Someone asked: The work restrictions of the IANG visa are too troublesome. Can I switch from the IANG visa to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme?

The answer is: Of course you can!

Individuals holding an IANG visa or a talent visa who work in Hong Kong can consider applying for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme if they meet the eligibility criteria, allowing for greater flexibility in work and more room for personal development, enabling them to develop their personal careers in Hong Kong.

Why do IANG visa holders choose to switch to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme?
Compared to the IANG visa, which requires employment by a Hong Kong employer and meeting salary standards, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme individuals have much more freedom. They can start a business in Hong Kong, study, and if their focus is on living in Hong Kong, they can continue to develop in mainland China, all with great freedom.

How to switch from IANG visa to Quality Migrant Admission Scheme?
There is no special difference between IANG visa holders and regular applicants for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme; they also prepare materials according to the requirements of the Immigration Department.

However, under similar backgrounds and conditions, it is easier for IANG visa holders to switch to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. If the IANG visa can connect to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, then when applying for permanent residency, the 7-year period can also be accumulated without needing to recalculate.

△ Master the following points when switching from IANG visa to Quality Migrant Admission Scheme for better results!

1.Sign the declaration for switching from IANG visa to Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
Since IANG visa holders already have Hong Kong identity, when switching to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, they need to attach a declaration when submitting materials, agreeing to change their IANG visa holder status to Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme status after approval.
 

2.Try to work in Hong Kong for 2 years before applying.
IANG visa holders can count 2 years of overseas work experience after working in Hong Kong for 2 years, which can add an extra 15 points when applying for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. Therefore, it is advisable to consider applying for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme after working in Hong Kong for two years.
 

3.Plan for going to Hong Kong.
Compared to regular Quality Migrant Admission Scheme applicants, IANG visa holders need to put more thought into the plan for going to Hong Kong when applying for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. It should reasonably explain why they want to switch to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme while also highlighting their past advantages and strengths.

4.Do not let the visa expire.
Since the application cycle for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme is 6-12 months, if you want to obtain permanent residency in Hong Kong, you must ensure that your IANG visa does not expire before obtaining the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme visa. If it expires, it will lead to recalculating the 7-year period for permanent residency, which would be very unwise.
 

5.Additional materials.
IANG visa holders have a greater advantage when switching to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme because they have Hong Kong identity. They can prepare additional materials such as Hong Kong identity, IANG visa, Hong Kong and Macau travel permit, proof of residence in Hong Kong, work proof, etc., to demonstrate their close ties with Hong Kong, which is more favorable for the approval of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.