The Republic of Hong Kong is one of the main industrial economies in Asia today. Being one of the global financial hubs in the world, it is one of the most promising and an upcoming country for those seeking better incomes and lifestyle. Hong Kong is a territory of the People’s Republic of China which makes it the perfect destination to experience an amalgamation of different cultures in the same region. With this, the country is also a brilliant tourist destination. As a developed nation, the region offers all the major amenities and much more. So, here is a chance for you get the most of it…combine work with pleasure and reap the best fruits out!

The Hong Kong government is always on the look out for talented and efficient immigrants who would contribute to the development of the country. The mode of immigration to Hong Kong involves applying for the Hong Kong Talent Scheme which is the visa for all the people who wish to live and work in Hong Kong. In order to qualify for this scheme, you must be a highly talented skilled migrant who could help build the nation further. Apart from this, your age, educational qualifications, language skills, character requirements and your financial status would be considered. You would score points for the above via the Point Based System.

If you clear the above, you would have to comply with the application procedure that includes the assessment of the application, followed by an “Approval – In – Principle” where in the applicant would have to come to Hong Kong on a temporary visa for a final interview. If found eligible by the immigration officer, the candidate would be granted a visa based on which he can bring his spouse and other dependents (however, he has to apply in advance for the dependent visas). Also, only a few candidates are selected from an entire pool of applicants which is usually known as the “Visa Pool”.

If you are into high end marketing, exports and financial trading, merchandizing and so on, Hong Kong is the place for you to immigrate. You can consult an Immigration and Visa Specialist dealing with this visa since he would be the one aware of the all the latest in this sector. This is because the government of Hong Kong is very particular on the immigrants it selects. So, if you apply, you should not miss out on the golden opportunity. Hence, get in touch with a specialist today!

none

Post issuance of an entry visa to the applicant and his dependents, it would be affixed on a valid travel document of the applicant.

You should submit the following documents after recieving the Approval – In – Principle letter:

• A certificate proving that the applicant does not have a criminal record.
• If an applicant is a resident of the Mainland of China (also those currently staying in Hong Kong or Macau temporarily) have to submit a letter of consent from his current working unit or the relevant Mainland authorities.
• A copy of this letter must be sent along with the Approval – In – Principle letter.

On the other hand, if an applicant has resided in Hong Kong previously, he could only apply under the condition that his application would still be treated as a fresh one.

All applicants are permitted to bring along their spouse and dependent children. However, the dependent children must be below the age of 18 years and unmarried. Also, the main applicant would be the sponsor for all his dependents. Thus, he should prove himself to be financially viable to support self and dependents. He must also submit the dependent visa application for his accompanying family members.

In addition, the visa is issued for a specific period of time. Post this period, either an extension could be applied for or the applicant has to return back to his home country. Incase of applying for an extension, it must be done one month in prior to the visa expiry.

If the applicant has been staying in Hong Kong as an ordinary resident for a minimum of 7 years, he would be permitted to apply for the right to abode in Hong Kong with respect to the laws.

However, if an applicant has resided in the country for a year and seeks an extension, he must prove that he has settled in the country and has acquired a job or has started a business in Hong Kong.

Above all, it has to be remembered that it is the minor errors that lead to a denial. Thus, it is best to seek the advice of an expert who is updated with all the latest regarding the above.

You can refer to our next post if you still have doubts!

one

The application process starts from filling and filing an application. An applicant must ensure that he qualifies the eligibility criteria before actually applying for the same. To ensure this, contact an Immigration and Visa Firm where you can avail the services of a free prior assessment. This would help you judge your chances in a better way.

No fee is charged while submitting the application form. However, during the issuance of the visa, an amount of HK$160 has to be paid.

The application process is as follows:

• Eligibility Criteria
• Points Based Test
• Assessment
• Approval – In – Principle
• Visa Issuance

Refer to the previous article for the first two steps.

The assessment involves the process of selecting the appropriate candidates on the basis of the quota. All applicants would be ranked according to their score in the Point Based Test. Those scoring amongst the highest would be processed further. Before taking a final decision, the Director of Immigration might seek the opinion of his Advisory Council that comprises of the official and the non – official members. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR appoints them.

While taking a decision, the following aspects are considered with respect to the candidate:

• The Socio – Economic Needs of Hong Kong
• The Sectoral Mix of candidates with other factors

Based on the above, it is decided by the Director regarding the quotas allotted to the candidates. The results of the selected are published on the Government website.

