Is it possible to get permanent residence with 6 years instead of 7?

[forallepsilon]

Hi Everyone, so I have a specific question about the Hong Kong Permanent Residence.

I've been staying in Hong Kong for the past 6 years. I studied 4 years my undergraduate degree in a HK uni, and I've been working for two years since graduation in a hedge fund. My wife is also naturally from HK, and I speak good Chinese with some Canto.

However, recently I got a graduate degree offer in the US in a really good university (think MIT/Stanford/CMU). I was hoping to apply for permanent residence next year after the 7 years, but now, if I end up accepting the graduate offer, I will lose my eligibility to apply to apply for PR as I won't be ordinarily resident in HK.

Does anyone know any person who applied after only 6 years and received the PR? Any advice would be appreciated.

[shafiq]

Convert your visa into dependent visa as your wife is from HK. Then your 1 yr absence can be explained as u went for education temporarily leaving HK and visited HK as its ur habitual residence

[kma88]

shafiq is correct.

I just want to add - if possible, you should time your dependent visa activation date such that the visa renewal period (from 1 month before the anniversary date) is a convenient time for you to make a trip back to apply for the renewal, eg. summer holidays, Christmas break.

[MandM!]

Best to not leave HK for any period greater than 6 months, then there is no question when your 7 year date comes up. You'll need to be in Hong Kong on application of your PR and be present for an in-person interview. Bring a letter to authorize your wife to pick up your new ID card to save you a trip in case you need to spend most of your time overseas.

Back to your original question, No. You need to meet the 7 years of continuous residence.