[kaz3004]

Originally Posted by jimbo

Agreed with Cara on this

Not a chance in hell you'd get away with the same thing now. Only 2 years ago I was refused an extension of stay on a UK passport because I'd done the visa run twice.

Just read this topic with great interest. I have heard mixed opinions regarding the visa/passport run.

What happened when you were refused your extension of stay jimbo? Did you have to leave? How long for? Are you back as a visitor again?

Grateful for some first hand info.

Thanks

[HKChigger]

Originally Posted by soundbarviolatr

I found a few online TEFL courses that GUARANTEE job placements worldwide. These programs claim that you can ask for a specific location and it is guaranteed. Anyone ever heard of success or horror stories about this route?

Isn't that through their program? I think they have some camps they have close ties with where they could get people in. I think Korea or somewhere in China is closest to here.

Also even if it offers a job placement I bet it doesn't say the same for Immigration approval. anyone can get a job offer, not all get visas.

Just to add quickly and shortly I knew a girl here who worked at a Secondary School as an English teacher who had finished her secondary school two months before and was only 18 years old. She got a visa applied successfully for her.

When I moved to Hong Kong I was also young starting as a teacher, and yes I was sponsored successfully. The key is in fact to sell yourself properly (good resume etc that makes you sound way stronger and experienced than you are, this doesn't mean lie, but make a huge deal about your training experience in McDonalds for example)

As for visa-free entry I would count on no more than 2 successful renewals before being hauled in for "questioning" That means you can stay for 9 months, but on that renewal it is likely there will be problems. (no official calculation, but I find that's where most people end out)

As for the OP case I would suggest looking at training/student visa. (or visitors, but this will involve Travel. Perhaps a two week trip after 4-5 months and then 1 month back in the US after 9 etc) Do not try to get in to teaching as I think it will not be suitable for the OP girlfriend. (based on PM discussions)

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by kaz3004

What happened when you were refused your extension of stay jimbo? Did you have to leave? How long for? Are you back as a visitor again?

Grateful for some first hand info.

Thanks

It just meant that I had to get out of HK before my tourist visa expired, As I tried to get it extended about 2 weeks before it was due to expire.

I'm back as a resident now as I was finally granted residency last year.

[soundbarviolatr]

BTW...Is $3,000 USD/month enough for a decent apartment , utilities, food, etc?

[PDLM]

Yes, for some value of "decent".

[soundbarviolatr]

it sounds like the best option would be to do the 90 day visa free, exiting the country to other neighboring countries every so often to maintain legality - after all the regulations do say 90 days for every entry and everything else is officer's perspective. In the meantime searching for a TEFL job to sponsor her visa and having funds standing by for a ticket back to the US just in case. Thank you all for all your advice and guidance, especially those of you that took the time to PM me. Much appreciated. sigh. Here we go.