Staying and Working in Hong Kong under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
Chinese residents of the Mainland who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong may apply to come to work in Hong Kong under ASMTP.
Successful applicants will normally be granted an initial stay of 36 months, or in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter), upon entry. Their stay may be extended by submitting an application within 4 weeks before expiry. With subsequent successful extensions, applicants will normally be permitted to stay on a 3-2 years pattern, or in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter). For any change in employment, prior approval from the Director of Immigration must be sought.
In 2024 October, The Hong Kong government is revising its employment policies for ASMTP, by introducing new channels to admit skilled specialists in labor-shortage sectors subject to a quota limit.
Family Members in an ASMTP Visa Application
An ASMTP applicant may apply to bring in his/her spouse or lawful domestic partner (same-sex or opposite-sex) and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong and, after admitted to Hong Kong under ASMTP, will be their sponsors. However, this does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan and Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of) and 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.
Traveling and Returning to Hong Kong after Admitted under ASMTP
Persons admitted under ASMTP can travel and re-enter Hong Kong within the permitted period of stay without any re-entry visa.
Becoming a Permanent Resident in Hong Kong
Persons admitted under the ASMTP who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in Hong Kong.
Quota and Restriction on ASMTP
ASMTP is quota-free and non-sector specific.
Eligibility for Applying for an ASMTP Visa
Chinese residents of the Mainland who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong may apply to come to work in Hong Kong under ASMTP. All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department and approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. Nonetheless, these are among the favourable criteria considered by the Immigration Department:
- No security objection or known record of serious crime.
- Good education background, normally a first degree in relevant field, but in special cases, good technical qualifications, relevant experience and achievements.
- With a genuine job vacancy, a confirmed offer of employment relevant to academic qualifications or work experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local work force.
- A remuneration package at prevailing market level for the same type of professionals in Hong Kong.
Required Documents for an ASMTP Application
The Applicant
- Completed Form ID 990A
- Photocopy of valid travel document
- Photocopy of Hong Kong identity card (if any)
- Photocopies of proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience
- Letter of consent from current working unit or relevant authorities
The Employer
- Completed form ID 990B
- Photocopy of employment contract or letter of appointment
- Photocopy of the Certificate of Business Registration
- Photocopy of proof of financial standing
- Detailed business plan (for companies newly set up within 12 months)
Each Accompanying Dependent
- Part B of the form ID 990A completed
- Photocopy of valid travel document
- Photocopy of evidence of relationship with the applicant such as marriage certificate, birth certificate
Processing Time for an ASMTP Application
Upon submission of the application documents, it normally takes four weeks to hear a response by the Immigration Department. Additional supporting documents may be requested by the Immigration Department. The normal entire processing time may take four to eight weeks by the Immigration Department.
Counting on FastLane HR for Assistance in ASMTP Visa Applications
Applying for ASMTP visas can be complex and time-consuming if you do not know exactly the documents and justifications you need to provide to meet the approval criteria by the Immigration Department. It is always best to do it right the first time than trial and errors. FastLane HR has a team of experienced professionals familiar with the requirements and processes involved in obtaining an ASMTP visa. We also offer renewals for ASMTP visas. FastLane HR is the perfect partner for people who need ASMTP visa assistance to obtain approval in one go.
Full Services offered by FastLane HR to Facilitate ASMTP Visa Applications
- Understand your situation and needs
- Assist and/or advise preparation of required documents
- Review documents provided by the applicant and employer
- Prepare declarations, application forms and letters of authorisation
- Submit application to the Immigration Department
- Follow-up and communicate with the Immigration Department and provide additional supporting documents when required
- Continuous communications with the applicant and/or employer
- Arrange payment and collection of visa label
- Send the visa label to the applicant