The current special visa arrangements for PRC nationals are subject to frequent change as the Hong Kong Government continues to increase the number of skilled workers from the Mainland as a means of enhancing its business relationship with China.

The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, called the‘Scheme’, was introduced on July 15, 2003, replacing the Admission of Talents Scheme and the Admission of Mainland Professionals programs.

To qualify, PRC nationals have to prove they possess unique skills, knowledge and experience not readily available in Hong Kong.

The scheme is quota-free and non-sector specific. The number of talented personnel and professionals admitted under the scheme will be adjusted according to local demand.

Documentary requirements to support an employment visa under this scheme are similar to that of a normal employment visa application. The scheme allows applicants to bring their spouse and unmarried dependant children to Hong Kong. As dependants, they are eligible to apply for dependant visas. Professionals and dependants will be eligible to apply for permanent residency after 7 successive years in Hong Kong.

This scheme has its own specific division within the Immigration Department and processing time for visas usually takes 4-6 weeks from the date of submission.

This visa is designed for PRC nationals currently overseas, who intend to take up employment in Hong Kong. The documentary requirements to support an employment visa under this arrangement are similar to that of a normal employment visa.

There are however two notable differences. PRC nationals must have a valid resident visa for a third country at all times throughout their visa application process. And they have to stay in that third country with a valid resident visa for at least one year prior to submitting their employment visa application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

If PRC nationals intend bringing family with them to Hong Kong, their dependants are eligible to apply for dependant visas.

If PRC nationals possess dual citizenship with permanent residency in a third country, they will not be subjected to the above restrictions. In other words, they will be treated as a foreign national if they apply for an employment visa in Hong Kong.

With effect from 1 August 2001, mainland students who completed their bachelor degree or higher-level studies in Hong Kong, may apply for work visas if they have confirmed job offers in Hong Kong.

This scheme is available to all mainland students who graduated from locally accredited full-time educational programs in Hong Kong at degree level or above and, who from 1990 onwards, graduated from UGC funded institutions at degree level or above.

Exchange students, graduates of part-time study programs and other mainland students who do not fall into the degree level or above category, are not eligible to apply. They can however apply for an employment visa under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.

The applicant’s spouse and unmarried dependant children may apply for dependant visas. Both the applicant and his family are eligible to apply for permanent residency after having lived in Hong Kong for 7 years with valid visas.

Visa processing time is usually 4-6 weeks from the date of submission.