FAQ – TechTAS

TechTAS is a fast-track arrangement to bring in technology talents to undertake research and development work for eligible companies.  By allotting companies with quotas to admit talents, it provides certainty to proceed with their recruitment and business plans.  

Once shortage in supply of the kinds of talents is demonstrated, there is no need to repeatedly demonstrate recruitment failure.  After submitting all required documents, visa applications by companies already with quotas may take as little as two weeks. 

Your company’s business engagement must be in the following areas of R&D.  Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, financial technologies, material science, robotics, 5G communications, digital entertainment, green technology, integrated circuit design, Internet-of-Things or microelectronics.  Also, the overseas/mainland talent must be working principally in conducting R&D in such areas.

No, any approved application will use up a quota.  A new application for admitting another non-local talent must use another quota, if any.   The company may also consider applying for employment visa under other schemes.  For example : General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals

Each quota will be valid for 12 months. Companies should apply to sponsor eligible non-local talents within the validity period.  Expiry of unused quotas may pose a risk of an “adverse record” being attached to the company. Such a record may affect future applications for TechTAS by the company.

Also, with a quota application, a company must undertake to also employ the requisite number of new local employees.  i.e. One new local full-time employee plus two local interns for every one to three non-locals approved.

You should have a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics from a well-recognised university.  i.e. Top 100 universities in the latest publications of STEM-related ranking tables of QS, Times Higher Education or Shanghai Ranking of World Universities.  Alternatively, other strengths, supported by full justifications may also be considered. For example, good technical skills in specialty areas, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements.

Talents admitted under TechTAS can only take on employment as approved by the Director of Immigration.  You should seek prior approval from the Director of Immigration for any change in employment.  If the new employer has a valid quota, you may submit a TechTAS visa application to the Immigration Department.  Otherwise, you may consider the General Employment Policy or the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.

You may apply for your spouse or lawful domestic partner (same-sex or opposite-sex) and unmarried dependent children under 18.  It does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or former Mainland Chinese residents residing in Macao who have obtained Macao identity cards for less than seven years, unless they have acquired residence in Macao through the One-way Permit Scheme.

Yes, if you return within your permitted period of stay and your circumstances related to TechTAS visa application remain unchanged.  You do not require a re-entry visa/entry permit to re-enter Hong Kong.

After having ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of 7 years, you may apply for the right of abode.

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