Dependant Visa: "Activation" Date

[mtkl]

Once a visa is granted to a dependant who is still overseas, how long does that person have to enter HK? Can the person enter anytime within the visa's period (i.e. 1 or 2 years), or does the person have to enter within a specific shorter period (e.g. 30/60 days)?

Let's say the visa is granted on 1 March 2025 for 2 years to a 65-year-old parent of an HKPR.

[domokun]

On the entry slip, there is enter before date stated in the notes.

[Beanieskis]

I believe the visa usually requires the first entry within 3 months of the visa being issued. That then triggers the one or two year validity. During Covid they extended the 3 month period, but only temporarily I think.

[mtkl]

On the entry slip, there is enter before date stated in the notes.

Yes, and what is it normally? I would like to time my application suitably.

[domokun]

Ours was during Covid and it was 6 months from issue date.

[PLamHK]

Likewise we did this in 2022 for Mrs Lam's mother and the e-visa issued was good for entry within 6 months from the issue date.

[GotIt]

3 months pre-covid