Questions regarding PR application

asid12345678 · 05-09-2020, 03:37 PM

Hey guys

So I'm in the process of applying for the verification of eligiblity for PR.

Mine is a very standard application, graduated from a HK uni (4 years degree), worked in multinationals for the last 3 years. Did not leave HK except for summer holidays, etc.

Couple of concerns I have that I would appreciate your thoughts on:

1) I live in an apartment by myself in Central, but I've noticed in the tenancy agreement that my house is in fact categorized as "commercial" and not residential. Can this potentially be a problem for my application? I use this address as my bank address, etc, never had had any issues. The contract is under my name.

2) Taxes - Obviously I paid no taxes as a student. And my salary amounts to a tax of approx. 20k, but just under the allowed tax reduction amount each year, meaning I have no taxes payable for the last 3 years. However obviously I would still need to file tax returns when IRD issued them. Since I did not receive any tax returns for the last 3 years, I called up IRD and in fact they did issue returns for the last 2 years but they were sent to my old address. I've requested IRD to change my address on the system and send me the returns which I intend to file asap.

I'm 100% certain (part of my job in finance is dealing with tax laws in HK) that my salaries tax payable is zero, however going by what I've read, PR applications require copies of tax assessments. Even after I file my returns in a couple of weeks, it would take a few more weeks (if not longer) for IRD to issue a nil assessment. Hence how do you suggest I address this in my PR application? One way I think I can address this is by filing my returns online, so there is at least some evidence that I have taken action regarding my tax matters, as opposed to mailing in my returns in which case I have no proof of submission.

I doubt officers in Immigration would be interested in a long explanation from me on how my actual taxes payable are zero.

Keen to hear your thoughts.

Thank you in advance!

emx · 05-09-2020, 03:48 PM

Plenty of spouses do not work or pay taxes and they qualify for PR.

Relax, your application will be fine.

Sith · 05-09-2020, 03:52 PM

Indeed no need to file tax returns for your application. That is only if they need more proof that you have been here for 7 years. Yours looks very straight forward so just send the minimum information they ask for and that’s it.

Sage · 05-09-2020, 03:55 PM

1) - No problem

2) Make sure your tax situation is up to date (wait for your assessment) before you apply, other than that, yes you'll be fine. Supply the evidence you DO have on continuous residency - Tenancy, Bank statements, Utility bills, club memberships etc

Sage · 05-09-2020, 04:00 PM

They don't 'ask' for specific info, just 'proof'

I supplied a couple of proofs of address for every quarter I was in HK. As well as visa's, tax docs and tenancy agreements.

I got No questions and was approved swiftly.

Originally Posted by Sith:

Indeed no need to file tax returns for your application. That is only if they need more proof that you have been here for 7 years. Yours looks very straight forward so just send the minimum information they ask for and that’s it.

Sith · 05-09-2020, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by Sage:

They don't 'ask' for specific info, just 'proof'

I supplied a couple of proofs of address for every quarter I was in HK. As well as visa's, tax docs and tenancy agreements.

I got No questions and was approved swiftly.

Yeah that could be indeed. I didn’t provide all that. Don’t remember exactly what I provided but if I’m not mistaken I only sent them the application form and a copy of my visa’s in my passports (maybe an employment letter but doubt it)
Oh and a copy of my HKID obviously.

asid12345678 · 05-09-2020, 05:58 PM

Thanks guys.

For completeness, I have requested for a statement of travel records from the Immigration Department which I will send along with my PR application. I will prepare all the other documents meanwhile.

Intend to mail this in sometime in the next 2 weeks. Will keep you all posted.

emx · 05-09-2020, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by asid12345678:

I have requested for a statement of travel records from the Immigration Department which I will send along with my PR application.

Not needed, the Immigration Department already know your travel history in and out of HK.

thad · 09-09-2020, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Sith:

Yeah that could be indeed. I didn’t provide all that. Don’t remember exactly what I provided but if I’m not mistaken I only sent them the application form and a copy of my visa’s in my passports (maybe an employment letter but doubt it)
Oh and a copy of my HKID obviously.

Spot on everyone I know only provided the form with visa copies and hkid copy and was approved. No tax or address proof required. Good luck.

bdw · 09-09-2020, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by asid12345678:

Thanks guys.

For completeness, I have requested for a statement of travel records from the Immigration Department which I will send along with my PR application. I will prepare all the other documents meanwhile.

Intend to mail this in sometime in the next 2 weeks. Will keep you all posted.

Please don't waste your time doing any of that. Fill out the form, copy of your HKID, copy of the 3 or 4 visa's you have had in your passport over the last 7 years, and that is all you need. Nothing more unless they specifically ask for it.