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Migration Lawyer for Hong Kong Stream

Australia PR for Hong Kong Passport Holders
189 & 191 Hong Kong Stream
No Points Test Required

Australia offers dedicated PR options for Hong Kong SAR and BNO passport holders. If you currently hold a Subclass 485 or 482 visa, we can help you choose the right Hong Kong Stream route and manage the full legal process.

  • 482 and 485 visas can be granted with 5-year validity
  • Subclass 189: apply after 4 years in Australia
  • Subclass 191: apply after 3 years in regional Australia
  • No standard points test and no income threshold

Level 8, 65 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 · (02) 8091 3368

5 years
482 or 485 visa validity
No
Points test
3 / 4
Years to PR eligibility
No
Need to submit ATO notice of assessment
Step 1

Temporary Visa Foundation: SC482 and SC485

Your Hong Kong Stream PR pathway starts with an eligible temporary visa. For Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, primary 482 and 485 grants may receive a 5-year visa period.

SC 485

Temporary Graduate Visa

Suitable for recent graduates from Australian institutions. If eligible, the 5-year grant period gives you adequate time to meet PR residence requirements.

SC 482

Skills in Demand Visa

Suitable for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Eligible holders can progress toward 189 or 191 through the Hong Kong Stream without standard points scoring.

Step 2

Choose Your PR Route: 189 or 191

After holding an eligible 482 or 485, your pathway depends on where you live in Australia.

City Pathway

Subclass 189 Hong Kong Stream

Skilled Independent
  • Hold eligible 482/485 for at least 4 years
  • Usually resident in Australia for a continuous 4-year period
  • No standard points test
  • Primary application charge: AUD 4,910
Fast-Track Regional Pathway

Subclass 191 Hong Kong Stream

Skilled Regional
  • Hold eligible 482/485 for at least 3 years
  • Live, work, and study in a designated regional area for 3 years
  • No minimum income threshold for this HK stream
  • Primary application charge: AUD 4,910

What are the designated regional areas?

Designated regional areas include many major centres such as Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart. However, major metropolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are explicitly excluded and do not qualify as designated regional areas.

Common Requirements

Important Criteria for Both Pathways

Visa Compliance

You must substantially comply with conditions on your 482/485 and any bridging visas.

Health Waiver (PIC 4007)

Both streams are assessed under PIC 4007, which includes a possible health waiver in suitable cases.

Family Inclusion

Eligible family members can be included. In certain circumstances, children aged 23+ can still qualify under the HK stream settings.

FAQs

Hong Kong Stream PR Questions

No. Hong Kong Stream applicants for these routes are not assessed through the standard points-tested invitation process.
Yes. The HK stream concessions apply to eligible BNO passport holders and Hong Kong SAR passport holders.
Get Started

Speak with a Leeco Migration Lawyer

Book a consultation to confirm your eligibility and prepare a compliant strategy for your Hong Kong Stream PR application.