Building a life from scratch in HK.

[Redfox]

Hi There,

I'm a British Citizen who is currently residing in Australia and is planning to going to HK for a lengthy trip, to see my GF and survey the scene. Ultimately, I would like to stay in HK for as long as possible and become part of the working society.

However, my qualifications are zilch as I didn't get any spanky degree from University and from what I've read, it seems that to get a working Visa for the average Joe Foreigner you need to be the best and not only that you need to able to do what you can do standing on your head.

I am extremely skilled in Graphics, Web Design and Computer Hardware and Maintenience but all this was self-taught and while I have done work here in Australia applying these skills, the jobs many came from reputation but that probably doesn't fare too well with the HK immigration peeps.

Would it best for me when I get to HK to apply for a student Visa and take a brief course in Graphics or Computers and blitz it to earn some spanky cert to help pave way for a job in HK and the proverbial Work Visa or is there any other methods? I really want to get out of Australia, be with my GF and enjoy the splendor of HK and would trade up my British Passport and Citizenship anyday. Is there a way for a self-skilled peeps such as moi to set up camp in HK?

Any insight and time into this would be greatly appreciated,

Redfox

[Emigra]

Just doing a course on arrival in Hong Kong is not usually enough. You also need to show solid work experience within the industry that you plan to join in Hong Kong before you come here. If you do have the qualifications and the experience then you need to find an employer who is willing to employ you on a full time basis with an above average salary package as you are meant to have a skill that is currently not avaiable in Hong Kong, that is the reason why they are employing you.

Do you have any intention to marry your girlfiend in the near future and what is her status in Hong Kong?

[Redfox]

Hey Emigra,

Thanks for the quick response. I guess when it comes to gaining work in the workplace, providing entry is based on skill and partial luck. So I'll try some doorknocking while I'm there. My girlfriend is a Hongkie Citizen and we have occassionally dabbled on the topic of marriage, she's also said this would help in securing a place in HK. I'm none too educated on the policies and practices of the Chinese government but here in Australia, they seem to make it a nightmare if a citizen wants to marry their overseas lover and bring them here. Should we be bracing for a similar treatment?

Many Thanks,

Redfox

[KnowItAll]

Its pretty simple here if you're marrying a Hong Kong resident.

Hong Kong at the end of the day remains one of the easiest places to emigrate to and work in (assuming you have the qualifications and the luck).

[Emigra]

One of the major points that the immigration department will be looking at when you are married and when you plan to apply for a dependant visa is that you both have a good combined net worth (e.g. savings, property and monthly salary for your wife). Therefore showing that your wife is able to support you when you come to Hong Kong. If there are no problems with the successful application then a dependant married to a permanent resident can work in Hong Kong.