I'm a Hong Kong Passport Holder – What Australian Visa Can I Apply For?

In recent years, Australia has become a popular option for Hong Kong passport holders for a fresh start and new opportunities. The Australian government has introduced specific visa pathways tailored to the unique circumstances of Hong Kong passport holders. These visa pathways can benefit individuals looking to build a better future in Australia.

What Australian Visa Am I Eligible For?

Depending on your visa objective, there are a few visa pathways for you to choose from:

If you wish to gain some work experience in Australia temporarily:

Hong Kong is one of the eligible countries to apply for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417). This visa allows Hong Kong citizens between 18 and 30 years old to apply to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to 3 years (if eligible).

If you wish to migrate to Australia permanently:

General Skilled Migration (GSM) may be a viable choice for you to explore. The GSM program includes visas such as the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). A Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holder has a designated Hong Kong stream under the Subclass 189 visa, with specific provisions, and has easier access to permanent residency (PR).
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 4 or 5 years on a Skill in Demand (SID) visa (Subclass 482). If eligible, you can also be a pathway to permanent residency (PR) through an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) - Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
Alternatively, Hong Kong passport holders holding one of the subclasses 457, 482 or 485 visas may be eligible to apply for the specific Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) - Hong Kong stream. The Subclass 191 visa is a permanent visa.

If you wish to study in Australia:

Apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500), which allows you to study full time in Australia. This visa also leads to visa pathways such as the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485).
Focusing on the Temporary Graduate (SC 485) visa, for both streams —Post-Vocational Education Work stream and Post-Higher Education Work stream —a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holder is eligible for a 5-year visa validity.

If you wish to reunite with your family:

Hong Kong citizens with an Australian citizen, or PR spouse or partner, or with Australian children, may apply for:

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Seek professional guidance for suitable visa pathways depending on your circumstances by discussing it with an immigration lawyer. Seek professional and tailored advice from one of our immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux. Our team works with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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