[tg8]

My partner/fiancee has permanent residency in HK. She has moved here and started to work. I'm a British passport holder, no work visa or job at present.

My (belated) understanding is this:
- My partner could sponsor me for a prolonged-stay visa on the understanding that we are getting married in the near future, but I would not be able to work, but I could study.
- As soon as we are married, she could sponsor me for a dependents visa and because she has permanent residency, I could work without the need for a further visa.

I was previously advised that working on a dependent visa was banned after July 2003, but it looks like that was wrong for PR sponsors?

[PDLM]

Your current understanding is correct. There are three categories of dependent visa holders as far as being able to work is concerned:

1) Dependent on PRs - can work
2) Dependent on non-PRs, with dependent visa first issued after 1 July 2003 - cannot work
3) Dependent on non-PRs, with dependent visa first issued before 1 July 2003 - can work

Obviously there is nothing to stop category 2 people attempting to secure sponsorship for an employment visa in their own right.

[tg8]

Thanks PDLM. Now where's that registry office...

As my further understanding is that without legal marriage, there is no chance of getting a dependent visa?

[PDLM]

http://wedding.esdlife.com/home/eng/default.asp

Essentially correct, although if you have a really special case you may be able to plead with ImmD for an exemption.