[JJexpat]

So...what is an unconditional visa? Presumably it is good for the life of the current contract only...dies it mean I am not limited in what I may do next? Any advice welcome!

[nivantj]

JJ,
Unconditional visa has nothing to do with your current contract. It simply means you can live in HK as long as you want without any condition of stay. Of course, you can do whatever next as you like....
Usually, they used to give such visa upon completion of 3-4 yrs of stay and then one can get ROA after completion of 7 Yrs. However, i have heard that recently they have stopped giving such visas after 3-4 yrs instead its given after 7 yrs just before applying for Permanent ID. So, it has become mere a formality.. For Legal and Techincal info of Unconditional visa, you may search on this site... I guess, 'BerryPlucker' explained it in the other thread...

[KnowItAll]

JJ, I have an unconditional Visa. It used to be given out when you were inbetween 7 years and the permanent resident application approval.

Essentially removes all conditions on your stay (employment contract) and you have to reenter Hong Kong within a year of leaving.

Fairly easy to convert an unconditional stay to permanent residency.

[nivantj]

Yap.. I guess that could be diff betwn Unconditional visa for dependants (used to be given after 3-4 yrs of stay) and Employment (given upon completion of 7 yrs)

[JJexpat]

Thanks for this info....I find myself bewildered as to how I rate it but will not question it! When my smart card comes...will that be identifiable in some way or is it buried within the bowels of ImmD's computers?

This could simplify life a lot. I have been worried about what I need to do to stay on in Hong Kong. If I read the response correctly, it won't be an issue...I can just stay. But, what about work...still need a work visit, I presume. ??

[berryplucker]

If you have unconditional stay then it is exactly that: unconditional. You can, work, study, do whatever you want. The symbols on the card are shown here:
http://www.smartid.gov.hk/en/faq/index.html#00ac
If you have pure "unconditional stay" then you will have a "U" in the symbols. If you have an "A" or an "R" then you similarly do not need any further permission to do whatever you want.