Dependent Visa - Sponsor currently with me in UK

[RyanLock82]

Hi All

Just wondering if anyone had any advice or experience that they could share.

I'm from the United Kingdom, living here with my Fiance who is from Hong Kong (she is here on a two year working Visa on her British National Overseas passport - although is a permanent, native, Hong Kong Resident.)

We plan to get married next month, with the intention of moving to Hong Kong together within the next 12 months, to live permanently. I will apply for a Dependent Visa in the next couple of month, by as my sponsor (my Wife to be) is with me in the UK and we plan to travel together, will this pose problems in her being able to be fully assessed as my sponsor as she won't be able to prove employment in Hong Kong at time of application. She will be able to provide bank statements of savings accounts with in excess of HK200,000 (In Hong Kong bank accounts) and I too can prove savings in the United Kingdom. Will this be taken in to consideration? Or would the application be a non starter? Her parents own an apartment that we are able to rent easily as well. So we can also evidence this within the application.

Does anyone else have similar experience of applying with your spouse whilst you are both outside of Hong Kong?

Any thoughts would be greatly welcomed!

Thanks

[Claire ex-ax]

It's not a problem applying from outside Hong Kong. Expats on, say, employment visas do it all the time.

Your saving do not count. As your sponsor, she has to show she can support you. Do mention the property, as this can be a positive. Is it below market rates?

[Yoshi-san]

We were in a similar situation, and went thru this just over a year ago. The only difference is being married a bit longer with a child together.

We sent the application by int'l courier to Wan Chai, and received a positive response by email in under 3 weeks during the busy Xmas time!

From what you have written, as long as you can convince HK immigration the relationship is genuine, it'll be like a walk in the park!

You can also enter as a tourist then adjust your status after arrival. We chose to apply from overseas as we had plenty of time and it saves the hassle of doing more paperwork and the need to leave HK and return again to activate the dependent visa.

Good Luck!

PS From memory, you need to enter HK within 3 months of visa being granted. So get your papers in order, but don't apply too early!

[RyanLock82]

Thanks for all your advice guys

Really appreciated. Glad to know that it is possible. Just got to get get all the bits and pieces together and then time the application right, for when we are ready to move.

See you in Hong Kong.

[RyanLock82]

Hi again,

I'm now happily married and have booked one way tickets to Hong Kong for the 2nd of December. But still need to apply for my dependant Visa. (Figured the only way we can overcome any issues that may be raised on the application is to be in HK).

I was just wondering if anyone else knew if it's correct that once you receive a dependant Visa, it needs to be activated with 3 months? In addition to this, anyone have any recent experience as to how long the application process is taking? I know it can vary greatly case by case.

The other point I'd be grateful for some help with is that my Wife's savings are split between here and Hong Kong, will this be acceptable or is it worth us getting the funds transferred to HK account into HK dollars before application?

Thanks for any help again and see you soon Hong Kong people.


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[Co Co Nut]

Hi, hope my experience will help.
My background: born and raised in Hong Kong, came to the US to study and met my American citizen husband, have four kids. I have been a stay home mom and have I tried to apply for dependent visas for him and my kids about two months ago.

Process Time: I sent the application forms to Hong Kong Immigration Department directly, to my surprised, the visas got approved about a week later, very efficient!

Pick Up: I applied when all of us were in the states (and still are), I asked them if my mom in Hong Kong can pick up the visas for my husband and kids, they said yes, but I need to send my mom the approval notice that the department sent me with a notarized letter from me to authorize my mom to pick them up. The visas can be picked up anytime in 2014, but once you pick them up, they are valid for three months from the date you pick them up. (they told me I should pick them up as soon as I can because my original travel plan was in July)

Income: I was worried because I was the sponsor, but I had no income, so I sent them bank statements (US banks and investment companies), and I sent them my husband's pay stubs (my husband had pretty good income). Both of my husband and I have graduate degrees, so I copied our diplomas and wrote a letter telling them both my husband and I would not have a hard time to find jobs once we are in Hong Kong.

Good Luck with the application process!