quitting job in the middle of first year of visa

Posted by Pro/Engineer99 (520 days ago)

Hi,

I believe this kind of question has been raised a million times. But I don’t have the time right now to scan the archives. Here’s how it goes...

I’m an expat and now in the middle of my first year here in hong kong. If I quite my current job, can I still legally stay here to look for a new job until my visa expires in September? Can I get out of the country and come back during the rest of the duration of my visa? I’m an engineer with a HKID. Please advise. Thanks.

Thanks.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by Jerel_bonner (520 days ago)

If your employer paid for the visa, they can revoke it, and then you would have to leave the country. That's how it works in the mainland.

If you paid for the visa, it is yours, and is valid till expiration date. You can do whatever you like.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by car_lover (520 days ago)

And if u change ur job, make sure to notify the ID that ur sponsor has been changed. HKID without the 3 stars is not much help actually without Visa.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by briandwest (519 days ago)

It's not who paid for your visa that is important, but rather the type of visa.
If it is a standard sponsored working visa then the right to work is granted for your specific employment. Quit the job and you lose the right of employment and the right to have the working visa (you and your employer are legally obliged to inform immigration that you are no longer working).
- if you re-enter it will have to be on a tourist visa.
When you get your next employment you will need to reapply from scratch. It is much easier, if possible, to stick out the current job until you get a new one and then apply for an 'extension of stay' to transfer your visa to the new sponsor.
I'd ring immigration and discuss your sitution as they are usually pretty helpful.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Pro/Engineer99 (519 days ago)

thanks a lot for your advise, guys!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Possible Kim (517 days ago)

I agree with BRIANDWEST. Ring the Immigration. Coz they'll be able to advise you exactly on what to do based on your present situation. But I know that when you quit your job, you cannot use your working/employment visa anymore, especially if your employer informs Immigration that you are no longer connected with the company.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by TC (517 days ago)

Not sure this bit has been covered above, but if you really want to leave your current job as soon as you can it would be relevant. Yes, your employer-specific employment visa would be revoked but you would be able to remain in HK for as long as you like (subject to the end date of the current visa), and you could look for new employment in that time. However (and this bit was covered) as soon as you left and then re-entered you would be given a tourist visa and be subject to the related conditions (no working, limited period etc ).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Pro/Engineer99 (514 days ago)

Jerel bonner, car lover, briandwest, Possible Kim, TC,

thanks a lot, guys, for your inputs. it's clearer to me now.

(I am based in Hong Kong)