Urgent work visa: what's the quickest processing time you've seen?

[Hk100]

So I already possess a HK work visa valid until next year, but now I will be changing to a new employer in HK.

The new employer needs me to start ASAP, with a tentative start date set at next week.

However, I understand the new working visa would be very unlikely to be issued this soon, right? Even if they mark the case as urgent, immigration would still usually take at least a few weeks to process, even if all docs are submitted initially, right ?

Have you ever heard of a new work visa being issued in such a short time frame?

Thanks.

[Flat Hunter]

Not going to be issued for you to start work next week, especially with a holiday this Thursday.

[emx]

Even if they mark the case as urgent, immigration would still usually take at least a few weeks to process, even if all docs are submitted initially, right ?

Yup.

Just take a week or so break and relax, not much else you can do.

[Hk100]

Not going to be issued for you to start work next week, especially with a holiday this Thursday.

It's what I guessed. I haven't ever heard of such a short turnaround time as 1 week before, to be honest. Any idea if marking a particular case as urgent with them and the fact that the contract start date is next week would make any difference?

[Hk100]

Original Post Deleted

Ah I guess that expedited it. I don't think my employer will use one though.
BTW, is that 9 calendar days or 9 working days?

[Hk100]

Original Post Deleted

That's pretty fast alright. Quickest I've heard of for a renewal.

[Hk100]

Yup.

Just take a week or so break and relax, not much else you can do.

Yeah guess so. Well I'm still in employment. I'm debating how much notice I can give, as I really don't know how long it'll take to process the new visa.

[shri]

I have seen visas approved in as little as a week, similar to what DeletedUser says. What the firm needs is a good relationship between HR and Immd and a strong case that you're needed to start on a certain date and documenting the impact if you do not start on that date. The fastest I've seen is 3 working days for a consulting outfit that needed to bring an employee in urgently to fix some issues at a large petroleum company - specialised job and was going to be a long term assignment.

Large banks, consulting companies, global corporations move people in and out very quickly and IMMD is actually quite aware of their needs. They're also aware that these companies are not putting in fake applications into the system and have done their homework on the candidate (i.e. they don't need to question that a local can or cannot be hired for that position).

If they're willing to pay (costs used be in the 10-15K range several years ago) then HR should be aware of consultants who can manage to get this done. Most of them are ex-IMMD officers who know the system and have the relationships.

<deleted - just read that your company is not going to hire an external consultant>

[Fiona in HKG]

Ask your employer to call the Chief Immigration Officer. If they have a good enough track record with the Immigration Department it will help.

Telephone Directory of the Government of the HKSAR And Related Organisations - Disclaimer


I have found I'm able to do things very quickly when I need to, but have always maintained a very good relationship with them and work for a well-established company. As shri said, that does factor in.

Good luck.

[Hk100]

I have seen visas approved in as little as a week, similar to what DeletedUser says. What the firm needs is a good relationship between HR and Immd and a strong case that you're needed to start on a certain date and documenting the impact if you do not start on that date. The fastest I've seen is 3 working days for a consulting outfit that needed to bring an employee in urgently to fix some issues at a large petroleum company - specialised job and was going to be a long term assignment.

Large banks, consulting companies, global corporations move people in and out very quickly and IMMD is actually quite aware of their needs. They're also aware that these companies are not putting in fake applications into the system and have done their homework on the candidate (i.e. they don't need to question that a local can or cannot be hired for that position).

If they're willing to pay (costs used be in the 10-15K range several years ago) then HR should be aware of consultants who can manage to get this done. Most of them are ex-IMMD officers who know the system and have the relationships.

<deleted - just read that your company is not going to hire an external consultant>

Thanks. Well there is a good case (Native English being a requirement for the job). However, the employer is not a big, established company. It'll be the first time they've ever done this.