[cartercarter]

Would really appreciate some advice on what I should expect. I am Canadian and have overstayed my visitor VISA. I thought it was 6 months, not 3 (yes stupid I know) and thought I could get a routine extension at the Immigration office. I went in today, no extension granted, and my passport was taken, and I was ordered to stand before an Investigations officer next Monday to plead my case. I was told overstaying was a criminal offense and that I should speak to legal counsel before the hearing.

Should I be worried at what goes on at this Monday meeting. I am a Canadian lawyer and only in the city to visit my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew, who have been here for the last 6 years. I was told by someone that I should expect to be asked to leave the country, with our without restrictions attached to my re-entry. And there in lies the problem. I don't have anywhere for a week, month, etc to go before I can come back to Hong Kong. If it's just the matter of a day trip to Macau to renew my VISA then I'm happy to do that.

I just want to spend a few more weeks with my family before I head back to Canada. I am not here looking for work and have the other half of a return ticket to prove I have very intention of going back to Canada.

Any idea what kinds of restrictions on re-entry or fines are likely to accompany my penalty for over-staying? Would really appreciate any and all advice.

Thank-you.

[Thomas Lane]

The usual punishment for overstaying your visa is 12 years in prison.But since you are a lawyer,you are probably looking at 25 years!!!! Hey just kidding.I really don't know,but found your posting amusing and could'nt help myself.I hope it works out for you,and that someone can give you some info.Shoot me an E-mail if you like,would love to hear from you and hopefully keep in touch.I used to live there,but now am living in Atlanta Georgia.I am trying to find employment so I can move back there.Oh yeah I speak fluent Cantonese,so hopefully that will help.I wish you the best of luck and hope to hear from you soon.

[FallingStar]

Originally Posted by Thomas Lane

I used to live there,but now am living in Atlanta Georgia.I am trying to find employment so I can move back there.Oh yeah I speak fluent Cantonese,so hopefully that will help.I wish you the best of luck and hope to hear from you soon.

did someone say Hotlanta, GA home sweet home for me

[kbokusan]

cartercarter so how did it end,

was there any restriction, how did they treat you.

immigration is very strict about its laws and regulations

I do hope they treated you leantly

[kostas]

I guess they haven't installed PCs with internet connection in the joints yet

[Baron]

But at least now the family will have to visit him!