However, it is not necessary that all the high scoring applicants would get the same quota. Also, an application would be termed as rejected only if the applicant has received a formal notification from the Immigration Department.

After the allotment of the quota to the successful applicants, a letter of Approval – In – Principle is issued. These applicants have to go to Hong Kong to attend an interview. They must also submit all their original documents, copies of which had been submitted with the application form. Here, the dependents are not required to come for the interview.

However, they would be permitted to enter Hong Kong only as a visitor and the Approval – In – Principle does not guarantee a visa under this program.

Post submission, if all the documents are found to be satisfactory during the verification and the completion of all the other relevant formalities, an entry visa would be issued to the applicant.

Stay tuned for the next article on the important aspects to be considered!

none

In order to migrate to Hong Kong as skilled migrants, all applicants must apply for the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Talent Scheme. As a part of the assessment, all candidates must undergo a Points Based Test. There are two types of this test. These are:

• General Points Based Test
• Achievement Based Points Test

All applicants are free to choose the desired test, provided they clear all the pre – requisites. Under the General Test, all the pre – requisites are awarded certain points based on the level of the eligibility satisfaction. Also, they must score a minimum of 80 points to qualify for the next level. The various factors considered are:

• Age - A maximum of 30 points are awarded under this category. Based upon the age of the applicant, desirable points are awarded. An applicant should be in the age group of 18 to 50 years. He can earn the maximum points if he is in the age group of 30 to 34 years. However, he can earn as less as 5 points if he is between 45 and 50 years.
• Educational Qualifications – A maximum of 45 points could be earned under this category. This could be earned if a candidate has 2 or more Doctoral Degrees. However, if the candidate has one Doctoral Degree and two or more Master’s Degree, he can score up to 40 points.

On the other hand, if the candidate has two or more Bachelor’s Degrees and one Master’s Degree, he can score around 30 points.
Also, the candidate can earn up to 20 points if he has only a Bachelor’s Degree along with other professional qualification which is from a recognized university.

• Work Experience – A maximum of 50 points are granted under this factor. This could be availed if the candidate has at least 10 years of work experience after graduation. Out of these, 5 years should have been spent at a senior position. However, he would score as less as 30 points if he has almost 5 years of work experience after graduation in a specific field of work.
• Language Proficiency – If the applicant is proficient in both oral and written Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) and English, he can earn as high as 20 points.
• Family Background – An applicant can earn as high as 20 points based on the following criteria:

1. If one of the immediate family member is a permanent resident in Hong Kong.
2. If the spouse or other dependents are equally qualified, he can claim an additional 5 points.
3. Each dependent (unmarried) under the age of 18 would score an additional 5 points per head.

Thus, the maximum points that an applicant could score is 165 points. The current pass mark is 80 points. However, the minimum pass mark is subject to change without prior notice. Thus, it is suggested that an applicant should with check the applicable pass-mark before actually applying for the visa under the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Talent Scheme.

On the other hand, the Achievement Based Points Test is meant for those candidates who are highly skilled and qualified in a specific field of work proven with outstanding laurels. The eligibility criteria for this are highly stringent with a lot of scrutiny maintained.

The assessment is completely dependent on the achievements of the applicant. Thus, the candidates would score only under one scoring factor aiming for 165 points directly. Thus, they would either score the maximum points or no points at all. All those applicants who score no points under this test are rejected instantly.

There are only two instances under which a candidate can score points under this test:

• The applicant has been honored with an award for exceptional achievement.
• If the applicant can prove that his work has been acknowledged by his colleagues and had led to the growth and development of his field of work.

To know more about which test to take, contact an Immigration Specialist today. He would be acquainted with all the terms and conditions for the same. So contact one today!

Check out our next post for the Application Process!

3 com

For all those planning to live and work in Hong Kong, these series of articles are a must to be read. All the intending immigrants must apply under the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Talent Scheme. This article only aims at providing information on the same.

The applicants must satisfy a certain series of conditions laid down by the Government of Hong Kong. A specific number of individuals would only be allotted for the program since it is implied on the basis of a quota. Only highly skilled applicants are selected for the program since they are expected to contribute to the economy of Hong Kong. In addition, only those personnel would be selected who otherwise would not be permitted to enter Hong Kong.

