Starting from 20 July 2021, the Smart Renewal service has been applicable to applications for visas for further employment of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) submitted online, by post or drop-in box. Furthermore, with effect from 28 December 2021, the Immigration Department (“ImmD”) implemented the “e-Visa” arrangement. Persons who submit their visa applications can, upon approval of their applications, pay online through the online payment webpage link provided in the notification of the application result or pay the visa fee with the “General Demand Note” (GDN) enclosed with the notification of the application result. Afterwards, they may download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves, without having to attend an office of this Department for going through the formalities, which is both convenient and time-saving.
The flow of “Smart Renewal” is shown below:
“Smart Renewal” service is applicable to the following types of application submitted (Please click the following links for online submission of application):
Remark: Not applicable to applications requiring in-person submission or an interview due to special or individual circumstances.
For applications approved on or after 28 December 2021 (regardless of whether the applications are submitted before or after that date), applicants may pay online through the online payment webpage link provided in the notification of the application result, and then download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves upon payment.
Upon approval of their visa applications, applicants can pay the visa fee with the “General Demand Note” (GDN) enclosed with the notification of the application result. Applicants is required to download or print the “e-Visa” via the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application after 2 working days following the payment date.
Payment could be made by various means, such as the Faster Payment System (FPS)*, internet banking, the Payment by Phone Service (PPS) or automatic teller machines (ATMs), or in person at a post office or convenience store. The details are set out on the back of the GDN.
Sample of a “General Demand Note”
*Details of FPS, such as the supporting mobile banking app or e-wallet to scan the FPS QR code to pay GDN, can be found from the website of The Treasury.
For details of the "e-Visa", please click here.
Important Note:
If your application is approved before 28 December 2021, and the ImmD acknowledges on or before 24 December 2021 the receipt of the visa fee you paid by one of the methods specified in the GDN, you will be issued with a sticker-type physical visa by post.
Regardless of whether your application is approved before or after 28 December 2021, and the ImmD acknowledges after 24 December 2021 the receipt of the visa fee you paid by one of the methods specified in the GDN, you are required to download or print the “e-Visa” by yourself through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application after 2 working days following the payment date.
If you apply for an extension of stay, you must be physically present in Hong Kong when making the payment and collecting the “e-Visa”.
The Helper and the Employer should take note of the Helper’s conditions and limit of stay as shown on the “e-Visa” or visa label(s).