The unique advantages of Hong Kong identity in applying for overseas visas

In the era of globalization, more and more people aspire to gain greater opportunities for life and development through immigration. The convenience and high success rate of Hong Kong identity in applying for overseas visas can be described as a “golden springboard,” making it one of the goals pursued by many applicants. Having a Hong Kong passport not only gives you more convenience when applying for overseas visas but also allows you to easily obtain visa-free or visa-on-arrival treatment globally.

According to the latest data from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, holders of Hong Kong passports can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival treatment in 171 countries and regions worldwide, covering almost all major tourist and business destinations from Asia to Europe, from the Americas to Africa, providing great travel convenience for those with Hong Kong passports.

This means that you can easily travel to these countries and regions without the need for cumbersome visa application procedures. In addition to extensive visa-free treatment, having a Hong Kong identity can also bring many advantages when applying for visas in other countries.

Applying for a U.S. visa with a Hong Kong identity: A straightforward and efficient choice

Taking the application for a ten-year U.S. visa as an example, whether in Hong Kong or on the mainland, the basic process is as follows:

  1. Fill out the non-immigrant visa online application form (DS-160).

  2. Pay the corresponding visa application fee.
  3. Schedule a visa interview.
  4. Go to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the local area for the interview at the appointed time.

Although the application steps may seem similar, applicants with Hong Kong identities often have advantages in terms of convenience and success rate. What are the reasons for this advantage? Let’s explore.

Applying for a U.S. visa in Hong Kong: Easy and stress-free

Applying for a U.S. visa on the mainland is usually a tense process. Especially during the interview, applicants need to be very cautious. Any deficiencies in materials or unnatural gestures while answering questions can raise suspicions from the visa officer, leading to visa refusal. Therefore, applicants often need to prepare a large amount of financial and identity documents, and any slight mistake can result in application failure.

Applying for a U.S. visa in Hong Kong is much simpler. Visa officers usually only ask basic questions and rarely require applicants to provide a large amount of supporting documents. This simple process reduces the stress for applicants, making it feel as convenient as experiencing visa-free travel. This greatly reduces the difficulty of the application and makes the entire process smoother.

Convenience: Significant advantages of applying in Hong Kong

In the mainland, visa interviews for the U.S. can only be conducted in four major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenyang. This means that for applicants living outside these cities, they may need to travel long distances, consuming time and energy, and potentially incurring additional costs.

In Hong Kong, applicants can directly go to the U.S. Consulate in Central for the interview, providing great convenience for local residents. Without the need for long-distance travel, a subway ride directly takes them to their destination, significantly improving the convenience of the application process.

Example: Advantages during the pandemic – Applying with a Hong Kong identity is smoother

During the pandemic, many mainland students planning to study in the U.S. faced the dilemma of visa rejection. Some even had to apply for U.S. visas through a third country, increasing the difficulty and cost of the application. However, applicants with Hong Kong identities can enjoy a smoother application process and significantly reduce the risks they face.

Applying for a Canadian visa with a Hong Kong identity

Apart from U.S. visas, Canada also shows a friendly attitude towards residents of Hong Kong in its visa policies. The new immigration policy introduced by the Canadian government for residents of Hong Kong makes it more convenient for applicants with Hong Kong identities to immigrate to Canada.

Canada’s new immigration policies

  1. 3-year open work permit: Hong Kong youth with a college degree or higher (obtained within the last 5 years) can apply for a 3-year work permit, providing them with opportunities to find work in Canada or elsewhere.
  2. Fast-track immigration pathway: Hong Kong youth can expedite their application for Canadian immigration through the following two pathways:
    • Graduates from Canadian colleges or higher education institutions.
    • Hong Kong residents who have worked in Canada for 1 year, meeting minimum language and education requirements.

Furthermore, the Canadian government has established a new immigration program where Hong Kong residents who meet the minimum language and education requirements and have Canadian work experience will have the opportunity to obtain Canadian permanent residency through this new program.

Hong Kong residents already living in Canada also enjoy special convenience policies, such as waiving relevant fees when renewing visas or applying for residency extensions. However, the prerequisite is that the applicant must hold Hong Kong permanent resident status.

Additionally, the Canadian government will prioritize processing applications from Hong Kong residents for the following types: Canadian passports, permanent resident travel documents, visitor visas, Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs), work permits, study permits, and family sponsorship immigration applications.

Applying for an Australian visa with a Hong Kong identity

The Australian government has also introduced immigration policies targeting those with Hong Kong identities. Since July 2020, they have opened up various visa categories, such as the 485 and 482 visas, for holders of Hong Kong passports, and recently added Hong Kong branches for the 189 and 191 visas. These policies provide more immigration choices and opportunities for applicants with Hong Kong identities.

Australian immigration visas

  1. 189 Permanent Residency Visa Hong Kong Branch: Applicants holding Hong Kong or BNO passports and holding one of the following visas for over 4 years with most of the time residing in Australia:
    • 457 Temporary Employer Sponsored Visa
    • 482 Temporary Employer Sponsored Visa
    • 485 Graduate Work Visa
  2. 191 Permanent Residency Visa Hong Kong Branch: Applicants must hold Hong Kong or BNO passports, work and reside in designated remote areas for three years, and can apply for permanent residency under the 191 visa thereafter.

Take action now to seize the future opportunity

Hong Kong identity has clear advantages in visa applications in multiple countries globally, with simplified processes and higher success rates. However, all policy dividends have a time limit, and policies may change at any time. Seizing the current opportunity and applying for a Hong Kong identity in a timely manner can create more possibilities for yourself and your family.

Therefore, take action now, contact us, and open the door to success for your future!