Work Visa

brat · 13-06-2006, 05:28 PM

Hi Guys!
I'm new here! I'm in the process of applying for my HK work visa. I've already gotten the offer and the contract from my future employers in Hong Kong. I'm just wondering if there's any chance of being denied a work visa from the HK immigration? Is this just a formality? I have all the credentials and paperwork which they required and I've never been denied visa anywhere before, but this is the first time i'm applying for a work permit from a city other than my own, so this all very new to me. I just want to know because I have not served notice yet with my current employers as I don't want to risk being jobless should my visa application not turn out the way I want. If the visa takes 6 weeks to process, should i give notice already? what do you guys think? Thanks in advance. I'm in a quandary because I can't even go to my peers for advise....they have no idea i have plans of leaving.

peaches00 · 13-06-2006, 06:08 PM

hi! where are u from?

i am in the exact situation. i have already given notice.

Swoosh · 13-06-2006, 06:28 PM

try this ppl, Lloyden consultancy. www.lloyden.com. i used them for my work permit application and they give sound advice. Look for Dowson, [email protected]

brat · 13-06-2006, 10:29 PM

Hi Peaches, I'm from the Philippines. That's kind of why I was a bit concerned as I know there are a lot of Filipinos working there already and rumor has it they are not open to Filipinos any more. But it's just a rumor and the industry I'm in is not the usual for Overseas Filipino Workers, it's the media industry and the company is quite reputable.

PDLM · 14-06-2006, 12:10 AM

You should be OK - there are plenty of Filipinos working in HK in a whole range of industries - I know a business analyst for a logistics company, an account executive for one of the biggest global PR firms, an account director for one of the biggest market research companies, the programme director of Metro Radio, various people working for Filipino owned telecoms and Finance companies, and probably some others if I put my mind to it...

brat · 14-06-2006, 02:31 AM

Originally Posted by PDLM:

You should be OK - there are plenty of Filipinos working in HK in a whole range of industries - I know a business analyst for a logistics company, an account executive for one of the biggest global PR firms, an account director for one of the biggest market research companies, the programme director of Metro Radio, various people working for Filipino owned telecoms and Finance companies, and probably some others if I put my mind to it...

Thanks! That put my mind to ease. I guess I'm just anxious about waiting 6 weeks. Usually when you get the job, you get the job. Here there's this waiting for approval process (which, as i've read in this forum, is quite common). I have another offer with another company locally plus I'm still employed with my current company so i'm just a tad worried to resign and reject an offer only for me to be left with nothing. I'm obsessed with the idea of HK though. I'm really hoping that I'll get my visa and the risk of turning everyone else down will pay off.

Geishboy · 14-06-2006, 12:52 PM

Just mailed my visa application today from the US. My employer told me it might take 6 weeks, as i've already read. But my start date is in 4 weeks. Anybody know if I am legally allowed to work for those 2 weeks prior to receiving my visa and more importantly, will I be allowed to enter the country with a one-way airline ticket??

freeier · 14-06-2006, 12:57 PM

if u can get 2 offers at the same time (one locally and one in hk), then u shld be more confident of yourself and even if u are denied a hk visa u can find the next offer coming fairly soon..

cheer up

Beth Danae · 14-06-2006, 01:17 PM

Was in the same quandry back in February waiting for confirmation on the Visa and wondering should I or shouldn't I give notice to the current employer?

It is nerve racking, but in the end I think you have to jump without assurance. I knew I'd know for sure on the Visa about 2 weeks before I'd be expected to be in HK and there was too much to be handled before that point, I found I coudn't get it all prepared without notifying my boss (I needed a few hours off here and there to pack, run errands, etc.)

I first told my co-workers and they thought I was crazy for quiting w/out a Visa (not to mention putting my house on the market, etc, etc.) but such is the risk you take when accepting an offer overseas--that's how I see it. Plus, it seemed more likely than not the Visa would be granted... but, I came from the US and have no idea if it creates a different scenario coming from elsewhere...

PDLM · 14-06-2006, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by Geishboy:

Just mailed my visa application today from the US. My employer told me it might take 6 weeks, as i've already read. But my start date is in 4 weeks. Anybody know if I am legally allowed to work for those 2 weeks prior to receiving my visa and more importantly, will I be allowed to enter the country with a one-way airline ticket??

Of course you are not allowed to work until you have your visa! What would be the point of the visa if you were? You will normally be allowed to enter on a one-way air ticket as a visitor provided that, if asked, you can show reasonable access to funds and onward plans.