Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) Advice

[utkonos9]

Nationality: dual, New Zealand
Score: I filled in the form by hand, but I think 130 or 135
Academic: PhD
Languages: English, German

The application process by paper was a pain, especially because I had to get "originals" of documents (such as employment letters) which existed only in electronic form. I almost gave up, but then I got an acceptance letter. They let me postpone my interview for a month as it had taken a month for the letter to reach me. The people in the immigration office itself were quite helpful. The immigration officer started asking me questions about trigonometry. I wasn't sure whether he was trying to double-check that I was really qualified in mathematics, or if he was just being friendly.

I used a testimonial from a professor as my foreign language proof. They complained about this, so I don't know whether I actually got the points for the foreign language or not. Anyway, it only counts for 5 points.

Calling the office from overseas to make an appointment was a pain as well. The best approach was to call about 5 minutes after it opens. The appointment cannot be scheduled via email.

I was worried about having to leave Hong Kong in order to re-enter the country and activate the visa. However, it turns out that you can just go to Macau and it counts as leaving Hong Kong, since Hong Kong immigration is completely separate from Macau and China.

Another stressful moment was when they would not let me on the plane to attend the visa interview, since I did not have an onward ticket showing that I was going to leave Hong Kong. I had to go online at the airport and buy the cheapest one-way ticket out of Hong Kong which I could find. So that is something to be aware of. The expectation is that you (1) get the approval-in-principle letter, (2) make a return trip to Hong Kong to get the visa (3) re-enter Hong Kong with the visa.

[Natskip1989]

Hi aw451,

Thank you for your response. It is most helpful, as there is not any information online about the renewal process.

In regards to “they asked for all of the documents again” - what do you mean by this? As my file was left with Immigration and I am assuming that they will keep this. Did you have to get another Criminal Conviction Certificate from Hong Kong Police HQ?

Many thanks

[Natskip1989]

Congratulations on receiving your visa! Thank you for your response - it is most helpful for others that want to apply.

When are you due for your renewal?

[mmice]

Hi aw451,

Thank you for your response. It is most helpful, as there is not any information online about the renewal process.

In regards to “they asked for all of the documents again” - what do you mean by this? As my file was left with Immigration and I am assuming that they will keep this. Did you have to get another Criminal Conviction Certificate from Hong Kong Police HQ?

Many thanks

No, they just want evidence that you have settled in HK

[Natskip1989]

Congratulations on receiving your visa Utkonos9! Thank you for your response - it is most helpful for others that want to apply.

When are you due for your renewal?

[Natskip1989]

No, they just want evidence that you have settled in HK

Thank you for your reply. Have you been through the renewal process? If so, please could you tell us about your experience.

Thank you!

[Natskip1989]

Welcome to the club - it's pretty exclusive

I applied, successfully, in 2007ish, and I'm now PR. Sounds like the process hasn't changed much, which is good to know!

Thank you! Please could you explain how the renewal process worked for you after 2-3-3 years? Many thanks

[aw451]

Thank you for your reply. Have you been through the renewal process? If so, please could you tell us about your experience.

Thank you!

What mmice said is correct. Basically they want the same documents but within the context of your time in HK. So keep HK$200k in cash (or easily liquifiable assets) and any MPF, insurance, employment/rental contracts and you will be fine. They already have access to your criminal record in HK so no need to request that again. You should have received all of these documents if you have legitimately settled in HK. My advice is just to not throw any of this documentation away.

[Natskip1989]

What mmice said is correct. Basically they want the same documents but within the context of your time in HK. So keep HK$200k in cash (or easily liquifiable assets) and any MPF, insurance, employment/rental contracts and you will be fine. They already have access to your criminal record in HK so no need to request that again. You should have received all of these documents if you have legitimately settled in HK. My advice is just to not throw any of this documentation away.

Great. Thank you for this information!

[mmice]

Thank you for your reply. Have you been through the renewal process? If so, please could you tell us about your experience.

Thank you!

It was pretty straightforward for me, just showed them my lease, and employment contract. I had my tax assessment and other evidence available but they never bothered with it.

For my subsequent renewals, I don't recall them even asking for documentation. I guess they had access to income tax information that confirmed I was paying taxes.

Throughout the 7 year period, I was employed out of HK but spent more than 70%of the time out of HK although I was in HK every month and did maintain a permanent residence.