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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Extension of Stay for Visitors and Non-permanent Residents

(Does not apply to foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as students, entrants under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants)

* Types of Application
* Extension of Stay for Visitors
* Extension of Stay for Non-permanent Residents
* Cancellation of Employment Restriction for Dependants
* Termination of Sponsorship
* Transfer of Endorsement
* Downloadable Forms
* Fees

Types of Application

Extension Section provides the following services:

  1. applications for extension of stay from visitors;


  2. applications for extension of stay from non-permanent Hong Kong residents (except foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as students, entrants under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants) who are permitted to work, study or reside as dependants in Hong Kong; and


  3. applications for transfer of endorsement from the above non-permanent residents.


Extension of Stay for Visitors

Q1: Where and when can I submit my application for extension of my visitor visa?
 
A1: Applications may be made in person before or within seven days from expiry of the limit of stay. Foreign (i.e. non-Mainland) visitors may make the applications to the Extension Section or any Immigration Branch Offices(except Hong Kong Island Travel Documents Issuing Office). Mainland visitors should only make the applications to the Extension Section on 5/F, Immigration Tower. Applications will be considered on its own merits.
 
Q2: What kind of documents should I bring?
 
A2: Please bring along :

  1. your travel document;


  2. evidence to support the need to prolong the stay in Hong Kong e.g. onward/return tickets; evidence showing adequate fund etc; and

  3. completed form ID91.
 
Q3: How long is the processing time?
 
A3: Applications will normally be finalised on the same day.


Extension of Stay for Non-permanent Residents

(Does not apply to foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as students, entrants under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants)

Q4: Where and when can I submit my application for extension of my visa?
 
A4: Applications may be made to the Extension Section or any Immigration Branch Offices (except Hong Kong Island Travel Documents Issuing Office) within four weeks before the expiry of your limit of stay.
 
Q5: What kind of documents should I bring?
 
A5: Depending on your current status, you are required to bring the following documents :
  1. applicant's travel documents;

  2. applicant's Hong Kong identity card;

  3. completed form ID91; and

    1. for extension of employment or training status:
      current employment letter stating the applicant's position and remuneration;


    2. for extension of student status:
      letter of continued studies from the school;

    3. for extension of dependant status:
      sponsor's travel document or Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, form ID481A;and form ID481B (applicable to dependent spouse only).

Please click here for more details on applications for extension of stay on student status.

 
Q6: How long is the processing time?
 
A6: Routine applications will normally be finalised within 2 to 3 weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.
 
Q7: Can I ask somebody to submit the application for me?
 
A7: In general, applications require the applicant to submit the application and to collect the visa. If the applicant is unable to attend in person, he may authorise in writing a representative to bring along the supporting documents to submit the application. However, the applicant must be in Hong Kong at the time of application and collection of visa.
 
Q8: Do I need a re-entry visa after my departure?
 
A8: Please see Re-entry into Hong Kong.
 
Q9: I am a British Citizen and was a resident of Hong Kong before 1997. Can I resume my residential status?
 
A9: Please see Changes in Immigration Control on British Citizens.


Cancellation of Employment Restriction for Dependants

Q10: Can dependants of persons admitted for employment (as professionals, investors or for training) currently subject to a condition of stay prohibiting employment take up employment without having such condition cancelled?
 
A10: Persons subject to the said condition of stay are not permitted to work. They must apply to the Director of Immigration for cancellation of the condition before taking up employment in Hong Kong.
 
Q11: Where can I have this condition cancelled?
 
A11: You may submit the application to the Extension Section.
 
Q12: What are the procedures?
 
A12: Please bring along your travel document and complete form ID980. The application is free of charge and can normally be finalised on the same day of application.
 
Q13: Is there any time limit for this kind of applications?
 
A13: There is no time limit for making the application. Dependants who do not have a plan to take up employment before expiry of their current limit of stay may choose not to submit an application now. Such condition will be cancelled automatically when their next application for extension of stay is approved.


Termination of Sponsorship

(Does not apply to foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, entrants under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants)

Q14: What should I do if I quit my job?
 
A14: After the issue of visa, if there is any change regarding your sponsorship, you or your company should inform us of the termination by post or by fax to (852) 2586 1431 as soon as possible. Overseas employees are not allowed to change employment or take up part time job without the permission of the Immigration Department. Those who have breached their condition of stay will be liable to prosecution.
 
Q15: What should I do if I quit my studies?
 
A15: Please see FAQs - Immigration Policy on Education.


Transfer of Endorsement

(Does not apply to foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as students, entrants under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants)

Q16: Where can I have my visa transferred to a new travel document?
 
A16: Non-permanent Hong Kong residents (except foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as students, entrants under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, and their dependants) holding a foreign passport or travel document may apply for transfer of endorsement when their travel documents have been renewed.  Applications may be submitted to the Extension Section.
 
Q17: What documents are necessary?
 
A17 : It depends on the reasons for making such a transfer. You are required to bring the following documents as necessary :
  1. applicant's new travel document;

  2. applicant's old travel document, if applicable;

  3. completed application form ID405 or ID683 (for children under 11 years of age); and

    1. applicants with travel document of different nationality

      proofs of acquisition of the new nationality (original and copy).


    2. applicants born in Hong Kong with birth certificate and form ID235B issued by the Births Registry


      3. (i) applicant's birth certificate (original and copy);
      (ii) applicant's travel document (original and copy);
      (iii) copy of sponsor's (father/mother) travel document;
      (iv) copy of parents' marriage certificate;
      (v) form ID235B.

    3. applicants who lost travel document

      (i) loss memo from the Police;

      (ii)
      1. for extension of employment or training status:
        current employment letter stating the applicant's position and remuneration


      2. for extension of student status:
        letter of continued studies from the school;


      3. for extension of dependant status:
        sponsor's travel document or Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, form ID481A; and form ID481B (applicable to dependent spouse only).


Downloadable Forms

Fees
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