The eligibility criteria include age, educational qualifications, language skills, character requirements and the financial status of the applicant. If found to be qualifying in the above; they must undergo the Points Based Test.

Also, those applicants qualifying and are approved need not get a job in prior to migration. They are also permitted to bring their spouse and unmarried dependent children. However, the candidate should to be capable of supporting them financially.
The application process involves qualifying for the eligibility criteria, appearing for the Points Based Test. This would be followed by the assessment and an Approval – In – Principle.

Also, this program is not applicable for the citizens of Afghanistan, Cambodia, Albania, Cuba, Laos, Korea, Nepal and Vietnam.

However, these articles can be considered as a medium to get acquainted with the terms and conditions of the same. But contacting an immigration and visa specialist would churn out more. He would be the sole person to be in the know - how of all the recent updates regarding immigration to Hong Kong.
Stay tuned for the next post regarding the Points Based System!

2 com

What is the Hong Kong Migration Talent Scheme?

This program is meant for those people who intend to live and work in Hong Kong. This scheme is completely based on the number of allotments that the High Commission has for foreign immigrants. It is for those who are highly skilled and could contribute to the economy of Hong Kong.

It is basically meant for those who are well qualified and experienced but would otherwise be not permitted to work in Hong Kong.

Is it necessary for an applicant to get an employment offer prior to immigration?

No. It is not at all necessary to get a job in prior. However, you must satisfy all the eligibility criteria that have been asked for.

How is the assessment done to check my eligibility?

You would be assessed on the Points Based Tests. There are two categories under this which are applied based on the candidate’s profile.

• The General Points Test
• Achievement – Based Points Test

Am I allowed to bring my spouse if I qualify?

Yes. You are allowed to bring your spouse and dependent children (unmarried and if they are below the age of 18 years). However, you should be able to prove that you can support self and dependents financially.

Is this scheme applicable to all nationalities?

The scheme does not consider the nationals from Albania, Cuba, Laos, Afghanistan, Korea, Nepal and Vietnam. Citizens of all other countries can apply.

What are the eligibility criteria for this program?

The various factors considered include the following:

• Age
• Qualifications
• Language Skills
• Family Background
• Financial Requirements
• Character Requirements

Which is the best age – group to apply for the scheme?

All applicants should be in the age group of 18 – 50 years while filing an application.

Is there any specific language that I am supposed to be proficient in?

All applicants are expected to be proficient in written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English.

Am I supposed to be academically qualified to be eligible for the program?

Yes. You are expected to have a good academic background with a degree from a recognized university or any other tertiary educational institution. In some cases, good technical qualifications along with professional experience proving your skills. In addition, achievements proved via evidence can add to your profile.

However, if the supporting documentation is not provided, the application is deemed to be cancelled.

Am I supposed to prove myself financially viable for self and dependents?

Yes. You must be capable of supporting yourself and your dependents in Hong Kong. You would not be expected to be dependent on the public service authorities.

What character requirements must I provide for?

You must not have any criminal record or any form of adverse record on immigration in Hong Kong or any other country. In other words, you must prove yourself to be of good character in the form of documentary evidence from a relevant authority.

When do I appear for the Points Based Test?

You can appear for the Points Based Test if you clear the pre – requisites for the eligibility. However, you have the option to select the particular test which you would want to take.

What are different kinds of Points Based Test?

There are two types of Points Based test – General Points Based Test and the Achievement Points Based Test. The General test looks into 5 different aspects where as in the Achievement test, there is only 1 point scoring factor.

Is there a minimum pass mark to qualify under the Points Based Test?

The minimum pass mark is only valid in the General Points Test which is 80 points. The minimum pass marks is subject to change without notice.

Does Approval – in Principle mean that I have qualified for the visa?

No. An Approval – in – Principle letter simply means that the applicant has cleared all the previous stages of the procedure. With this letter, you are required to go to Hong Kong to attend an interview and submit all the documents in original.

Do I have to pay any application fee?

No fee is charged while submitting the application. However, you have to pay an amount of HK$ 160 during the issuance of the visa.

Can I extend my stay in Hong Kong?

Yes. You would be permitted. However, you have to submit your application one month in prior to your visa expiration. Also, you must satisfy certain terms and conditions.

What are the requirements for an approval of an extended stay in Hong Kong?

You must prove that you have settled in Hong Kong and have contributed to its economy by employing many local citizens from various fields.

none