50

      Should be OK.

      • Jim

        22 Jun 2021 am30 7:26am
        51

        Appreciate the reply!

  • Shaun

    4 Apr 2021 am30 11:51am
    52

    Hi! I am looking to move to Hong Kong from the United States. I plead guilty to a charge of corruption of a minor texting a under age female. I was placed on the sex offender registration. Would that affect me for moving to Kong and opening a company

    • The Visa Geeza

      13 Apr 2021 am30 10:12am
      53

      You can certainly open a company but moving to Hong Kong, criminal record aside, is a very different challenge. In any event, at present ImmD will refuse visas where there is a known record of serious crime. Unless asked to disclose any criminal record during the currency of an application there is no need to voluntarily disclose one and the application forms do not at the moment ask the question as to whether you have one or not (unlike, say, Australia).

  • Steven

    29 Oct 2020 pm31 5:37pm
    54

    Im a UK citizen with a conviction of Possession of Class B substance and driving under the influence of a Class B substance, dated only 1 year ago circa November 2019. Convictions are deemed ‘spent’ after 5 years in the UK, altho I don’t know how this translates to other countries. Im applying for a graduate scheme job in Hong Kong, how will this affect my application? Do they even ask about previous ‘crimes’?

    • The Visa Geeza

      7 Nov 2020 am30 11:42am
      55

      No they don’t ask about previous crimes expressly. The test is “no known record of serious crime”. Yours shouldn’t be a problem.

    • Joey

      19 Mar 2021 pm31 11:56pm
      56

      Hi Visa Geeza, thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions! I’m an American citizen that has been stuck in Hong Kong for a year. I accidentally overstayed my visa (because of the travel ban and I didn’t have a landing slip because I thought I wouldn’t need it as I was going to be gone in a few weeks when the border was supposed to open.) I’ve been on recognizance for the past half a year, and I am now looking at applying for a spouse visa. Do you think immigration will consider granting my application? I overstayed my visa by a few days, but the rest of the time I was on recognizance-and I only overstayed because I was stranded due to corona virus.

      • The Visa Geeza

        22 Mar 2021 am31 8:52am
        57

        This shouldn’t be a problem for your dependant visa.

        • JS

          22 Mar 2021 pm31 1:54pm
          58

          Ok, thank you for your reply!

  • jim

    19 Aug 2020 am31 1:24am
    59

    Hi there,
    I was convicted for shoplifting (under HK$200) and awaiting court. Was told that I will pay a fine. I have been living in HK for 3 years on dependent visa. Will this conviction affect my possibility of finding work in HK? Also what are the chances of receiving a bind-over arrangement as this is the first conviction ever (HK or elsewhere)? Thanks a lot.

    • The Visa Geeza

      24 Aug 2020 am31 9:32am
      60

      I can’t speak to the criminal law matter. I’m not a criminal lawyer. Nor can I comment on your job prospects. I’m not a recruiter. In my experience first offences not carrying incarceration do not impact negatively on visa extension.

  • RP

    17 Aug 2020 am31 7:56am
    61

    Hi im from philippines i was convicted last july 2019 and still have working visa valid aug 28 2020 and ive renew my working visa as fdh and it was refused because of my conviction last year..can i still get a visitors visa or extension visa with supporting letter of my employer?because of amid pandemic this time i can not return to my place of origin this time.how long do i can apply again ?thankss

    • The Visa Geeza

      17 Aug 2020 am31 9:50am
      62

      All you can do is apply to ImmD and see if they will let you stay as a visitor until you are able to travel home. They may or may not agree.

  • Mac

    19 Apr 2020 pm30 12:40pm
    63

    I have a DWI from 1994. Would this affect my chances of getting a work visa in HK?

    • The Visa Geeza

      22 Apr 2020 am30 11:01am
      64

      No

  • Vlad

    18 Mar 2020 pm31 8:40pm
    65

    Hello. I was detained for an up skirt photography in HK so i received an administrative punishment and had to serve 5 days but eventually I did not, as they released me with a health condition, which in fact i did not have. I am a student in HK holding a student residence permit. How likely is it to effect my residence permit renewal and should i disclose my case to the entry exit burro when applying for it in HK?

    • The Visa Geeza

      23 Mar 2020 am31 10:20am
      66

      ImmD will know about it so you best disclose its openly and see how they treat you. Should be fine.

  • Joe

    18 Mar 2020 pm31 7:43pm
    67

    Hi just wanna ask if you refused to enter in Hk for the first time . Do you think they have the chance to enter the next time? Is it blacklisted? How many months you need to try again.

    • The Visa Geeza

      23 Mar 2020 am31 10:21am
      68

      At least 24 months.

