Which visa office and forms?

[mmmagic]

Hi all,

I'm planning to start my application process to sponsor my wife (a Japanase citizen). However, we both currently reside in Hong Kong. Which visa office will handle our case? Which forms should we complete: Japan package IMM3913 or China IMM3903?

Normally, for Japanese application they are process via the Manila VO. But since we are living and apply from Hong Kong will it be handled in Hong Kong? Does any have any experience with this? I hope its Hong Kong since the processing times is about 10 months compared to 17 months at the Manila office (as of today).

 

[irvah]

You must select the visa office that serves your country of nationality or the country where you have been legally admitted for at least one year.

 

[mmmagic]

Thanks for the clarification. I reckon we can apply through the Hong Kong VO since we are legally resident. Good news

 

[irvah]

Good luck!

sometimes it works really well to our benefit) you can speed up your process

 

[canuck_in_uk]

You can go by whichever country-specific guide you want but it is CIC that will choose where to send the app. Lately, it seems that CIC is usually choosing based on country of nationality.

 

[polixenes]

Piggybacking here:

What would happen if the procedures at the visa office you were expecting to be sent to, and the visa office which is actually selected, are different?

For example in my case we filled out a US app form due to Bermuda residency, but my app was actually sent to the London office due to nationality. There are some procedural differences between the two, for example London apps need more photos than US apps.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

What would happen if the procedures at the visa office you were expecting to be sent to, and the visa office which is actually selected, are different?

The VO will request anything that they need.