Programme guides · US EB-1A Extraordinary Ability · US EB-2 NIW National Interest Waiver · Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) · Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) · Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa
Immigrating Without Investment: US, Hong Kong and Japan Talent Routes Compared
Global Immigrate consultants · Published · Updated
Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Oscar Yip, Founder & Managing Director
Summary
US EB-1A and EB-2 NIW, Hong Kong’s TTPS and QMAS, and Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional visa all assess your personal profile, with no investment. We compare requirements, processing and status, with advice by background and what to prepare.
The main profile-based routes
Route
Main requirement
Processing
Status
US EB-1A
National or international acclaim, usually 3 of 10 criteria
I-140 premium about 15 working days
Green card
US EB-2 NIW
Master’s, or bachelor’s plus 5 years; work of national importance
I-140 premium about 45 working days
Green card
Hong Kong TTPS
HKD 2.5M+ income or an eligible university degree
Usually about 4 weeks
Residence; PR after 7 years
Hong Kong QMAS
At least 6 of 12 criteria
Usually about 6–9 months
Residence; PR after 7 years
Japan HSP
70 points or more
About 1–3 months
HSP status; PR in as little as one year
Choosing by background
Background
Suggestion
International recognition (citations, awards, media)
EB-1A
A master’s degree, with work linked to US national interests
EB-2 NIW
High income or a top-university degree, wanting to move quickly
TTPS
A strong overall profile of education, experience and income
QMAS or Japan HSP
What to prepare
Evidence: publications, patents, awards, income records and recommendation letters.
Mapping: evidence should clearly match each route’s criteria.
Time: letters and credential assessments take time.
Points to note
When you receive a US green card still depends on your place-of-birth backlog. Hong Kong and Japan grant residence first, with permanent residence later.
FAQ
Do these routes need an employer?
EB-1A and NIW need no employer; TTPS and QMAS need no job offer; Japan HSP generally needs a job or business in Japan.
Can my family apply too?
Yes — spouses and children can apply as dependants, within each programme’s age limits.
Can I pursue several routes at once?
Yes — many people prepare two and go with the first approval.
Vietnam
Hong Kong
Taiwan