"Frankly, excellent is an understatement in describing the quality of this service." Babak Akhlaghi, General Legal Counsel. National Panasonic Corporation of Japan
"No other provider would give free and accurate advice!" Daniel W, UK Citizen Living in HK
"We recommend the Hong Kong Visa Centre to anyone who needs help and support to understand the options for married same-sex couples." Alex P, Switzerland
"Seven months ago, when we first talked on Skype, I emphasized the issue of trust. I can say today that you honored 100% of what you said that day." Gustavo Cavaliere, Managing Director. Blue Dragonfly Corp
"Having dealt with other immigration providers in South East Asia you're leagues ahead of the rest in all attributes needed to run a successful visa company; they could learn much from you." Neil Jolly, Managing Director. Classic Equine Ltd
"Knowledgeable, diligent, honest, responsive, accurate and hard working are only among a few of the characteristics describing the professionals at the Hong Kong Visa Centre." Babak Akhlaghi, General Legal Counsel. National Panasonic Corporation of Japan
"All in all, an excellent experience. I wish every service business worked as efficiently." Hari Iyer, Managing Director. IBS Consultants Ltd
"It was free and I got a quick response!" Tom P, UK
“I cannot recommend Stephen Barnes and the Hong Kong Visa Centre highly enough.” Daniel White, Psychologist. Hong Kong
"Your knowledge and understanding of the process meant that you were able to reassure me every step of the way." Alice McKay, Managing Director. Golden Path Education Ltd
"Here is a company evidently in the business of helping people like me, giving away important visa information for free! I immediately called their office and the rest is history!" Richelle Oblena, Director. Phoenix Alliance Ltd
"The information in your Visa Handbook was a key factor in my having a successful work visa application. I owe you a debt of gratitude." Adam G, Hong Kong
"Frankly, excellent is an understatement in describing the quality of this service." Babak Akhlaghi, General Legal Counsel. National Panasonic Corporation of Japan
"No other provider would give free and accurate advice!" Daniel W, UK Citizen Living in HK
"We recommend the Hong Kong Visa Centre to anyone who needs help and support to understand the options for married same-sex couples." Alex P, Switzerland
"Seven months ago, when we first talked on Skype, I emphasized the issue of trust. I can say today that you honored 100% of what you said that day." Gustavo Cavaliere, Managing Director. Blue Dragonfly Corp
"Having dealt with other immigration providers in South East Asia you're leagues ahead of the rest in all attributes needed to run a successful visa company; they could learn much from you." Neil Jolly, Managing Director. Classic Equine Ltd
"Knowledgeable, diligent, honest, responsive, accurate and hard working are only among a few of the characteristics describing the professionals at the Hong Kong Visa Centre." Babak Akhlaghi, General Legal Counsel. National Panasonic Corporation of Japan
"All in all, an excellent experience. I wish every service business worked as efficiently." Hari Iyer, Managing Director. IBS Consultants Ltd
"It was free and I got a quick response!" Tom P, UK
“I cannot recommend Stephen Barnes and the Hong Kong Visa Centre highly enough.” Daniel White, Psychologist. Hong Kong
"Your knowledge and understanding of the process meant that you were able to reassure me every step of the way." Alice McKay, Managing Director. Golden Path Education Ltd
"Here is a company evidently in the business of helping people like me, giving away important visa information for free! I immediately called their office and the rest is history!" Richelle Oblena, Director. Phoenix Alliance Ltd
"The information in your Visa Handbook was a key factor in my having a successful work visa application. I owe you a debt of gratitude." Adam G, Hong Kong
The D-I-Y Guide to ASMTP Visa Applications and Family Dependant Visas For Hong Kong
Navigating the complexities of Hong Kong’s immigration system can be a daunting task, especially when you’re applying under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) and planning to bring your family along.
Employment visas in Hong Kong under the ASMTP scheme are designed for Chinese national professionals and talents. Successful applicants can bring their legal spouse and children under the age of 18 as dependents. The ASMTP visa has specific eligibility criteria that both the applicant and the employing company must meet.
