On a dependant visa but want to Divorce..?

Hi all,


Thanks in advance for your advice on this issue! I've been in Hong Kong almost 7 years, married when I first got here and stayed with my wife and TRIED at a relationship for a few years. Long story short, we drifted apart, got tired of each other...whatever.


I have since found someone who I enjoy spending time with and we would like to move forward but I unfortunately have this huge tie still with my wife! This girl I am seeing knows about it and although she is cool with it, she isn't comfortable moving FULLY into a relationship with me till I'm done with this.


So, my visa is up in early October and from what I hear, I need to renew and then I can apply for permanent residence. If I was to begin the divorce proceedings now, would that have an affect on my visa status/getting a permanent? I have an established business here and everything so I highly doubt the possibility of getting kicked out either way but I don't want to go through the hassles of changing my visa status and the hurdles that would involve.


My wife is happy to see this through for me and the girl is also fine with waiting. I just think about waiting till October (or maybe a month or 6 weeks afterward to actually get my residence) and THEN at least another 4 months for the divorce to take place. I'm eager to move forward with this girl and thinking about all that time ahead of me is a bit too much...but will do it if no other choice.


If anyone has had a similar experience or advice to offer, I'd greatly appreciate!

Absolutely agree 100 % with Cara. Just wait. You really will be creating more problems for yourself that you really don't need to.

I believe that you and your wife will both need to sign documents to Immigration declaring that you are still "together" at the time of application for PR. If you are both happy about that then you should wait until you have your PR before commencing divorce proceedings.