General Information on Immigrant Visa Services

Rainy and Typhoon Season

The annual rainy and typhoon season has begun and is expected to last until November. Please be advised that if Black Rainstorm Warning OR Typhoon Signal 8 or above is announced by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Consulate General will be closed. In such a situation, please see "Consular Services During the Rainy and Typhoon Season" for details.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Immigrant Fee

Effective February 1, 2013, all individuals issued immigrant visas overseas must pay a $165.00 USCIS Immigrant Fee before traveling to the United States. This fee is in addition to all other fees currently in place such as the visa application fee. This fee cannot be paid at the U.S. Consulate General. It must be paid online after the individual has received a visa and visa package.

The following are exempt from this fee:

• Children travelling to the United States as adopted children or prospective adopted children
• Returning residents
• Fiancés issued K visas

The below USCIS website has more details on the new fee, including contact information for USCIS, if there are further questions:

• USCIS Immigrant Fee

Passport Delivery

Eligible visa applicants will be informed of available methods for passport delivery and/or pick-up after the visa interview.

Important Information on the Legal Rights for Victims of Domestic Violence

Important information on the rights and protections for foreign-citizen spouses and fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents

If you are an applicant for an immigrant visa to the United States as the spouse or fiancé(e)s of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, please carefully read the information on the State Department's website concerning your legal rights. We understand you may not be familiar with laws in this country. We want you to know, under all circumstances, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse are illegal in the United States and that all people in the United States are guaranteed protection under law from abuse. The State Department has published information on your rights and protections in the U.S. as well as resources available to you should you require assistance in the United States.

Immigrant Visa Unit Counter Assistance – Wednesdays only from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

The Consulate General in Hong Kong still provides assistance with certain USCIS matters, including the abandonment of permanent resident status (green cards) or collection of U.S. Re-entry Permits. Persons needing assistance on these USCIS matters should come to the Immigrant Visa Unit on Wednesdays only (except U.S. and local holidays), from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is required.

Note:

Effective June 1, 2013, persons needing assistance on certain USCIS matters should come to the Immigrant Visa Unit on Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Immigrant Visa Unit processes applications for persons who are interested in living and working permanently in the United States. In general, there are three avenues for immigrating to the United States:

• Family-Sponsored (relatives of U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents)
• Employment-Based
• The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

Please see here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Immigrant Visas and Immigration to the U.S.

Related Links

• Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• US Customs and Border Protection
• A Guide for New Immigrants (PDF 1.41 MB)

Last modified: May 22, 2013