  • Anon

    4 Feb 2020 am29 9:42am
    69

    Hi, I have a larceny conviction (minor, only fined no jail time) record in Australia. Besides that all clean. Will this affect my Hong Kong student visa and future working visa? What about background Checks for large firms in Hong Kong? Thanks so much

    • The Visa Geeza

      11 Feb 2020 pm29 1:01pm
      70

      It will not affect your visa applications. I cant say what an employer may or may not do.

  • Lola

    12 Oct 2019 am31 2:33am
    71

    Hi. I am currently under investigation for harassment in the UK and have a job offer in HK. Is this likely to affect the visa application? If charged once in HK, will this affect the visa?

    • The Visa Geeza

      14 Oct 2019 pm31 12:06pm
      72

      The test is “no known record of serious crime.”.

  • Kikabing

    29 Aug 2019 pm31 6:42pm
    73

    Hi Visa Geeza – I have a question. I am a naturalised HK citizen (HK Passport) but prior to becoming one I was on work visa and before I became a HK PR (which was 6 years before I took up HK citizenship) I had a drink driving offence. I actually got my Citizenship/Passport 6 years after this case. I was fined at the time by order of the Magistrate court and my driving license was suspended for a period of 1 year – other than that nothing else. I have had no other offences. I am now planning to move to another country for work and for this a Police Clearance Certificate would be required – so would my drink driving offence cause issues?

    • The Visa Geeza

      4 Sep 2019 pm30 3:25pm
      74

      Sorry – I have no idea. Every country is different and I only know about Hong Kong.

  • Kyle

    29 Jul 2019 pm31 3:21pm
    75

    Hi, I’m from the Uk and have two cautions for possession of controlled substance, one was from 7 years ago which was a class B and the other was from 4 years ago which was class A.

    My parents were both born in Hong Kong, and both migrated to the Uk, where I was born, but they didn’t apply for residency for me when I was younger – My Dad moved back to Hong Kong about 4 years ago and Mum still lives in the UK.

    I’m 26 in October, and starting to study in University this September for three years.

    I want to know if it will still be possible to apply for a permanent residency since most my relatives and family live there?

    • The Visa Geeza

      2 Aug 2019 am31 10:07am
      76

      HUGELY complicated area with no one line answers I;m afraid. It all depends on the UK immigration status your parents had at the time of your birth and when you acquired UK nationality. The best you mighe eventually be able to te it ASSG. see: http://www.hongkongvisahandbook.com/second-generation-chinese/

  • jimy2011

    13 Jul 2019 pm31 7:39pm
    77

    Hi , I am from Pakistan. I have illegal work in Hk 2014. I have sentenced 15 months. after come out form prison. I had got married with a Chinese woman. she applied my dependent Visa August 2016. then after octer 2017 immigration refused my case. then I came back Pakistan 2018 , i didn’t reacive any deportation paper or any stemp on my passport. 2019 my wife have applied again my dependent Visa, can it is possible i can get my dependent Visa or not, if yes after how long i can get my dependent Visa. Thanks for replying me

    • The Visa Geeza

      15 Jul 2019 am31 10:32am
      78

      With a record of immigration offences and imprisonment ImmD will not give you a visa.

  • blazeh

    10 Jul 2019 am31 1:21am
    79

    can i get a work visa in hong kong if i have a past criminal records in canada for felony charges with imprisonment of more than 2 years..but been clean for the last 6 years ?

    • The Visa Geeza

      15 Jul 2019 am31 10:35am
      80

      Possibly. You don’t have to expressly disclose your criminal record unless ImmD specifically ask you.

  • Nick

    16 May 2019 am31 2:44am
    81

    Hi my name is nick I applied for the dependent visa 14 months ago immd have asked for documents many times which I have submitted overtime despite that visa is still not approved I was convinced For illegal employment in 2014! I wanted to ask would this effect my case if it doesn’t the. how long would it take them to approve my visa!
    regards

    • The Visa Geeza

      18 May 2019 pm31 1:33pm
      82

      Yes prior immigration offences blacken your record. Essentially ImmD don’t want you in HK again so you will struggle to get approved sorry to say.

  • Anon

    10 May 2019 am31 10:45am
    83

    Hi Visa Geeza,

    Wanted your view on something. I’ve been working in HK for four years under an employment visa, and last year got convicted for assault, which resulted in a community service order. Prior to this, I had a clean record in Hong Kong and all other jurisdictions. The immigration department recently sent me a letter saying they are aware of my conviction, and that it wouldn’t affect my current visa term, but would be taken into consideration for future extensions.

    My current work visa is valid until October 2020, however I’m changing jobs and so am going through the visa sponsorship transfer process. Do you think my conviction will impact my ability to 1) extend my visa or 2) transfer employment sponsorship?

    Thanks a lot for your help!

    • The Visa Geeza

      18 May 2019 pm31 1:38pm
      84

      Non-custodial sentences w/o any direct police request for negative consideration tend not to impact future immigration applications where it is a single, first time offence.