Eligibility Criteria for ASMTP Visa
To be eligible for an ASMTP visa, the applicant must:
– Have a good educational background, typically a bachelor’s degree.
– Have at least two years of post-graduation work experience in a managerial or supervisory role.
– Possess special skills, knowledge, or experience valued in Hong Kong.
– Be of good character.
– Receive a compensation package commensurate with market rates.
Employer Requirements
The employing company must:
– Be well-established with a proper office setup.
– Employ Hong Kong locals.
– Be deemed a suitable and credible ASMTP visa sponsor by the Immigration Department.
The 5-Step Process
The Hong Kong Visa Sherpa website outlines a five-step process for the ASMTP application with family:
To ensure a successful application, the applicant must satisfy the Approvability Test. This involves demonstrating that they possess special skills, knowledge, or experience of value to Hong Kong and that their employer can justify engaging the services of an expatriate Chinese staff member.
Categories of ASMTP Applications
Applications generally fall into three categories:
1. **Intra-company transferees**: Administrative in nature, with minimal need for substantive argument.
2. **Locally recruited Chinese expats**: Mainly administrative but requires thorough argumentation if the applicant has only recently had an ASMTP visa approved.
3. **Non-local Chinese talents recruited from China**: Requires meticulous preparation and presentation.
Articulating the Argument
When articulating the argument, the applicant must address several key points, such as their educational background, the genuine job vacancy, the confirmed offer of employment, and the relevance of the job to their qualifications or working experience.
Submission and Processing
The application can be submitted to the Immigration Department HQ either online or in person. Processing time usually takes 4-6 weeks but can be longer in more complex cases. The Immigration Department may raise questions and request further information, which should be submitted within 14 days.
Dependent Visas
Visas for dependentswill be issued at the same time as the ASMTP visa, as long as the marriage or civil partnership is certified and the children are the biological or adopted offspring of at least one of the parents. Dependent visa holders are permitted to work, establish or join a business, or study without requiring further permissions from the Immigration Department.
Obtaining an ASMTP visa in Hong Kong requires meeting specific criteria and presenting a strong case argument that demonstrates the applicant’s value and the need for their unique skills in Hong Kong. By carefully considering the applicant’s individual circumstances, the job offer context, and the proposed employer’s business needs, the applicant can maximize their chances of a successful application. Dependant visas for qualifying accompanying family members are issued as a matter of course.
With numerous forms to fill out, documents to prepare, and legalities to consider, the procedure can be daunting.
In this post, we aim to simplify the process by offering a comprehensive guide based on the information available on our Hong Kong Visa Sherpa website section: Hong Kong Work Visa Assessing Your Application.
The 5-Step Process
Here, we outline a five-step process for changing your employer in Hong Kong. These steps are:
Changing employers while holding a Hong Kong employment visa can be a complex process, but with the right resources and preparation, it can be made simpler. The Hong Kong Visa Sherpa website is perfect for this purpose.
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 … So What Happens In A Situation Like This? Cancel one Hong Kong […]
Hong Kong immigration law?Stephen Barnes, also known as “Hong Kong Visa Geeza,” is a highly respected Hong Kong immigration lawyer who co-founded the Hong Kong Visa Centre, a professional immigration practice. Here is some important information about him:
Background
As an experienced immigration advisor specializing in Hong Kong immigration law, Barnes has extensive knowledge and expertise in this field. His years of involvement in this area have made him a trusted authority on Hong Kong visa and immigration matters.
Over 30 years, Barnes has accumulated a wealth of experience in handling diverse types of Hong Kong visa and immigration cases. He has guided countless individuals and businesses through the intricate Hong Kong immigration law process and successfully helped them achieve their residence goals in Hong Kong.
Client Testimonials
To access information about happy clients and client testimonials, please 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, Barnes spent six months programming Hong Kong’s first-ever artificial intelligence large language model with Hong Kong immigration QnA content calling it VisaGeeza.Ai. This 100% free resource is a natural technological development resulting from his 13 years of publishing his Hong Kong immigration law expertise and knowledge freely on the internet. See below for more information on this free service capability.
