TAX NEWS - 2010

Hong Kong: Online application for extension of Hong Kong visas

Summary

On 26 May 2010 the Hong Kong Immigration Department ("HKID") announced the launch of its online visa extension facility for non-permanent Hong Kong residents. Previously, all applications had to be submitted in hard copy, including original passports, etc.


The eligible categories for online submission

Most individuals working in Hong Kong under a Visa, and their dependants qualify for this new method of extending their visas.

The measure allows the eligible persons to submit the applications without presenting their original passports and thus avoid any waiting time at the Immigration Department. However, it is still a requirement to submit the original passport to the HKID upon collection of the approved extended visa label.

There are several categories of persons not eligible to use the online submission services, including those listed below:

- Individuals whose travel documents will expire within 3 months;
- Persons who need to depart Hong Kong and will not return before the visa expiry of their limit of stay;
- Persons' whose remaining limit of stay is more than 4 weeks;
- Persons intend to collect the approved extension of stay visa label at the Immigration branch offices

Deloitte Immigration Team will be able to advise you in more detail regarding this new facility.


Key feature

Eligible persons can make use of the online service to submit the application for visa extension to the HKID by:
- Completing the relevant application forms (Form ID91 and/or ID481) online, printing and signing each page;
- Scan the completed and signed application form together with relevant supporting documents in one of the approved formats.
- Enter the required information and submit the relevant supporting documents and application forms via the
internet.

Applicants may submit a maximum of four applications as one group and he/she must obtain the online submission acknowledgement at the end of the process for confirmation.

In recent years, the Hong Kong Immigration Department has launched several projects to enhance immigration services by the improved use of technology, including the online appointment booking for Hong Kong identity card registration and birth registration, online applications for permanent residence and Hong Kong SAR passport etc. The introduction of the online application for visa extensions is another significant step towards their commitment to computerization and continual improvement. We expect that the Immigration Department will continue its improvement policy.

Current Deloitte Hong Kong immigration clients will soon be contacted by the relevant team to discuss how this new facility can help them.