Extended Visitor Visa

[Caroline P]

Scenario

British Passport Holder engaged to fellow British Passport Holder who holds a one-year sponsored employment visa.

Non visa holding Brit can renew visitor's visa by leaving Hong Kong every 180 days, thereby gaining another 180 day stay.

Immigration department is, however, minded to issue an "extended visitor's visa" for 180 days to the non-working Brit.

Question is - is there any point going through the process to gain the extended visa from Immigration when it gives EXACTLY the same length of stay as standard, renewed visitor's visa?

Also, if the Brit leaves Hong Kong during the life of the Extended Visitor's visa, do they come back in (hopefully) on another 180 "normal" visitor's visa or do they have the remainder of the Extended period calculated at the point of entry by HK immigration?

Thanks for your advice.

[KnowItAll]

Caroline,

Oops. Almost pointed you to the post where you had indicated that Immigration was looking into giving you a visa as long as you committed to not seeking employment.

I know people who have done this a couple of times... eventually immigration gets a bit suspicious of your intentions.

The 180 days on return, while your previous visa is still valid, depends on the officer who is dealing with you at the airport / border.

The person who did this (and got away with it for a couple of years) used to leave town for a month or two and come back. His excuse in life was "I'm a regional photographer and I use Hong Kong as a base".

[JAherbert]

Scenario

Also, if the Brit leaves Hong Kong during the life of the Extended Visitor's visa, do they come back in (hopefully) on another 180 "normal" visitor's visa or do they have the remainder of the Extended period calculated at the point of entry by HK immigration?

hi,

To answer the latter part first......If arriving back in Hong Kong with a valid extended visa, you will not be granted another 180 days because you already have a valid visa.

Over the years many people have used the exit/entry to gain repeated tourist visa's. As knowitall said, eventually Immigration may start to ask serious questions if they become uncomfortable with period of time involved.

cheers,

[Sazzy]

Non visa holding Brit can renew visitor's visa by leaving Hong Kong every 180 days, thereby gaining another 180 day stay.

Hiya. I was a non visa holding Brit and renewed my visa by leaving HK. I just went on holiday for a week and then came back. You dont have to wait for the 180 days to expire. No questions asked.