QMAS VISA

Closed Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    5

    Cool QMAS VISA

    Hi Everyone,

    So, in a year or so, I may be relocating to HK. Currently, I'm in Zhongshan, China.

    I've been looking at my VISA situation, and it seems like I'd have 3 types I could fall under. QMAS, Work Visa, and Business Investment (Startup Business) Visa. (My GF is lucky, she has a HKID, and was born in HK lol)

    The Work Visa and Business Visa's are pretty straight forward, but QMAS is a tad different.

    There's 2 tests I can take to try to get entry under QMAS. On the General Test, I have 70 points and 80 is needed to pass. (I could get 5 extra points since I'm from Canada, and our native languages are English AND French, but I don't actually speak French, so I'd rather not lie).

    On the Achievement Based Test, it asks for "Reference Letters from Peers", "Any types of Publications", etc.

    So, here comes the questions. (I'm hoping to apply through the Achievement Based Test, rather than the General Points Test)

    1) I have multiple certificates in Computer Science, Teaching, and have a 2 year graduate diploma (and 1 year transcript) from a College and University. I also have written my own book (complete with ISBN), and have character/work references from employers. Would these count under the Achievements Based Test? Or is it more so for well known writers/publishers or people with "special" reference letters of some sort?

    2) Even though I have 70 points on the General Test, do you think it's worth applying for anyways?
    Thanks!

    PS: I've already inquired with the Immigration office about these questions, but they can't really give me much info. I'm hoping someone here has done the QMAS application before and can chime in.

    Extra Info:


    I have a "entry level certificate" (2 year graduate Diploma in Computer Systems from a Canadian College), which the QMAS (and other VISA's, indicate as being accepted. "Bachelors/Entry Level Certification". I have a bunch of industry certification (such as Cisco CCNA) related to this as well. I'm currently taking University Online, and have 1 year of it under my belt so far as well. I also do have computer related work experience as well, in China and in Canada. (I'm an Ex-Microsoft Contractor).

    I have 2 years work experience in China as an English Teacher, as well, and a bunch of certificates related to this as well. (TEFL/TESOL, Specialist Certifications, Mandarin Language certs).

    I also have written and published my own book, complete with ISBN number provided from the Canadian Government.

    I have some misc certifications, work reference letters, College recommendation letters (letter from College President), and more.

    EDIT: I do apologize for the long post. It's worth mentioning that I plan on opening a business in HK, but I'd feel more comfortable with the QMAS visa than the Business Investment VISA due to Business Plan and time restriction related concerns.

    Last edited by Lyth; 25-06-2015 at 02:53 PM.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Sarcasm - because beating the crap out of people is illegal
    Posts
    14,622

    The QMAS 'seems' to favour applicants from Mainland China (an overwhelming % of successful applicants hail from there). If you are borderline, your chances are very slim. There is a quota, but it's never been reached as far as I know so the selection committee doesn't have to meet any target. Plus it can take a year. Seriously. The selection committee only meets a few times a year. Plus you still have to find a work. Plus if you haven't found a job at renewal time (one year), you might be denied an extension.

    Marrying your girlfriend would get you a dependent visa, which would allow you to work without sponsorship, start a business, freelance, etc. A good option if you're considering a walk up the aisle.

    A business visa would require a business plan and you'd have to employ a few locals along the way. Best bet for (free) information is the government agency InvestHK.

    InvestHK: Where Business Goes to Grow


  3. #3

    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Clear Water Bay (In Da Jungle)
    Posts
    9,968
    Quote Originally Posted by Claire ex-ax:
    Marrying your girlfriend would get you a dependent visa, which would allow you to work without sponsorship, start a business, freelance, etc. A good option if you're considering a walk up the aisle.
    Marrying wont work for him as he GF is from HK so he will have to line up with the rest of the Mainland Chinese married to HK resident, could take anywhere from 7-10 years, unless he buy a citizenship from another country.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    5

    Hi Claire,

    Thank you for the quick response. It seems you're correct about the QMAS favoring Chinese people. However, I've got a year or so left in China, so I figure I should at least apply for it in the meantime, while I prepare myself for another entry VISA (such as Business Visa).

    I'll check out that link from you. I know it's one of the initiatives that are favored in the application process. So far, I've been looking two initiative programs from the HK Science Park: Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation - About Incu-Tech Programme

    and Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation - About Incu-App Programme

    Do you know of any other initiative programs for startup business in HK that are "favored" under the HK Business Visa application?

    The Immigration lists these, but I can't find all of them on Chinese internet.

    (1) StartmeupHK Venture Programme administered by InvestHK;

    (2) Incu-App, Incu-Bio and Incu-Tech programmes administered by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation;

    (3) Cyberport Incubation Programme;

    (4) Small Entrepreneur Research Assistance Programme and Enterprise Support Scheme administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission;


  5. #5

    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Sarcasm - because beating the crap out of people is illegal
    Posts
    14,622
    Quote Originally Posted by wtbhotia:
    Marrying wont work for him as he GF is from HK so he will have to line up with the rest of the Mainland Chinese married to HK resident, could take anywhere from 7-10 years, unless he buy a citizenship from another country.
    I assumed he is Canadian living on the Mainland.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    5
    Quote Originally Posted by Claire ex-ax:
    I assumed he is Canadian living on the Mainland.
    You're correct. I'm a Canadian, living in China under a Z Visa. My GF is from England, but she has HK Perm residency (her family is Chinese, and is from there).

    Would this be an issue?

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Clear Water Bay (In Da Jungle)
    Posts
    9,968
    Quote Originally Posted by Claire ex-ax:
    I assumed he is Canadian living on the Mainland.
    Ah crap opps didnt see that part. my bad
    @Lyth if you marry your gf then you can easily get a Dependent visa.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Posts
    5

    Great to know, however it's not applicable to us just yet.


  9. #9

    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Sarcasm - because beating the crap out of people is illegal
    Posts
    14,622
    Quote Originally Posted by Lyth:
    You're correct. I'm a Canadian, living in China under a Z Visa. My GF is from England, but she has HK Perm residency (her family is Chinese, and is from there).

    Would this be an issue?
    No, a non-issue.

    But back to the business/entrepreneur visa... Contact InvestHK; it's their raison d'etre. Get working on your two-year business plan, and don't rely on a QMAS, just don't.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    12,323

    +1 for don't rely on QMAS. It's a lottery and one with the odds stacked against you.. PLUS the application itself is hugely time consuming and complex. High time cost with low probability of success. How about getting a job and a work visa here?


Closed Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast