More universities added to Top Talent Pass Scheme

Another nine universities on the mainland and four overseas have been added to the list of institutions covered by Hong Kong's Top Talent Pass Scheme, bringing the total to 198. The new mainland additions are Sichuan University, Beihang University, Southeast University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Tongji University, Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, Nankai University and Tianjin University. The overseas newcomers are the Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, Parsons School of Design, The New School, and Rhode Island School of Design. The Labour Bureau said that in January, the complete list of universities will be reviewed and subsequently updated, given that their eligibility is based on world rankings which will change. The first arrivals under the scheme will see their visas expire in the first quarter of next year. To make it easier for them to renew their visas, the Immigration Department said it will bring the application period forward, from the current four weeks before expiry, to three months. Secretary for Labour Chris Sun said extension approvals will be granted based on various factors, such as the person’s income, tax payments and time spent in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the Labour Bureau said Category A applicants of the scheme – those who had an annual income of at least HK$2.5 million prior to application – will now have their first visa validity period extended to three years instead of two. The bureau explained that these people enjoy a better employment rate in Hong Kong compared to other applicants. It added that almost all of the Category A applicants are married and it hopes a longer visa will encourage them to bring their families to settle down in the SAR.