Q: I have just moved to Hong Kong from Canada. I have been transferred here for two years to work for my Canadian employer's Hong Kong operation. My girl friend has joined me here and I understand that she cannot get a dependent visa because we are not married. We have been living together for more than 6 years. What kind of visa can she get to allow us to remain together while I work in Hong Kong? We have no plans to marry any time soon.
A: Defacto spouses are not able to secure Dependant Visas as the rules call for a legal marriage. Heterosexual live-in partners who are able to show a pre-existing co-habitation prior to coming to Hong Kong and who are prepared to undertake in writing that their relationship will eventually lead to a legal marriage are usually able to secure a Prolonged Visitor Visa to allow the non-Employment Visa holding partner to reside in Hong Kong with their defacto spouse. Couples who are formally engaged to be married are able to secure a Prolonged Visitor Visa to cover the period in Hong Kong which remains prior to completion of the legal formalities of the marriage. A Prolonged Visitor Visa, however, does not avail the holder of the right to work, start a business or take up a formal course of study.