Hong Kong Visa Extension-for Employment and Transfer of Employment
Hong Kong visa extension refers to employment visa extensions and transfer of employment for professionals under the General Employment Policy (GEP), the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP), the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents (ASSG), and the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS).
Unless someone has the right to live or settle in Hong Kong, they need a visa or work permit to work there. Foreigners who want to work in Hong Kong (paid or unpaid) must first seek an employment visa/permit from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
For every change of employment, the employment visa/permit holder must submit an extension of stay application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for each transfer of employment before the employment visa holder can commence working with the new employer in Hong Kong.
If there is no change of employment, the employment visa/permit holders may apply for an extension of stay four (4) weeks before their employment visa expire. Such a request is only allowed if the applicant’s employment visa status remains intact.
The applicant accepted to Hong Kong to work may also apply for (or renew) a dependent visa for his/her spouse and/or unmarried kid under 18.
Becoming a Permanent Resident in Hong Kong
Persons admitted for Investment as Entrepreneurs 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.
Eligibility for Applying for Extension of Stay in Hong Kong
Requirements for applying for an extension of stay:
- The applicant should not have criminal or security issues.
- The applicant’s Hong Kong existing visa status remains valid and unaltered.
For GEP work visa extension of stay:
- The applicant must have an excellent educational background (bachelor’s degree or related technical degrees, professional talents, accomplishments, and experience);
- A real job opening (professional employment);
- The applicant must have a verified job offer that fits his/her academic credentials and/or work experience and cannot be filled by local workers (professional employment);
- Income, housing, medical, and other benefits are in accordance with Hong Kong market norms.
Hong Kong Immigration Department may amend the qualifying standards without notification. Please talk to FastLane HR for latest development.
Procedures and Timeline
Hong Kong Immigration Department may take 3 to 6 weeks to complete an extension of stay application. Hong Kong Immigration may request further supporting documents to process the application.
If approved, the Hong Kong Immigration Department will issue an approval letter and/or a new visa label.
Required Documentation and Information
The applicant is required to submit the following for the extension of stay application for a professional admitted under the GEP:
- Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel documents, as well as, if appropriate, the page from their prior documents that displayed the most recent entrance permit, arrival stamp, landing slip, or extension of stay label in the HKSAR
- Hong Kong identity card copy
- Form 91
- A letter of support from the applicant’s employer detailing their job, total monthly remuneration and length of employment
- Form ID 990B
For each dependant, the following information and documentation are required for the extension of stay application:
- Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel documents, as well as, if appropriate, the page from their prior documents that displayed the most recent entrance permit, arrival stamp, landing slip, or extension of stay label in the HKSAR
- Hong Kong identity card copy
- Form 91
- A photocopy of the sponsor’s legitimate travel document, which must include personal information and a current stay permit, or a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
- Form ID 481A
- Form 481B (for spouse only)
- Applicant’s Form ID 235B and/or travel document*
- Birth certificate*
* Only for first applications
Each form of extension of stay for work (i.e. ASMTP, ASSG, TechTAS, IANG, SLS, and Entrepreneurs) has somewhat different requirements, FastLane HR can assist you to gather the information and documents for your specific circumstances.
Every document presented must be written in English, Chinese, or have a certified translation to English or Chinese.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has the right to request further supporting documents from the applicant or the hiring organization.
Counting on FastLane HR for Assistance in Visa Extension Applications
Applying for a tranfer of employment and visa extension 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 a visa extension. FastLane HR is the perfect partner for people who need transfer of employment and visa extension assistance.
Full Services offered by FastLane HR to Facilitate Transfer of Employment and Visa Extension 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