If you are planning to live or work in Hong Kong and need assistance with the visa application process and Hong Kong immigration law generally, look no further than the 100% free-of-all-cost Hong Kong Visa Handbook. This website serves as a comprehensive guide, offering a plethora of resources and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of obtaining a Hong Kong visa
Navigating the Hong Kong Visa Process
Everything you need to know about Hong Kong immigration law, practices and procedures is found in the Hong Kong Visa Handbook comprehensive guide. Discover step-by-step procedures, visa application templates, and expert advice to ensure a successful Hong Kong visa application.
D-I-Y Guide Assistance
Need assistance with Hong Kong immigration law and the visa application process? Look no further. The Hong Kong Visa Handbook serves as a comprehensive D-I-Y guide, offering a plethora of resources and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of Hong Kong immigration law and obtaining a Hong Kong visa.
Standout Features
One of the standout features of the Hong Kong Visa Handbook is its collection of visa category-specific sections, including podcasts and videos designed to assist you in professionalizing your paperwork, ensuring a well-organized and compelling application. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, employment visa, investment visa, Top Talent Pass visa or QMAS visa, these resources will guide you through the required documentation, making the Hong Kong immigration law process more streamlined and efficient.
Application Forms
In addition, the Hong Kong Visa Handbook provides official forms accompanied by section-by-section video explanations. These videos offer valuable insights into completing the forms accurately and provide the rationale behind the specific information requested. With this level of transparency and guidance, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your application is compliant with Hong Kong immigration law and meets the Immigration Department’s requirements.
Submission Procedures
The Hong Kong Visa Handbook takes it a step further by offering step-by-step submission procedures for each visa type. These procedures are accompanied by comprehensive checklists, ensuring you have all the necessary documents and information before submitting your application. By following these detailed guidelines, you can efficiently manage your application independently, saving both time and money.
100% Free
What sets the Hong Kong Visa Handbook apart is its commitment to providing these Hong Kong immigration law resources for free. Our website encourages users to maximize our expertise and share these valuable resources with friends and colleagues who may also benefit from the information. With the Hong Kong Visa Handbook, you can confidently navigate the visa process without any professional service costs (and get all your questions answered for free at the same time via Podcast).
Resource Library
To make information easily accessible, the website includes a dedicated Library section with quick links to all the resources available. Whether you need specific information on investment visas, visitor visas, or other visa categories, you can locate the relevant resources promptly.
Fully Comprehensive
Beyond the general visa information, the Hong Kong Visa Handbook addresses specific scenarios and questions that may arise during your stay in Hong Kong. Articles and advice columns cover topics ranging from freelance work on an investment visa to permitted activities on a visitor visa. This comprehensive coverage ensures that you have a well-rounded understanding of Hong Kong immigration law, the visa process and its implications.
Last Words …
The Hong Kong Visa Handbook is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand and navigate Hong Kong immigration law and the visa application process. With its extensive collection of templates, step-by-step procedures, and expert advice, you’ll have all the tools necessary for a successful Hong Kong visa application.
Looking to navigate the complexities of Hong Kong’s large-employer corporate visa and immigration system? Hong Kong Visa Sherpa is your go-to platform, especially if you’re involved in corporate immigration decision-making. This specialized website offers a wealth of resources and services tailored especially for companies in Hong Kong that employ more than one hundred staff.
The site guides you through a 5 Step Process that takes you from the initial assessment of your application to its approval. Each step is fleshed out with toolkits, overviews, and even atypical scenarios that you might encounter, so you know exactly what to expect.
Tool Kits & More
Need templates and checklists for your application? The Tool Kit section has got you covered. From employment contracts to sponsorship forms, you’ll find all the essential documents you need to make your application process as smooth as possible.