      • Anon

        28 May 2019 pm31 4:08pm
        85

        Thank you for your response, that’s very helpful. And I take it that the Immigration Department being informed and having it on record, is not in itself an indication that the police have requested negative consideration?

        • The Visa Geeza

          30 May 2019 pm31 2:04pm
          86

          Correct.

  • Mr HK

    26 Apr 2019 pm30 7:38pm
    87

    Hello

    Hello,

    I currently hold a Hong Kong work visa to 2020 as I am sponsored by the company I work for. I recently was convicted of assault on a public servant in Europe and convicted to serve 14 days and a fine as taxi drivers are considered public servants in this country I was in. Will this affect my current work visa that I am on in Hong Kong if my employer gives this information to the immergration departmen? would I be in breach of my work VISA even if this happened outside of Hong Kong?

    • The Visa Geeza

      29 Apr 2019 pm30 4:17pm
      88

      There’s no reason to disclose any of this routinely as part of your HK employment visa extension of stay application unless ImmD expressly ask. If you voluntarily disclose it ImmD will likely assess it’s significance on the grant of your extension of stay.

  • Tony

    9 Feb 2019 pm28 8:33pm
    89

    Hi,

    I have a caution for battery for a fight i was in when i was 18 im from the UK, i was hoping to go to hong kong to study chinese for a year would i get a visa or would i likely be rejected?

    • Tony

      9 Feb 2019 pm28 8:44pm
      90

      Also this is probably a stupid question, but my grandad was actually from hong kong and moved to the UK it was a british colony back then but is there any way you can get residence through things like that, thanks for all your help.

      • The Visa Geeza

        12 Feb 2019 am28 9:56am
        91

        No, sorry to say.

    • The Visa Geeza

      12 Feb 2019 am28 9:56am
      92

      This shouldn’t be a problem for you.

  • Zaid

    9 Jan 2019 pm31 10:55pm
    93

    I am a U.S. citizen. Applied to the Hong Kong Education Bureau as an English teacher. I received a notice that my application was accepted pending employment visa paperwork. I have a criminal background check with sex offender check from the state I live in. Will I need an FBI national level check? I had the state check done because it was easier and my original plan was to go to a school in China.

    Thank you

    • The Visa Geeza

      16 Jan 2019 am31 10:53am
      94

      From an immigration perspective normally these things are not called for unless the employer makes it a condition precedent t progress with the employment. So it all turns on your employer rather than ImmD.

  • moonkija56

    20 Dec 2018 am31 6:15am
    95

    Hi. I was charged and convicted with a impaired driving under alcohol three years ago. $2,000 fine. I learn the lesson and have been clean ever since. I was offered a job in Hong Kong. Now I am about to apply for a work visa. Will I have a problem?

    • The Visa Geeza

      21 Dec 2018 pm31 5:31pm
      96

      This should not prove to be a problem.

  • vivi

    7 Dec 2018 pm31 7:18pm
    97

    hello, I’m is Indonesian domestic helpers
    I want to ask, how do I apply for a work visa, so that I can work in other fields of work, besides domestic helper (stay out job), can I do it?

    • The Visa Geeza

      15 Dec 2018 am31 11:11am
      98

      No it’s basically impossible.

  • imrath

    29 Aug 2018 pm31 2:18pm
    99

    hi, i m Pakistan national , recently my dependent visa rejected bcoz i had criminal record in hk , i go to prison for 6 month,
    i want to know (if possible) how many limit after we apply again for dependent visa , one thing i know if visa refused next day can apply again but immigration office again reject for criminal record, what is ur experience when i apply again ,

    • The Visa Geeza

      30 Aug 2018 am31 10:07am
      100

      To be honest you’re pretty much wasting your time. Your criminal record trumps your privilege of a dependant visa (you must come to ImmD with clean hands).

  • Jake

    22 Aug 2018 pm31 11:17pm
    101

    Hi.
    Does a uk citizen need a degree to live and work in Hong Kong?
    Thank you

  • Danish

    7 Aug 2018 pm31 7:09pm
    103

    I recently applied HK visit visa and got refused.
    I had been employed in Qatar and have pending Credit Card cases.
    Is this the most likely reason of rejection? I shared all my travel and past employment visa details.
    Kindly advise.

    • The Visa Geeza

      10 Aug 2018 am31 10:54am
      104

      I have no idea why you might have been denied. Could have been anything really.

  • GC

    22 Jun 2018 pm30 11:14pm
    105

    hi, i have some felony drug charges that are 15 years old, can i get a hong kong visa and teach english

    • The Visa Geeza

      23 Jun 2018 pm30 12:00pm
      106

      It depends. The rule is there should be no known record of serious crime. ImmD do not ask you to disclose any prior criminal record. Not having a criminal record is no guarantee of an employment visa to teach English though.

