[yyyu]

Any ideas?
I'm currently live and work in Hong Kong on a sponsored work visa as a specialist contractor (not IT). However, this month I will get married to my HK girlfriend who is a permanent HK resident.
Will my marriage entitle me a permanent work visa?
Any ideas on the process?

[jaykay]

Marriage to a permanent ID card holder will not entitle you to a permanent work visa. It will entitle you to a dependants visa which is valid for 12 months and allows you to work. This needs to be renewed every year. You will also need to apply for a HK ID card within 30 days of the first visa being validated. After 7 years you will be able to apply for a permanent ID card.

Hope this answers your question!

jaykay

[yyyu]

Many thanks JayKay, I currently have a HKID card as I'm here working but sponsored by the main contractor for the company that I am working under however this will end as the project does. Then I will have to be sponsored by the next company for the next contract. This is always a headache.
So do you think I have to apply for a new card one I'm married?
Do you have any idea of the forms I have to complete?

regards,

yyyu

[nivantj]

YYYU,
Its pretty simple, once you are married just apply for dependant visa... Relevant forms available at
www.immd.gov.hk or any nearby ImmD office.
Yes, as JayKay rightly said as soon as you get dependant visa you have to apply for new ID card and forget about finding a new sponsor...

[kostas]

Originally Posted by nivantj

...you have to apply for new ID card...

Not sure if he will need to issue a new ID since his status will not change.. His stay currently is restricted by the immd and it'll continue to be even as a dependant in the future untill he is granted the ROA.

[nivantj]

IMO his status should change so as id card series to 'CMOY'.... Oh yeah that reminds me, he might need to apply for 'Change of Status'..

[kostas]

But it should be 'C' already.. or is not? (the rest of codes such as 'MOY' vary from person to person)

[nivantj]

Yep Kostas, Not sure about his series but your point sounds logical.. Not sure if the first 'ID issue date' below the series make any diff after change of status... Neway, i think the best bet is to apply for dependent visa and ImmD will guide the rest..

[tiki]

Originally Posted by jaykay

Marriage to a permanent ID card holder will not entitle you to a permanent work visa. It will entitle you to a dependants visa which is valid for 12 months and allows you to work. This needs to be renewed every year. You will also need to apply for a HK ID card within 30 days of the first visa being validated. After 7 years you will be able to apply for a permanent ID card.

Hope this answers your question!

jaykay

This must be the new law of HK. I live and was married with HK residence before the Chinese took over from 1989 to 1995. It took me only 2 years to get my permanent card, before that I did renew once before I got my permanent ID.

[carang]

i married a local man in 2000. i DID NOT need to get a new ID card. however, when i became a PR in 2003 i DID.