HKPIC

[yuiyin]

Hi everybody,
I am new to this site. Looking for info on how to apply for the HKPIC. Receive info from HK immigration but not clear. Here is my situation. I was born HK. Have a HK birth certificate. Now citizen of the US. Do i qualify for the HKPIC ? What kind of paperwork do i need ? Can i apply here in the US or do i need to go to KH to do this? What are the benefits with the HKPIC going to Mainland China? I know alot questions. Need help.
Thanks in advance.

[Aritaurus]

We'll need a little more information. Were your parents Chinese nationals? Also, what year were you born in?

If your parents were Chinese citizens at the time you were born, then you're automatically eligible for a permanent identity card. It's possible to apply at an overseas Chinese consulate but this may take up a few months and you would also have to apply for the HKSAR passport.

As for mainland travel, having a HKPIC alone does not allow you visa free entry. You will need a home return card which is a entirely different ID card. In order to apply for that, you would have an HKSAR passport and a HKPIC. This can only be applied for in Hong Kong.

[yuiyin]

Born in 1966. My parents were chinese citizen. Don't they need paperwork to proof that they were?
Thanks Aritaurus!

[celloboy]

as i understand it (someone correct me if i am wrong)...

if your ethnicity is Chinese and you were born in HK, then you are a HK Permanent Resident with ROA and entitled to a HKPIC.

and you will never lose that status regardless of how long you are absent from HK (unlike overseas-born Permanent Residents who lose ROA if they are absent for >36 months.

in fact, you will be regarded as a Chinese citizen and your foreign passport will be regarded only as a travel document within Chinese territory, ie. you will not be entitled to foreign consular protection due to your foreign passport.

the only way you will lose HK Permanent Resident/ROA status is if you formally renounce your Chinese nationality, in which case you will be downgraded to RTL.

it's best to return to HK to do it (go to Wanchai Immigration Tower). i think you just need your HK birth certificate (although it will be wise to bring everything else - old passports, parents' documents, just in case you are asked for them).

[celloboy]

oh, and you should also be entitled to HKSAR passport and Home Return Permit for travel into Mainland China. (you will need to get a HKSAR passport first, as you will need it to apply for HRP from CTS).

however, remember that you will be regarded as a Chinese citizen - your US citizenship will not be recognized within Chinese territory. That means if you get into big trouble with the Chinese authorities, you will not be entitled to US consular protection.

[Aritaurus]

Born in 1966. My parents were chinese citizen. Don't they need paperwork to proof that they were?
Thanks Aritaurus!

They should be able to tell from your birth certificate alone if you were considered a Chinese citizen or not at time you were born. If you immigrated at a young age and was never issued an ID card, they may ask for additional documents so I would probably email the IMMD.

My parents had their ID cards renewed in 2006 and all they brought back were their Hong Kong birth certificates, Canadian passports and their old long expired Hong Kong Identity Cards - from the 70s.