[wawa.h]

hi,

Does any one know how long American citizens with work visa can stay in HK after quitting the job? I recently renewed my working visa and the visa lasts until 2010. But I can not stand my job anymore so want to quit and get some rest before looking for the next job.

I tried to look for info in the government website but could not find it. Appreciate if anyone can provide information. thank you!!

[PDLM]

I believe legally the answer is 14 days, although as a concession it seems that Immigration don't worry about it within the duration of your visa.

Note though that if your current employer is not certain that you are moving to a new job then they are required to inform the Inland Revenue that you are leaving and to withhold your last month's salary until you have settled your tax affairs.

[jimbo]

If you really want to stay in HK personally I would never quit a job unless you have another to go to especially if you're on a work permit.

[Canucker]

Hey Jimbo,

What about someone (me) who just quit their job and will have to go back to a dependant visa. Do you know how I go about this?

I started on a dependant visa when I moved to HK with my husband in 2005, got a work visa a few months later 2005 and will now have to go back to a dependent visa because I quit my job.

Thanks in advance,
Canucker

[Boris]

Simple
Just go back on the Dependant visa and stay there. It a " simple " paperwork exercise......... if only.

You can work on a Dependant visa now.

[PDLM]

I guess you got caught by that short period where Dependant Visa holders (dependant on Employment Visa holders) couldn't themselves work. Now that temporary ruling has been reversed and Dependant Visa holders can work without restriction that is, presumably, preferable to being on an Employment Visa anyway.

The process should be pretty straightforward since you previously proved your status to ImmD's satisfaction for the Dependant Visa, but I'm not sure which form to use. I suggest you email ImmD ( enquiry@immd.gov.hk ) and ask them.

[gozilla]

hi wawa

your stay in hongkong is only for work and if your employer cancelled your work permit, then you have no reason to stay. not sure if you have any grace period but you can check the immigration dept.

i've once overstay(overlook) after my work permit expired and i need to write an explanatory letter to immigration for the overstay. thereafter, i have to apply for extension and was given 2 wks.

just don't mess with the immigration as it's not worth getting black listed.

[PDLM]

It is not within the power of an employer to cancel an Employment Visa. Overstaying the duration of the visa is quite different from remaining in Hong Kong during the validity of your Employment Visa whilst trying to find new employment. I have certainly done that for 3-4 weeks, and I know someone who did it for several months (having first checked with ImmD that this was OK).

[Canucker]

Yup... I did get caught in that period where you couldn't work on a dependent visa.

Thanks for the e-mail address... I will send Immigration an e-mail tonight and start the process to go BACK to a dependent visa.

Cheers,
Canucker

[Alby]

Originally Posted by jimbo

If you really want to stay in HK personally I would never quit a job unless you have another to go to especially if you're on a work permit.

GOLDEN RULE

never leave one job until you have another one to go to