UPDATE - Report on experience: 'Guardian' Visa in Hong Kong. Thanks to this group for great advice back in July when my husband and I were turned away from Hanoi with our 2nd year ED visa application. We decided to go for Non-Imm O 'Guardian' visas instead, since our two kids have established Ed visas, enrolled in International School. I'm posting in case other parents are looking for info. HK Consulate don't have requirements for this visa listed on website, so I emailed them and heard back in a matter of hours. Here's what they asked for:
- A copy of Hong Kong resident I.D. card. (If applicable)
- Passport original with a copy of main pages of a passport including the Hong Kong's landing slip [you have to got to a nearby copy place and get this copied on the way to the Consulate after you land)
- A valid at least 6 months passport with a clear page for a visa sticker
- One application forms must be completely filled out in English
- One recent photo, 1.5x2 inches in size, with clear face taken within 6 months. The photograph should have a plain white background.
- A copy of Certificate of Marriage
- A copy of your children's Birth Certificate
- A copy of main pages of your children's passport
- An original letter of guarantee from the school with authorized signature and School Seal Stamp with details about the purpose of the visit to Thailand and a copy of I.D. card of the authorized signatory is also required
- A copy of school’s Registration issued by the Education Department
- HK$ 600 (Single entry) for the visa fee in cash.
I followed up to ask about proof of funds, they said they don't usually require them, but I could bring anyway! In the end they didn't want to see proof of funds nor did they want to see original copies of Legalised Birth/Marriage Certificates, though I had all that with me. We ordered the legalised certificates from the UK because we will need them for the extension anyway. NOTE: I did check that it was okay for me to apply alone - without the daughter I was asking to be Guardian of, and without my husband (he will apply to be Guardian of our son on a separate trip as we did not want to travel together after being questioned at the border trying to get back from Hanoi - it was not pleasant having left our kids in-country and being threatened with refused entry!)
It was very quick at the HK Consulate - 10 mins total at drop off (9.30am-12.30pm), 5 mins at pick up - the next day 9.30am-12.30pm), i.e. able to keep the trip short compared to other Consulates in region. They asked a few questions but nothing difficult and I had a good experience - would recommend it for this kind of visa application. Hope that's helpful to someone.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A person shares their successful experience in applying for a Non-Immigrant O 'Guardian' Visa at the Hong Kong Consulate after being turned away in Hanoi. They outline the specific requirements for the visa application, including necessary documents such as marriage certificates, children's birth certificates, and a letter from the children's school. The applicant highlights the efficiency of the application process at the consulate and provides tips for other parents seeking similar visas.