Case Assessment Tool
If you’re new to Hong Kong’s immigration process or unsure about the strength of your application, the Case Assessment Tool is a handy feature. It helps you evaluate your chances of approval, giving you that extra peace of mind.
Hong Kong Visa Sherpa is your comprehensive guide for all things related to Hong Kong’s visa and immigration system as it relates to companies that employ more than 100 staff. Whether you’re dealing with a unique situation or just want a step-by-step guide, this platform offers tailored advice and resources to help you successfully manage your Hong Kong corporate visa application.
Enhancing the Hong Kong Immigration Experience with Ai
VisaGeeza.Ai is revolutionizing the Hong Kong immigration process with its powerful AI technology. Through a combination of a large language model and actionable content, VisaGeeza.Ai provides clients looking for assistance in Hong Kong immigration law matters with accurate and reliable information tailored to their specific circumstances and goals.
The Importance of Context in Developing the Hong Kong Immigration Ai
Developing a language model for immigration clients comes with the challenge of accurately incorporating context. At VisaGeeza.Ai, we have meticulously engineered our model to understand and consider the context of each query. By training the model on extensive Hong Kong immigration-specific data, we ensure that the generated responses are relevant and precise, providing clients with the information they need.
Bringing the Hong Kong Immigration Ai Narrative to Life
VisaGeeza.Ai goes beyond textual information by including specific external links to support and enrich the AI narrative output. These carefully curated resources, such as case studies and real-life examples, provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of the Hong Kong immigration process. Additionally, clients have the opportunity to ask questions orally free of charge, allowing us to humanize the AI experience and provide personalized responses.
Empowering Immigration Clients with Accurate Query Responses
Our goal at VisaGeeza.Ai is to empower immigration clients to seek accurate information and answers to their queries. Our language model is specifically trained on extensive Hong Kong immigration expertise, incorporating complex decision-making algorithms. This enables VisaGeeza.Ai to provide users with precise and relevant answers, ensuring that the information provided is correct and tailored to each client’s specific circumstances and goals.
Enhancing the User Experience for Hong Kong Immigration Clients
With the prompt engineering perfected, VisaGeeza.Ai is focused on delivering the Final Phase I user experience. Through continuous improvement, we aim to enhance usability and optimize the performance of the AI model for immigration clients. Our goal is to create a seamless and intuitive interface that allows clients to easily access the immigration know-how they need throughout their journey.
The Future: Phase II and Phase III
VisaGeeza.Ai has ambitious plans for future development. In Phase II, we will utilize the language model to produce high-quality content in various media formats, including natural language SEO-ready WordPress posts, voice-cloned podcasts, video avatar immigration updates, and graphical output. This extensive content creation will enhance our presence online and dominate search results in the niche of Hong Kong immigration.
Phase III involves integrating our language model into our backend case management platform, RIVeng. This integration will enable Immigration Consultants to assess their understanding of the law and generate necessary output at every stage of the process, including the case argument.
A First In Hong Kong Immigration Law
VisaGeeza.Ai is the leading AI-powered solution for Hong Kong immigration. Discover our revolutionary technology that delivers accurate and reliable information to immigration clients. Linked to our Ai output is our platform of actionable content to enhance your understanding of the Hong Kong immigration process. Access application checklists, podcast discussions, videos, case studies, how-to guides, and SEO-ready posts.
Humanize Your Ai Experience?
Ask us questions orally free of charge via VisaGeeza.Ai and receive personalized responses. Our goal is to create a human-to-human point of contact, building trust and providing expert immigration advice in the realm of fast-moving Hong Kong immigration law.
Learn more about our plans for future development in Phase II and Phase III. We are committed to providing high-quality content and integrating our language model into our case management platform, RIVeng.
Have You Accidently Overstayed Your Work Visa Hong Kong Recently?
Here’s what to do to solve the problem in a hurry … hint don’t delay
QUESTION
I overstayed my work visa Hong Kong. Help!
I terminated my employment in Hong Kong at the beginning of June. After searching for work, I eventually found a job offer in Hong Kong to start in August. I believed everything was going smoothly until I went to sort out my work visa application on June 30th.
