On November 1, 2024, the Hong Kong government announced the following measures to enhance the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS).
Expanding the list of eligible universities under the TTPS
From November 1, 2024, 13 top Mainland and overseas universities/institutions are added to the list of eligible universities under the TTPS, making a total of 198 eligible schools. The newly added universities/institutions include:
- nine Mainland universities ranked from 11th to 20th under the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Best Chinese Universities Ranking in the past five years but yet to be included in the original list of eligible universities
- four top-five specialised institutions on the QS World University Rankings in the discipline of “Art and Design” in the past five years
The expanded list of eligible universities/institutions has been uploaded to the webpage of the Immigration Department (ImmD) and Hong Kong Talent Engage.
Extending the validity period of the first visas of Category A applications under the TTPS to three years
For Category A applicants with approval given from October 16, 2024, the validity period of their first visa has been extended from two years to three years to facilitate their early planning to move to Hong Kong with their families. Category A applicants under the TTPS are those with an annual income reaching HKD 2.5 million or above in the year immediately preceding the date of application.
The new measure also applies to around 21 000 Category A applicants whose applications were approved before October 16, 2024. They may, starting from November 1 onwards, apply to the ImmD for an extension of stay within three months before their limit of stay expires, and will be granted extension of stay for one year unconditionally. If they have secured offers of employment, or have established or joined in a business in Hong Kong upon applying for an extension, they may be granted an extension of stay for up to three years after submitting relevant proof.
Enhancing the assessment criteria and arrangements of the General Points Test under the QMAS
Effective November 1, 2024, the Government has enhanced the General Points Test (GPT) under the QMAS by adopting a more objective and clear scoring criteria, and streamlining the application and selection process.
- The enhanced GPT replaces the original item-by-item scoring system with an assessment questionnaire.
- Applicants are required to confirm if they meet the 12 assessment criteria in the questionnaire under six major aspects, namely age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, annual income and business ownership, and submit supporting documents.
- The applicants can submit applications if they meet at least six assessment criteria.
The ImmD will pass eligible applications received to a newly established assessment panel for further selection. The assessment panel is chaired by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare with other relevant bureau secretaries as members. Based on the deliberation outcome, the assessment panel will provide advice to the Director of Immigration for his approval decision. There will be no annual quotas under the enhanced GPT.
For applications submitted under the original GPT before implementation of the enhancement measures, the ImmD will continue the processing in accordance with the original criteria and procedures, and conclude the assessment as soon as possible. The electronic application platform for the enhanced GPT has commenced operation.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.