Work Permit

If you wish to work in Hong Kong, whether such work is paid or unpaid, you must apply for an

58

employment visa. To be eligible to work in Hong Kong one must satisfy the immigration Department that
they possess (1) special skills, knowledge or experience which are of value to and not readily available in
Hong Kong and (2) that the position in which they wish to work cannot be filled by a Hong Kong resident.
Application for a work visa may be sent by mail directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, or
may be made through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in whose district the applicant lives prior to
coming. All applicants for work or study visas must have a local sponsor. Processing time varies, but
applicants in the U.S. should expect to wait six to eight weeks once the application is submitted.
Student Visa

If accepted by a local school, the prospective student would apply for the student visa through the Chinese
Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over where he lives. Proof of acceptance by the school as well as
adequate finances would have to be submitted along with the completed visa application forms. A local
sponsor must also be nominated. Students are not permitted to work without the permission of HKID.