Working Visa

Posted by angekat (440 days ago)

Any idea why the work visa take so long to be approve??

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by car_lover (439 days ago)

Have u tried calling the ID to check on your status?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by associates (439 days ago)

Should be 3 to a max of 6 weeks if all documents are properly prepared and presented.

Weir & Asociates
Solicitors & Notaries
2108 Gloucester Tower
The Landmark
15 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong
Tel : 2526-1767
Fax : 2868-3568
email : weirlaw@hongkonglaw.com
www.HongKongLaw.com/weirlaw

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by angekat (439 days ago)

Thank you all for your reply.

I want to know what is their considerations? Why do they have to take so long to approve each application? And on what grounds do they approve/reject the application?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by WillieWang (435 days ago)

Just curious. Is working without a visa in Hong Kong risky? How often does immagration check?

I think it is common in Hong Kong, right? As long as you can find a employer who pays you as agreed, you can switch easily, right?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by TC (433 days ago)

In my opinion it is very risky. If you get caught you are in the deep proverbial. What are the chances of getting caught? Not sure, but your new employer would report your employment to the Labour Department and they would then appear on the same database available to Immigration. For a mainstream job I simply wouldn't risk it myself as getting caught could permanently jeopardise any future visa applications - at the very least. In respect of your second para - yes, it's very common to switch jobs but not so without the proper visa - as far as I know.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kier (405 days ago)

angekat, are you applying for a completely new visa or just a change of employer?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by angekat (404 days ago)

kier, i am in the processing of applying for a new visa. But I was curious, why take 4 weeks?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by The Expat (404 days ago)

My case, I was working in hong kong and had a working visa valid till 2008. Then when i left, my previous employer cancelled my sponsorship but i had the right to remain in hong kong till 2008.

When i got another job in hong kong a year after, my current company is applyin for extension of visa/Sponsorship. So far more than 5 weeks passed and still i haven't got it! My wait is becoming too long honestly.... i need to start working... got bored without a job!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by angekat (403 days ago)

I need to start working too, really really bored without a job!

Is it easier/faster/efficient if the working visa go thru an immigration lawyer?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by my2cents (400 days ago)

IMHO, HK immigration works pretty fast. If you ever have to deal with US immigration, you will appreciate HK efficiency. As for what they check during those 4-8 week, basically they want make sure you 1) do not have criminal record, or otherwise likely to become undesirable to HK community. 2) the position you are taking is not one that can be easily filled by a local. (BTW, every country in the world does this, all reputable governments have an obligation to protect local labor markets.)
If your paperwork is in order, the process hardly ever takes longer than 6 weeks. However, if there are "points of interests" found in your application, it could take very much longer as immigration officers take a "closer look".
I hope things work out quickly for anyone caught in a long wait. You can ask the HR dept of your sponsor to help you chase up your application. It may help.
As for the young man who asked about how dangerous it is to work illegally in HK. Well, that depends on your own plans. If you plan to live in HK for the long term, or have plans to build a career you would care about. Then it is as TC said, "very dangerous" and unwise. On the other hand if you really don't give a c**p about your stay in HK, then the risk is not high, because you won't have much to lose.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by WoDer (400 days ago)

To the young who is working illegal.
Its not common at all in HK and if caught you will be transfered to the jail on the spot. And yes, the labourdepartment has visited my company and all other companies in our office block twice the past 18 month and checked all employees ID Card.

(I am based in Hong Kong)