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GMS Flash Alert 2025-018

Hong Kong � Changes to Submission of Visa Applications

GMS Flash Alert 2025-018 | 22 January 2025

With effect from 17 January 2025, the Hong Kong Immigration Department requires applicants applying for entry visas/permits under the below-noted admission policies/schemes, to submit their initial and extension of stay applications online.1

1          General Employment Policy (including both employment and investment as entrepreneurs)

2          Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals

3          Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

4          Training

5          Working Holiday Scheme

6          Residence as Dependants.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The expansion of electronic submission is a welcome step towards modernising the application process, reducing paper forms, and in-person visits.  In general, this should lighten the administrative burdens of in-house and external global mobility professionals in charge of immigration matters and in-house and external immigration counsel, and of individual applicants.

More Details

The Immigration Department will no longer accept the aforementioned applications submitted in person, by mail, or through drop-in-box.  The eligibility and criteria for the relevant policies/schemes are not impacted by this change.

After submitting their applications, applicants may upload supplementary documents and/or inquire as to the application’s status online where necessary.

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Insights

Employers may wish to revisit their Hong Kong immigration workflows/processes to determine where adjustments may be necessary in order to foster a smooth transition to the latest requirements.  Both the applicant and the employer’s authorised signatory will be required to access the online service to sign and submit applications.

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Hong Kong will continue to monitor these developments. 

Should you have any questions, we encourage you to contact your usual qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Hong Kong (see the Contacts section).

Footnote:

1  Immigration Department, "" (14 January 2025).

Contacts

David Siew

Partner, HK Tax Global Mobility Services

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in China

Additional Resources


Disclaimer

* Please note the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in Hong Kong.

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