Found a course... now the visa...

[MXZ]

Hi guys,

Following on from a previous post, I was able to track down a nice Associate Degree course which has progression to a full degree.

Now my academic quals aren't all that strong but based on my work experience, they are very happy to consider my application which is great! The problem now though is my visa...

Now I'm in HK on a dependent visa that expires on 1st of August. I have already been to have it renewed. It didn't take long, and the immigration officer gave me a sheet of paper saying to come back with my passport and $160 on the 23rd of July - I assume to pick up the visa, although that wasn't said

Now the Uni won't further consider my application until I can show them that I have a valid visa for the length of the course. I applied for an extension so I'm hoping the visa will be for three years.

The course is filling up quite quickly and I am worried that it will be full before the 23rd...

So, what do I do now? How best do I plead my case to the immigration department? Has anyone had to do a rush job before?

Any advice and guidance is as always gratefully received!

Thanks in advance!

[MXZ]

Just an update in case anyone else has a similar problem in future

I called immigration on the number they'd written on the pick up form. Seems that this number is a direct line for the relevant office as when I called it I got an answer straight away.

I said that I had a query about my visa application and was told that she'd get an immigration officer and could she also have my reference number.

Within a minute I was speaking to an officer and he immediately asked if I was leaving the country. I guess that happens a lot and people won't be in the country to pick up their new visas.

Anyway I explained that the university wanted to see proof of stay for at least two years and that they wouldn't process my application without it. All he said was "oh okay, why not come in and pick up your visa this afternoon?".

So I turned up at 2pm and went straight to the counter. I was first there and the guy recognised me and took my passport and told me to go and wait near counter 21 and I would be called to pay when the visa was ready.

I sat down but it was only a minute or two before I was called over to pay my $160 and that was that.

Entered immigration : 2:00pm
Left immigration : 2:10pm

So if you have a similar problem, just give them a call on the number provided

Oh and if you're actually going in to apply you really really really want to book an appointment first. The queues are incredible!