Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Now Uses a True/False Scoring System

Breaking News! On November 1, the Hong Kong government introduced updated policies, enhancing the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). Here’s a summary from Global Hong Kong Talent Program on the key changes.

Major Change 1: Shift from a Points-Based System to a True/False Questionnaire

Previously, the General Points Test under QMAS evaluated applicants based on six categories: age, education, work experience, language skills, talent list inclusion, and family status. With a maximum score of 245 points, applicants needed to reach 80 points to qualify. The new policy has replaced this with a more straightforward approach. According to the government, “The enhanced GPT replaces the original item-by-item scoring system with an assessment questionnaire,” covering six major aspects: age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, annual income, and business ownership. Applicants must confirm if they meet the 12 criteria and must satisfy at least six to submit an application.

For a more detailed overview of this scoring shift, refer to the official [Immigration Department website]

The government also specified, “Applicants can submit applications if they meet at least six assessment criteria. The ImmD will pass eligible applications received to a newly established assessment panel for further selection.” This panel, a new addition, is chaired by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr. Chris Sun, with relevant bureau secretaries as members.

Expanded University Eligibility under TTPS

Alongside QMAS adjustments, TTPS now recognizes a broader pool of educational institutions. “To further broaden the network for attracting more top talent worldwide,” the list now includes an additional 13 institutions, making a total of 198 eligible universities. This expansion includes nine prestigious Mainland universities and four top-ranked specialized institutions in Art and Design according to QS World University Rankings, namely the Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, Parsons School of Design (The New School), and Rhode Island School of Design.

Eligible applicants with qualifications from these institutions may find enhanced eligibility under the TTPS, available at [Immigration Department’s expanded list](www.immd.gov.hk/pdf/aggregate_list.pdf).

Major Change 2: Modification of the Selection Process

The revised QMAS application and approval process now involves four distinct stages:

1. Meeting Basic Eligibility: Applicants must first satisfy fundamental criteria, including being at least 18 years old, having sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents, holding a recognized university degree, and having no criminal or adverse immigration records.

2. Satisfying the Assessment Mechanism: Applicants who meet these basic criteria can choose to undergo either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test. Under the GPT, applicants must meet at least six of the twelve assessment criteria before submitting an application.

3. Entering the Selection Process: Eligible applications advance to a selection process conducted by the assessment panel. As the government notes, “Based on the deliberation outcome, the assessment panel will provide advice to the Director of Immigration for his approval decision.”

4. Issuance of Visa: Approved applicants will be issued a visa or entry permit to reside in Hong Kong.

Major Change 3: Removal of Quotas for the General Points Test

Unlike previous years, QMAS will no longer have an annual quota under the General Points Test. According to the government, “There will be no annual quotas under the enhanced GPT.” However, applications will remain merit-based, giving preference to applicants who meet more of the criteria.

Applications submitted under the original GPT before the implementation of these enhancements will be processed under the previous criteria.

In Summary: The QMAS is moving toward a more selective approach, focusing on merit and comprehensiveness. The updated criteria also now consider annual income and business ownership, indicating a preference for applicants who bring both “talent” and “resources” to Hong Kong. Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr. Chris Sun, emphasized, “The enhancement measures implemented today will help further attract talent conducive to Hong Kong’s development… and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international talent hub.” For a detailed evaluation of your eligibility, consult the Global Hong Kong Talent Program to see if you meet the latest standards.