Current work visa processing time

[bravizzel]

Hi all, I know this question gets asked quite regularly in the various forums but I haven't seen anything too recent posted.

I've been offered a role in HK and the work visa application has been submitted on my behalf by the employer (international company that employs expats regularly)

Just wondering if anyone has recently gone through the waiting experience and how long did it take? Was it within the 4-6 weeks that is quoted?

[john chi]

Mine is 3 weeks and counting

[Rosemary116]

Does anyone know more about....

What other information immigrarion review OTHER than seeing the role can't be filled by a local. More specifically, what supporting documents from the candidate are they looking for in addition to the visa application, eg credit report, transcript, criminal history, recommendation, if any?


Sent from my iPhone using GeoClicks

[Claire ex-ax]

Does anyone know more about....

What other information immigrarion review OTHER than seeing the role can't be filled by a local. More specifically, what supporting documents from the candidate are they looking for in addition to the visa application, eg credit report, transcript, criminal history, recommendation, if any?


Sent from my iPhone using GeoClicks

I believe most of the information is required of the company. No credit report or criminal history required for an employment visa, but I think references/transcripts are. Perhaps others can confirm.



(Sorry that the information is from what I've gleaned over the past few decades; no personal experience to add.)

[john chi]

The immigration site has a pretty good guide to what docs you need to supply http://www.immd.gov.hk/en/services/h...guideline.html

For mine - I'm being sponsored as a "professional" with 3 dependents (wife and 2 kids) - I only had to supply basic identity docs (passports, marriage certificate and kids' birth certificates) a copy of my CV and my degree certificates. In terms of docs the schools and the bank wanted waaay more

I'm assuming the bit that Immigration is really bothered about is on the company side, where they justify why they need to bring anyone in from outside in the first place.

Should just add - HR called today and are expecting the visa on monday, putting it around 3 1/2 weeks at the moment.

[bravizzel]

Congrats on the visa approval!

[bravizzel]

anyone have any other experiences? i don't know whats worse, waiting for the visa or waiting for news about whether i got the job!

[buddy1]

playing the same waiting game as you are bravizzel. my potential employer submitted the application on July 24. good luck with yours. keep us posted on your status. I am really curious about how long it takes too.

John Chi: congrats on getting the visa. I have a question: what happens after this? i assume HR will mail/courier the visa to you? you need that piece of paper in your hands before you can fly into HK, correct? thanks.

[Claire ex-ax]

playing the same waiting game as you are bravizzel. my potential employer submitted the application on July 24. good luck with yours. keep us posted on your status. I am really curious about how long it takes too.

John Chi: congrats on getting the visa. I have a question: what happens after this? i assume HR will mail/courier the visa to you? you need that piece of paper in your hands before you can fly into HK, correct? thanks.

You can arrive in Hong Kong, collect the visa from ImmD, stick it in your passport, and 'activate' it by popping over to Macau (basically pass through any immigration border, Macau, China, Thailand, but Macau is the easiest).

Or, according to the ImmD website:

Visa/entry permit labels will be collected by the sponsor/referee from the Immigration Department for onward transmission to the successful applicants.

When you know the date you'll be arriving, make an appointment online for your ID card, to save time.

http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/immig...kregidcard.htm

[habibiofnyc]

My took about 3 week when I moved from NY to HK two years ago.