one more tourist visa??

[Vermont]

Here?s the situation - my partner has been in HK on 2 consecutive 90 day tourist visas. Not wanting to risk another visa run, we found cheap accommodations in Macau for one month, the terms of her visa there. We then went on holiday to Thailand for two weeks. Again, not wanting to risk HK passport control, we returned to Macau for another 30 day visa there. During this time, I tried to sponsor a visitor visa thru the formal application process, which was recently denied, stating bone fides were in doubt. We are nearing the end of her stay in Macau and our plan is to travel to KL or Taiwan, then enter HK as a tourist?. Any guess what our chances are?? Any advice on improving the situation?

Ultimately, she would like to study here in HK, but is out of sequence with the academic calendar year? Doubt we can find a short term solution in the next tree weeks.


Thanks for any advice?

[deleteduser]

I'm on my 8th 90 day visitor visa... If you don't work here, I don't think they mind having you in the country, spending your money there...

But whenever I leave, it is to a different country, and for a longer period than a week. Going to China or Macau for a day every 90 days is sure to make someone suspicious.

By the way, what are "bone fides"?

[Vermont]

Lowlight, thanks for your response. I wish we could be that lucky, however, my partner is South American, which inevitably raises eyebrows. Although we have spent nearly 2.5 moths out of HK, I am not confident she we get back in.

May I ask where you are from? Are you ever questioned or have to prove onward journey etc.?

Sorry, ?bona fide? spelling error?. Defined as made in good faith without fraud or deceit. It is department of immigration language.

[deleteduser]

I'm from Canada...

Get married maybe? Or by partner do you mean business partner?

[hello_there]

If you tried to sponsor a visa and it was declined, her re-entry (or attempt to re-enter) will likely raise eyebrows.

[Vermont]

Hello there ? Yes, I am also concerned by this point. It is certainly fair to presume Immigration has put her name into the data base alerting passport control officers to her status. Can you or any others confirm or deny how this works?? The arrival card does not require disclosure of previous visa denial.

Any information is appreciated.

[PDLM]

I think we can assume that if she has been denied a visa then her passport info will be in the database so that when her passport is scanned at the entry point the history will be up on the Immigration Officers screen. I was discussing last night with someone whose now wife was previously (pre-marriage) tagged in this way and she was very effectively barred from entering HK until her then fiance spent some considerable time and effort at immigration convincing them of the genuineness of their relationship. Once you are tagged as "undesireable" (or at least "bona fides in doubt") then as far as I can tell the only thing that's going to change the situation is marriage and an extended grilling at immigration.