Visa / Permanent Residence

I've been married to a PR for almost 7 years.

We seperated about half a year ago and my spouse has now filed for divorce. The marriage won't be divorced before the 7 years of residence I need to be able to apply for PR are complete.

However, my DP Visa will run out the day these 7 years are complete.

My problem is that I'm not able to apply for PR until about 2 weeks before I have completed the 7 years. Also, the process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 month.

My spouse didn't withdraw the sponsorship, but is not willing to sponsor me again.

What options do I have to cover the time during which my application for PR is processed?

A tough one, and you should be aware that you could quite possibly get conflicting advice on an open forum such as this. I suggest you discuss your situation direct with the Immigration Department. You are going to have to share your personal details with them at some stage, so why not now. Good luck.

Thanks for your replies and advice.

After discussing this issue with Immigration at the Visa extension, they suggested to make a no-sponsor application for extension and hand in a writing with the details I explained earlier.

At the same time I should submit my application for permanent residence.

Having done so yesterday Immigration called me today, asking me why two applications have been placed. After explaining this yet again they adviced that during the said time that the permanent application is being processed I can stay in HK without restrictions, the application for extension wouldn't be necessary.


Seems to me that one hand doesn't know what the other does...


I will update you once there has been any change in this.

We are very familiar with these issues; each case is very much determined on their own facts but from what yoiu indicated, your extension and application should be allowed. We suggest that it is most appropriate to attend our offices for an initial interview at a cost of HK$2500. We will credit this initial interview fee against any future cost you incur with us on this matter.



Weir & Associates

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

43 days since i submitted my application, they were quite accurate with the estimated 6 weeks.

I got my PR today. Correctly this would be the right to abroad or unconditional stay to use the governments terms on the approval form.

I have applied for my permanent ID Card today which will take another two weeks.


Dodged a bullet there.


Generally I have to say that the immigration handled the whole process very well. During the past 6 weeks they contacted me once about a missing date which I could however sent in by fax.

During the interview today they didn't ask any more questions, just verified my Passport/ID Card against the submitted copies. The whole process took less than 30 minutes.

The application for the ID-Card is another matter so...you can expect very long waiting times.


Hope this information will be of use for some of you in future.


Cheers,

Phate