01
I have been in Hong Kong for last couple of years and my visa expires in 1 weeks. 4 weeks ago I submitted my visa extension application however I still have not heard from immigration and and my visa is expiring. Can I still stay in Hong Kong or I need to leave?
Its best to call the immigration officer to check your extension application status. Under normal circumstances, you are allowed to stay in Hong Kong until the extension application is approved even your current visa is expired.
02
I am an Austrian holding a working holiday visa. I have worked with my current employer for two months and he would like to hire me as a permanent staff. Would I apply an employment visa now?
No. You have to cancel the working holiday visa first and then apply an employment visa overseas.
03
I current live overseas, but I want to live in Hong Kong because I like the culture and environment in Hong Kong, would I just come to Hong Kong and then look for a job?
You may consider applying a visa under Quality Migration Scheme. Once your application is approved, you will be granted a one year visa which can allow you to look for a job and settle in Hong Kong.
04
I am holding a training visa in Hong Kong and my HK office wants to hire me as a permanent staff in Hong Kong, can I change my current training visa to employment visa?
No. Immigration grants you a training visa on the ground that you come to Hong Kong to receive training and your HK office has to ensure you will return back to your home country when you finish your training. Thus, you have to cancel your training visa first and apply your employment visa overseas.
05
I am hired by a US company and they intend to relocate me to Hong Kong to take care of their Asia Pacific based clients there, but my US company does not have any entities registered in Hong Kong, can my US company be my sponsor company?
No. All employment visa applications must be sponsored by a local sponsor company which should be registered in Hong Kong as legal entities. Your US company may register a local company or a branch or a representative office in Hong Kong in order to support your employment visa application
06
Can I apply an employment visa if I am offered a part-time employment in Hong Kong?
No, all employment visa applications must be sponsored by a local sponsor company whom you will be engaged with them as a full time employee.
07
How long will the application process take?
Generally speaking, 4-6 weeks from the date of last submission. The exception if right of abode applications, which take 6-12 weeks. Individual processing times can vary, according to the background of the applicant, the sponsor company and the timely submission of all documentation.
08
Can I get a part-time job besides working full-time with my sponsor company?
Yes. However, you have to get a consent from Immigration Department before taking up your part-time employment or engaging in a side business.
