Talent scheme enhanced with visa extension and additional universities

Following the announcements in the Policy Address, the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) today detailed enhancements to Hong Kong's talent admission policies, focusing on the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS).

Under the revised TTPS, Category A applicants, who earned at least HK$2.5 million in the year before applying, will now benefit from an extended first visa validity period. Previously set at two years, the validity has been increased to three years for applications approved after October 16, the date of this year's Policy Address. This change, which also affects approximately 21,000 Category A applicants whose applications were approved before the announcement of this year's Policy Address, aims to facilitate easier family relocation planning to Hong Kong.

These individuals can now request a one-year extension from the Immigration Department (ImmD) three months before their current visa expires, with potential for a further three-year extension upon proving employment or business establishment in Hong Kong.

Additionally, the QMAS has seen significant improvements, particularly in the General Points Test (GPT). The revised GPT now features a more objective and streamlined scoring system through an assessment questionnaire, replacing the previous item-by-item scoring. Applicants are evaluated across six key areas: age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, annual income, and business ownership. To qualify, applicants must meet at least six of the 12 assessment criteria and provide supporting documents.

The TTPS has also expanded its list of eligible universities from 185 to 198. This expansion includes nine additional mainland universities, such as Sichuan University and Beihang University, ranked among the top 20 in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Best Chinese Universities Ranking over the past five years. Moreover, four leading institutions specializing in "Art and Design" from the QS World University Rankings, including the Royal College of Art and University of the Arts London, have been added.

Secretary of Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun Yuk-han, stated that these enhancements to Hong Kong's talent admission schemes underscore the city's commitment to attracting and retaining global talent, supporting its status as an international talent hub.