Hong Kong SAR: Mandatory Online Process for Visa Applications Forthcoming
January 15, 2025
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At a Glance
- Starting January 17, 2025, the Hong Kong Immigration Department will require individuals applying for visas/entry permits under the General Employment Policy, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Training, Working Holiday Scheme and Residence as Dependents, to submit their initial or extension of stay applications online.
- Applications submitted in person, by mail, or through drop boxes will no longer be accepted for these visas.
- The shift to the online process eliminates the need for in-person visits to immigration offices, reduces waiting times at in-person locations and creates more transparency during application processing.
The situation
Starting January 17, 2025, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) will require online submission for certain visa/entry permit applications.
A closer look
- Visas/entry permits under the new rule. ImmD will require online submission for applications (initial or extension of stay) under the following visas:
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- General Employment Policy (including both employment and investment as entrepreneurs);
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals;
- Capital Investment Entrant Scheme;
- Training;
- Working Holiday Scheme; and
- Residence as Dependents.
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- Online application process. Affected applicants will need to complete the entire visa application process (submission, payment, and obtaining an e-Visa) for the above visas online through the ImmD Mobile Application, the ImmD website or the GovHK website. Applicants will also be able to upload supplementary documents and check the status of their applications online, if necessary. Applications submitted in person, by mail, or through drop boxes will no longer be accepted.
- Processing times. It is not yet clear if processing times will be reduced due to this change. We will monitor related changes.
- Eligibility and approval. The eligibility criteria and approval processes for the relevant visa programs and schemes remain unchanged.
Impact
The shift to the online process eliminates the need for in-person visits to immigration offices, reduces waiting times at in-person locations and creates more transparency during application processing.
Background
In recent years, the ImmD has been progressively modernizing its services to enhance efficiency and convenience for applicants. This move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to streamline administrative procedures and reduce in-person interactions.
Looking ahead
Future ImmD developments may expand digital services to more immigration processes. Fragomen will continue to monitor and report on further updates.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