To my surprise, they informed me that my previous work visa had expired on May 24th. I was shocked because I had forgotten to check the status of my old visa amidst the job transition. However, I had failed to verify this myself. I take full responsibility for this mistake.
My new employer advised me to immediately go to Immigration, present myself, submit my new visa application with sincere apologies, and explain the situation.
I followed their advice, but the Officer at Immigration scolded me and threatened imprisonment. I had to write a letter to the Director of Immigration detailing what had occurred. After completing these steps, the Officer informed me that the process was finished for the day and that they would send a letter to my company in 4-6 weeks.
They allowed me to leave with my passport and Hong Kong ID Card, and I received a card in my passport with an application reference.
I am uncertain about what comes next. They did not stamp my passport to enable me to leave and return as a Visitor, so I am currently in Hong Kong with no valid visa. I am concerned that if my work visa is rejected or if I am stopped in the meantime, I could potentially be imprisoned for overstaying.
My new company does not seem worried, either because they do not care or they are unaware of the situation. They support me and want me to work for them, but their involvement ends there.
Given your experience, what do you think may happen now? How can I find out more information?
What steps can I take to protect myself?
OUTLINE SOLUTION
I. Act Quickly
Explanation of the importance of addressing the overstay issue properly
II. Acknowledge the Situation
Discussion of the first step in addressing an overstay situation
Based on the information provided, it seems that you have unintentionally overstayed your Hong Kong employment visa and are now in a difficult situation. It is important to address this issue properly to avoid any negative consequences. Here are some steps you can take and information you should know:
1. Acknowledge the situation
It is commendable that you have recognized your mistake and taken the correct step of applying for a new work visa. Understanding the gravity of the situation is crucial in finding a solution.
2. Seek professional advice
Given the complexity of your case, it is highly recommended to consult with a professional immigration advisor or lawyer who specializes in Hong Kong visa matters. They will be able to provide you with accurate and personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances. Needless to say, contact the Hong Kong Visa Centre first.
3. Understand the potential consequences
Overstaying your visa can have serious implications, including being banned from entering Hong Kong in the future, facing fines, or even imprisonment. It is important to be aware of these potential consequences and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.
4. Cooperate with the Immigration Department
You have already taken the first step by presenting yourself to the Immigration Department and explaining your situation. It is crucial to cooperate fully with them and provide any requested documentation or information promptly. This will demonstrate your willingness to rectify the situation and comply with the immigration regulations.
5. Await the outcome
After submitting your new visa application and explaining your circumstances, the Immigration Department will review your case. They will send a letter to your company within 4-6 weeks, informing them of the outcome. It is important to be patient during this waiting period and refrain from any further violations of immigration regulations.
6. Communicate with your new employer
It is essential to keep your new employer informed about the situation and the progress of your visa application. They should be aware of the potential risks and be supportive of your efforts to resolve the issue. Maintaining open communication will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can work together to find a solution.
7. In case you want to leave temporarily
While waiting for the outcome of your work visa application, you may want to leave for a few days. Contact the officer tasked with your substantive employment visa application and explain you’d like to travel outside of Hong Kong while you await the outcome of your application. He willlikely give you a Departure Memo which will clear you for departure when you’re ready to leave. When you come back to Hong Kong you will either enter as a visitor, if your new employment status has not yet been approved or as an employee, if your application has been finalized while you were travelling and your QR code Approval letter has been issued.
You got lucky with the overstay part even if the Immigration Department huffed and puffed a bit. The worst is behind you now and it should all be pretty much routine from hereon in.
PODCAST ANSWER
Addressing the problem of your work visa Hong Kong overstay. Listen to the audio version of the answer given above.
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 […]
Hong Kong Permanent Residency Eligibility After Your Work Visa Expires – Can You Still Qualify?
Maybe, Possibly, Could Be – In Any Event, Better Get Your Skates On
QUESTION
I have been working in HK since 2019 on a working visa, which expired in early August 2023, a couple of weeks ago.
