USA Employment Visa Financial Proof Rules 2026

Getting around the Asian financial center is quite a challenge; it is not only a matter of professional knowledge but also the contemporary knowledge of the local regulation environment. The Hong Kong Immigration Department has completed its user pays principle, as of January 2026, moving on to a modern, two-tiered fee system, with a distinction between the application and the final approval.

In case you are a professional who moves according to Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) or an HR manager who manages a General Employment Policy (GEP) filing, it is important to know these costs in your 2026 budget.

The Mandatory Application Fee (Submission Stage)

The non-refundable initial fee was introduced in early 2025 in Hong Kong on all talent admission schemes. This is paid during the digital submission on the Gov HK portal.

• Normal Fee: HK 600 (Non-refundable).
• Schemes to be applied: This fee includes the GEP, ASMTP (Mainland talents), TTPS, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), and IANG (Non-local graduates).
• Switching Situation: When you already in Hong Kong (e.g. under Student Visa) and you are seeking a Change of Condition of Stay to an Employment Visa, this HK$600 fee is charged.

Scheme-Specific Financial considerations.

Although the main charges are uniform, some streams of talents have distinct financial requirements:

• Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): It is still the marquee portal of high income earners. HK$2.5 million of annual income is required to qualify under Category A but visa processing fees are the usual HK 1,900.
• Elite Employment Stream: The high-earners already in the HK are eligible to unlock a 6-year extension. The issuance cost of this gigantic extension is also limited to the long term HK 1300.
• Dependant Visas: Each family member (spouse or child) has to pay application fee (HK$600) and issuance fee (HK$1,300). In case of a family of four, the amount of government fee budget is HK$7,600.

Ancillary & Compliance Costs 2026

In addition to the visa per Se, there are a number of administrative costs in the relocation that are invisible:

• HKID Card: Your free first Hong Kong Identity Card. Nevertheless, HK $370 will be charged in case the card is lost or damaged.
• MPF Contributions: The Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) requires employers to plan the sum of 5% of the relevant income of the employee (limited to HK$1,500/month).
• Document Translation: Provided your degrees or marriage certificates are not in English or Chinese, it will cost you HK500- HK 1,000 per page, a certified translation.

FAQ

Expert Take

The transition to an all-digital application environment in 2026 has created a large amount of friction in the administration. With the option of the instant e-Visa download on payment the professionals are able to commence their job weeks, in days, before the previous sticker days. In the context of businesses, it has been necessary to strategist how to overcome the 260% rise in short-term work permit fees (when compared to 2024) and this is best achieved by strategist on how project based consultants are to be factored into the budgets.

Disclaimer:

This is an informational and educative article. It is recommended that the readers will provide the reliability of the information by referring to the reliable sources, including the official Hong Kong Immigration Department (Dimmed) or the budget announcements of 2025-26, prior to any kind of decisions.