I want to apply for the gifted category for Hong Kong immigration. Is there an annual limit?

Starting from 2023, the restriction on application quota for Hong Kong talents will be lifted, but only for two years!

The Hong Kong Talents Program, the full name of the Excellent Talents Entry Program, is a talent introduction program in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced its official launch on February 23, 2006. The purpose is to attract high-tech talents and outstanding industry talents to settle in Hong Kong, so as to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness. The selection principle focuses more on whether the applicant's achievements in the professional field are necessary for the economic development of Hong Kong society.

According to the regulations of the Hong Kong Immigration Department, applicants must meet all the following basic qualifications:

Age: Applicants must be 18 years old or above when submitting applications under this scheme.

Financial requirements: Applicants must prove that they can independently afford the life and accommodation of themselves and their dependents (if any) while living in Hong Kong, and do not need to rely on public assistance (generally speaking, 20w for individuals) , family asset certificate of 30w).

Good character: Applicants must not have criminal records or adverse immigration records in Hong Kong or elsewhere.

Language ability: Applicants must have good written and spoken skills in Chinese or English (oral Chinese refers to Mandarin or Cantonese).

Basic academic qualifications: Applicants must have good academic qualifications. The general requirement is a university degree awarded by a recognized university or higher education institution.

On the premise of meeting the basic qualifications, you also need to choose one of two points-based systems. Only when you reach a certain score can you apply.

The two scoring systems are the "comprehensive scoring system" and the "achievement scoring system". The comprehensive scoring system requires a score of 80 or above, and the achievement scoring system requires a full score of 245.

The "Comprehensive Points System" is suitable for most people to apply. It is mainly scored based on the applicant's age, education, work experience, language ability, family background and other conditions.

As for the "Achievement Points System", the requirements are extremely high and it is specially designed for individuals with extraordinary talents or skills and outstanding achievements to apply.

For more information about Hong Kong identity and Hong Kong talent assessment portal, follow the official account: Hong Kong Home

The latest policy of the Hong Kong Talents Program

1. Cancel Annual quota limit

In the past, there was a limit on application quota for Hong Kong talents every year. The annual quota limit will be lifted from January 1, 2023 for a period of two years!

2. The first approved period of stay is adjusted from 2 years to 3 years

The applicant’s first period of stay was previously 2 years, but now it has been extended to 3 years, with the normal renewal mode It was also changed to 3+3+2 years.

3. Adjustment of the scoring system, adding the bonus item of "famous enterprise"

If the applicant has no less than 3 years of experience in a multinational company equivalent to a degree or expert level, or Work experience in well-known companies will add an additional 20 points.

The scope of famous companies includes: listed companies, Forbes Global 2000, Fortune Global 500, and Hurun China Top 500.

4. Simplify the approval process and cancel the interview

In principle, applicants do not need to go to Hong Kong for interviews after being approved. They only need to go to Hong Kong once to apply for a Hong Kong ID card.

5. The approval cycle is shortened

In the past, the overall approval cycle was 9-12 months, but now it is expected to be completed within 5 months, accelerating the speed of obtaining Hong Kong identity.

6. Open online applications and renewals

In the past, application materials could only be submitted offline. Now that an online platform has been opened, applications can only be submitted online.

7. The comprehensive scoring system changes from 225 points to 245 points

After adding the bonus points for famous enterprises, the full score is raised from 225 points to 245 points.

8. There is no need to submit a criminal record certificate

In the past, a criminal record certificate was a necessary application material in the early stage. It is no longer required to be submitted. However, it is still necessary to truthfully state that there is no criminal record in the 981 form. Criminal and bad records (spot checks reveal serious consequences for fraud).

9. Transcripts from overseas institutions do not need to be sealed

Applicants who have previously graduated from overseas institutions must submit original transcripts and seal them when preparing academic materials. Transcripts are now available in copies and do not need to be sealed.