Visa Extension for Married Couple

[Hamlay]

Hi,
After some opinions on which way I need to go for Visa extensions. Currently my wife and I are both on independent work visa's but want to understand if this is the correct and/or best way.

I'll try to explain our situation;

US: Married for less than 1 year with baby daughter.

ME: On my first work visa (1 year) that will expire in September. My company will shortly be applying for the extension. My job meets all the requirements so should have no problem with the extension. Our baby daughter is also a dependant on my Visa.

WIFE: In her 6th year of a work visa. Feb 2011 she will be ready to apply for HK Residency. However since having our baby she is a stay at home mum so not working.

So, my questions;

When I apply for my Visa extension (before september) should I just be doing this for my self and daughter or also be asking to have my wife added as a dependant?

We want to be able to apply for Permanent residency for my wife next year when she has been here for 7 years. However as she will not have worked for the last 18months by this stage, will she still be able to get the Residency OK? Does she need a job before then just so she has employment?

Thanks for the advice.

[carang]

whether or not she has been working has nothing to do with getting PR. if she has lived here for the past 7 years (by then) on valid visas (employment, dependent etc) then she is eligible.

[shri]

If she can, best to continue with the work visa. That gives some flexibility if you quit your job or god forbid you're laid of. You can then continue on as her dependent and freelance etc...

She does not really need to be employed. But immd might question why she had a work visa if she was not working.

[Hamlay]

Thanks to Carang & shri. I was just assuming you needed to be here working for 7 years to get PR. Pleased to be proved wrong!

[Claire ex-ax]

No, you just have to be legally resident, so either an employment or dependent visa (or mix) is fine.