Traveling to Hong Kong

[whim26]

Hello,

Me and my friend are interested in living in Hong Kong for 2 months (may and june of this year). We plan to teach english and hopefully also get an internship in a hospital pharmacy too. I am wondering for this short amount of time do I need a working visa? Or can I just stay for 2 months? Should I/Shouldn't I tell them that I'm going to be working?

[Claire ex-ax]

Yes you need an employment visa. One is required even for voluntary work.

You may be eligible for a Working Holiday Permit, but that depends on which passport you hold and how old you are.

[muddykins]

most places won't employ you unless you have a visa, and won't sponsor unless you have a degree and intend to stay for at least a year to take on a full-time position.

there are a lot of "shady" learning centres that will be willing to take you on as a teacher without questions about your visa status, but that means you're putting yourself at risk - they might report you to the police, or even get you to work and not pay you.

if you only want to be here 2 months, why seek out an internship?

[whim26]

I'm a Candian Citizen. I have 2 1/2 years of a Science degree and am currently in my second year of Pharmacy school. It looks like from what I've read the Working Vacation VIsa is only good for NZ and AUST. Would the normal emplyment visa be hard to get in my situation? And what would be the best way to make money while I'm there if teaching english doesn't pan out?

Thanks

[whim26]

what about going there on vacation, then trying to do private tutoring? I could probably teach english, guitar, or piano.

[PDLM]

For two months? You're hardly likely to earn a significant amount of money, and any way you do earn it would be illegal, so why take the risk?

[muddykins]

technically helping an old lady carrying a lot of shopping cross the street is illegal under a tourist visa. 0_o sorry to say but you're not going to make any money here for the amount of time you're intending to visit, you'll either have to lengthen your stay or come back another time when you've finished school to land a job here.

[PDLM]

technically helping an old lady carrying a lot of shopping cross the street is illegal under a tourist visa.

You exaggerate. But coming here with the intention of making money from helping old ladies across the street would be.

[MovingIn07]

I think he was making the point that even volunteering is illegal...

[PDLM]

True - any employment is illegal (paid or unpaid), but incidental actions like helping an old lady across the street are clearly OK.