  • C…

    5 Jun 2018 pm30 10:19pm
    107

    Hi ! I am accused of shoplifting hk$800 clothes where i have no time to plead not guilty and fight the case because of my sick mother so i have decided to plead guilty will this criminal record of shop theft will effect my permanent residence application ? Right now im
    In dependent visa and i shall be permanent in 2020 ?my husband is permanent resident here in hongkong please help

    • The Visa Geeza

      7 Jun 2018 pm30 7:04pm
      108

      It all depends on the sentence and the police report to your ImmD file. It may or may not. If you were to go to jail then yes certainly. One time minor offences tend not to be a problem. If you’re not guilty it is not a good idea to plead guilty though…

  • F

    22 Jan 2018 pm31 9:36pm
    109

    I was charged with one charge of breach of condition of stay and the case is regularly adjourned every 3 months and I don’t have any criminal records in Hong Kong . Right now my police records is clear records.
    Will it be affect my dependent visa application?

    • The Visa Geeza

      24 Jan 2018 am31 8:57am
      110

      Yes. Until it’s resolved ImmD will not finalise your applciation

  • Mark

    9 Oct 2017 am31 10:05am
    111

    Hi, I was convicted for theft 1+ year ago in Hong Kong (clothes for HK$240). First conviction ever (in HK or elsewhere). I have been leaving in HK for 4+ years and I am planning to apply for working visa renewal for the second time. Any chance to be rejected?

    • The Visa Geeza

      11 Oct 2017 pm31 2:51pm
      112

      If the police have no objection and the offence did not involve imprisonment then it is unlikely that you will be refused an extension of stay.

  • Polly

    19 Aug 2017 am31 8:27am
    113

    Hi,
    My boyfriend wanted to know if he has to go through a special procedure to enter Hong Kong and if he has to pay to enter or fill out any paperwork for having a past DUI?

    Thank you!

    • The Visa Geeza

      22 Aug 2017 am31 9:26am
      114

      No.

  • Jamie

    28 Jul 2017 am31 3:39am
    115

    Hi

    I have a job offer as a UK national to HK but declared my record spent (5 years in UK) and therefore clean as we can do this here.

    I have: ‘theft of article x 2’ ‘theft by employee’ and ‘fraudulent use of article’: all gambling related in 2008/09, sentencing was fine and community order (12 months), all mitigating through addiction.

    since then gained teaching qualifications and master.

    Will I be granted a working visa (working with children)

    Thank you

    • The Visa Geeza

      29 Jul 2017 am31 11:50am
      116

      I doubt this will be an issue for you.

  • Violet

    20 Jul 2017 pm31 1:38pm
    117

    I am from Czech Republic and am living in UK now. I would like to apply for a spouse visa as my fiancee is a Hongkonger. However, I had custodial sentence 9 years ago and still need 1 year to be eligible to erase the record. May I ask if the probability that my application will be declined is high? Thanks a lot.

    • The Visa Geeza

      26 Jul 2017 am31 11:50am
      118

      Normally ImmD do not specifically ask about criminal records but if they do you will need to disclose it and then see how the cards fall. if they don’t ask then it’s unlikely they will refuse your application. You will never know until you apply.

  • Mark

    26 Jun 2017 am30 11:34am
    119

    Hi there,
    I have 3 unspent offenses next to my name

    2009 custody of a knife in a public place (fined)
    2009 Exceed speed limit <45 Km/H (fined)
    2010 Damage to property (fined + convicted, 12 month bond)

    It's 2017 now and I haven't been in trouble since 2010. How do my chances look for a working visa in HK?

    • The Visa Geeza

      28 Jun 2017 pm30 12:34pm
      120

      Shouldn’t be a problem.

  • Jen

    18 Nov 2015 am30 10:42am
    121

    I have a drink driving conviction in Australia (fine only) and an otherwise clean criminal record. Will I be automatically denied a QMAS visa. I have 110 on the points test.

    • The Visa Geeza

      18 Nov 2015 am30 11:18am
      122

      Nope.

  • Maccau

    8 Mar 2015 pm31 4:24pm
    123

    Would the same general rules apply for a Blue Card application in Macau?

    • The Visa Geeza

      9 Mar 2015 pm31 12:14pm
      124

      I doubt it as we are 2 different immigration jurisdictions but I have no expertise in Macau immigration law.

  • Stephanie

    4 Mar 2014 am31 9:12am
    125

    Thank u for the reply. Does fines count as a custodial sentence? No jail time or anything.

    • The Visa Geeza

      6 Mar 2014 am31 8:42am
      126

      No, a fine is not the same as a custodial sentence and is usually not deemed to be a ‘serious crime’.

  • stephanie

    3 Mar 2014 pm31 5:20pm
    127

    with a reckless driving conviction in the u.s.
    will applying for work visa be difficult or be declined?

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