What should we do ??

[kma88]

Looks like the rule is there to prevent people from qualifying for PR thru student visa. I think OP's family should return to their passport country, then apply for a NEW student visa for her dad to continue his studies.

[shafiq]

See the post before your one. Maximum 6 years, it seems very clear.

Thats for a full time programme.

For part time PhD, ur supposed to have a visa based on research assistantship or a job outside the university. Visa cant be applied solely based on a part time PhD study. This was the case years ago.

[MABinPengChau]

This is pretty serious since you are currently overstaying the last visa- may be time to talk to an attorney.

This guy has a lot of good advice on his website (and answers a lot of questions for free). Have not used him but would be worth going in for a consult.

Depending on nationality, well, HK can be very strict with overstayers...like dragging you off to detention...and with the whole family situation at stake, seems like this is the rainy day to spend some money on professional advice.

Good luck!

http://www.hongkongvisageeza.com

[kma88]

And I don't think you can expect a response from ImmD to your dad's email. Basically he has committed an immigration offence by overstaying, so can't expect any help from them. It's like a criminal going to a police station to ask for help, what do you expect the police to do?

Maybe ImmD would be lenient as you have only overstayed for only a few days, and you should go to ImmD ASAP to get a temporary visitor status before your family sort out your situation.