4. ATTEND A BRIEFING SESSION WITH THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT

After your Written Signification is accepted, you must wait for the Immigration Department to send you a letter, inviting you to attend a briefing session. The invitation will show the address where you need to go.

What happens at the briefing session?

An immigration officer will explain to you what the USM process is. You will receive a Non-refoulement Claim Form. You will be referred to the Duty Lawyer Service (DLS) or the Pilot Scheme Office (PSO). If you need an interpreter, make sure the Immigration Department officer arranges one for you.

How do I access social welfare assistance?

Once your Written Signification is accepted and attended the briefing session with your duty lawyer, you can begin the process of applying for social welfare assistance, which includes housing and food support.

You must go to your local Integrated Family Service Centre (IFSC). This is a government office that is part of the Social Welfare Department. You can find a list of all the IFSC offices in Hong Kong here.

Explain that you need support from International Social Service (ISS) and show them your Recognizance Document.‍ ‍

They will explain the next steps, including where your local ISS office is and when you must go there. ISS is the organisation that will help you secure housing and food. Details of what support you can expect to receive are found at the International Social Service website.It might take several weeks before you begin to receive this support. If you urgently need food or medical care, you should let the ISS office know.