I am no longer working for my employment visa sponsor.
How does this impact my eligibility to qualify for PR? Is there any legal status that I can apply for now, except getting another job in HK or studying, to extend my past 5 years so that I can apply for a permanent residency in HK in 2 years’ time?
I travel often to other countries but I have been practically living in Hong Kong and renting an apartment since 2017.
I hold a Canadian passport. Currently, I am here as a visitor.
OUTLINE ANSWER
If you have been living and working in Hong Kong for several years and are seeking permanent residency here (also knows as the Right of Abode) this much coveted imigration status assures long-term stability and security in the HKSAR. But how do you qualify for it?
In this question and answer, I will discuss the eligibility criteria for permanent residency in Hong Kong, including the impact of working visa expiration, continuous ordinary residence requirements, and alternative immigration status options to ‘bridge the gap’.
Qualifying for Permanent Residency
To qualify for Hong Kong permanent residency, you need to meet the following requirements:
Continuous Ordinary Residence
You must have resided in Hong Kong continuously for a minimum period of seven years. Continuous ordinary residence refers to your physical presence and non-physical footprint in Hong Kong and your intention to make Hong Kong your only place of permanent residence.
PR Approvability Test
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.
Impact of Work Visa Expiry
If you have been working in Hong Kong on a working visa, you need to be aware of the impact of working visa expiration on your eligibility for Hong Kong permanent residency. Working visas, such as the employment visa or the investment (entrepreneur) visa, are a type of employment-related visa that allows you to work and live in Hong Kong for a specific period. When your working visa expires, you need to find another job to apply for a new working visa or seek a different, qualifying, immigration status to stay in Hong Kong.
If your working visa expires, and you cannot find another job or apply for a new visa, your continuous ordinary residence period in Hong Kong may be interrupted, affecting your eligibility for permanent residency. To qualify for Hong Kong permanent residency, you need to have an uninterrupted period of seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong.
5 Years Doesn’t Qualify
You might wonder if you can extend your past five years here to be eligible for Hong Kong permanent residency in two years’ time. It’s important to note that the continuous ordinary residence requirement for permanent residency is seven years, not five years. Therefore, you would need to fulfill the seven-year requirement to be eligible for permanent residency.
Other Visa Options
Apart from getting another job or studying, there are alternative immigration status options that you can consider to extend your stay in Hong Kong. For instance, Hong Kong offers various visa categories, such as the Top Talent Pass, Entrepreneur Visa or the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, which may provide alternative pathways to extend your stay in Hong Kong.
However, it’s essential to note that these visa categories have their specific eligibility criteria and requirements that you need to fulfill. The availability and competitiveness of these visa categories might vary, depending on your circumstances and qualifications.
Renting an apartment can demonstrate your residential ties to Hong Kong and be an incremental factor in the continuous ordinary residence assessment. However, please note that the continuous ordinary residence requirement for Hong Kong permanent residency considers factors beyond merely having a residential address and looks to, for example, physical presence in the HKSAR and intention to make Hong Kong your only place of permanent residence.
Last Words …
Qualifying for Hong Kong permanent residency requires fulfilling several criteria, including continuous ordinary residence and all things considered satisfying the PR approvability test. If you have been working in Hong Kong on a working visa, it’s essential to understand how working visa expiration can impact your eligibility for permanent residency. Alternative immigration options, such as the entrepreneur visa or the Top Talent Pass Scheme, might provide you with different pathways to extend your stay in Hong Kong. Renting an apartment can play a role in the continuous ordinary residence assessment, but it’s not the only critical factor. Understanding the eligibility criteria for permanent residency can help you plan your pathway and set long-term goals for the Right of Abode in Hong Kong – the Rolls Royce status available to long stay foreign nationals in the HKSAR.
PODCAST ANSWER
Addressing the problem of your work visa expiry on your Hong Kong permanent residency eligibility. Listen to the audio version of the answer given above.
