In fact, there is more than one opportunity to apply for permanent residency, and failing the first application will not result in losing your Hong Kong identity.
 

If you are too busy with work and life in the mainland after your talent visa is approved, and cannot go to Hong Kong, or if travel is inconvenient due to pandemic restrictions leading to insufficient connection with Hong Kong, do not rush to submit another application for permanent residency.
 

You can first apply for an extension of your temporary identity card and wait for a suitable time to resubmit your application for permanent residency.
 

Additionally, the application for permanent residency does not have to be submitted exactly at the 7-year mark; 7 years is just the minimum requirement.
 

If the applicant wants to submit the application for permanent residency in the 8th, 9th year, or later, that is perfectly fine, as long as they continue to maintain their visa status.