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Hong Kong - QMAS vs. TTPS


Since the launch of the Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) in late December, 17,000 applications have been received, and the Immigration Department has approved nearly 10,000 applications in less than six months. The Government has also admitted that the popularity of the scheme has far exceeded expectations.


The speed of approval and the strength in attracting talent is unprecedented. As more talents are approved, it is believed that the Government's vetting criteria will become clearer yet stricter. If you are thinking of getting your Hong Kong status via the TTPS, you should submit your application as soon as possible during the "honeymoon period".


It is more appropriate to immigrate to Hong Kong through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) or the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)? What is the difference between the two schemes? Here is a comparison of 6 factors to help you quickly determine which scheme is more suitable for you.



Factor 1: Eligibility Criteria

QMAS

Compete with other applicants for a place by earning points under one of two scoring systems under the scheme:

  • General Points Test: Applicants will be awarded points based on their age, education and work experience, with a minimum threshold of 80 points.
  • Achievement-based Points Test: Outstanding individuals who have received awards such as Olympic medals, Nobel prizes, national or international awards, etc.

TTPS

Applicants may choose to apply for the TTPS under one of the categories:

  • Persons with annual income reaching HK$2.5 million or above (Category A);
  • Degree graduates of the world’s top 100 universitieshttps://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/TTPS.html with at least three years of work experience over the past five years immediately preceding the date of application (Category B); OR
  • Degree graduates of the world’s top 100 universities in the past five years immediately preceding the date of application with less than three years of work experience (Category C).


Factor 2: Approval Principle

QMAS

Selection exercises will be done on a regular basis for quota allocation to applicants who meet the 80-point threshold. Applicants with the highest scores will be selected for further assessment after ranking by total score.

TTPS

No selection exercise. Technically, an application for a visa or an entry permit may be favorably considered as long as the applicant meets the eligibility criteria of either Category A, B, or C, and there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant.


Factor 3: Annual Quota

QMAS

The quota limit has been suspended from 2023 to 2025.

TTPS


There is currently no limitation on the number of applicants who may receive a TTPS approval. An annual quota exists only for Category C of the TTPS, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.



Factor 4: Initial Stay Period


QMAS


If the application is filed under the:


  • General Points Test: The approved applicant will normally be allowed to stay in Hong Kong for 36 months on first entry.
  • Achievement-based Points Test: The approved applicant will normally be allowed to stay in Hong Kong for 8 years.

TTPS


The approved applicant will be allowed to stay in Hong Kong for 24 months on first entry.


Factor 5: Extension Requirement & Period


QMAS


An applicant is required to provide evidence and demonstrate that s/he has settled in HK, and has made contribution to Hong Kong. Successful applicants will normally be permitted to remain on time limitation only without other conditions of stay on a 3+2 year pattern.

TTPS


Applicant must be employed by a Hong Kong company or have established or joined in business in the HKSAR. Successful applicants will normally be permitted to remain on time limitation only without other conditions of stay on a 3+3 year pattern.


Factor 6: Processing Time


QMAS


It normally takes between 9-12 months to process a QMAS entry permit application upon receipt of all the required documents.

TTPS

It normally takes 1-6 weeks to process a TTPS entry permit application upon receipt of all the required documents.


Comparison Table


Factor
 QMAS
 TTPS
Application Criteria
  • Award 80 points under the General Points Test
  • Meet the requirement of Achievement-based Points Test
  • Over 2.5M annual income; or
  • Degree graduates of Top 100 university with 3years working experience; or
  • Degree graduates of Top 100 university within 5 years
Approval Principle
 Selection exercises base on the highest score
 Approval once meets criteria
Quota
 No limitation before 2025
 10,000 quotas per year for Category C
First Entry Period
 36 months or 8 years for outstanding individual
 24 months
Extension Criteria
 Settlement and contribution to Hong Kong
 Employee or self-employed
Extension Period
 3+2 years
 3+3 years (or 6 years)
Time Process
 About 9-12 months
 About 1-6 weeks

Conclusion

Applicants under both schemes can bring along their spouses and children to enjoy employment and education benefits in Hong Kong, without the need of an offered employment prior to the application.

By comparing QMAS & TTPS, we can see that the most obvious advantage of the Top Talent Pass Scheme is that your application can be approved within 1 to 6 weeks as long as one of the application criteria are met.




Related Topics: HK Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) | HK Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)


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