HELP! Can I apply to Int'l Schools?

[ABC(D)inHK]

Have a 3yr old now (will be 4yrs by Aug/Sep 2010) so I know (a) he's the right age for Reception year of virtually all Int'l schools and (b) that applications are due Oct/Nov 2009 and interviews in Jan/Feb 2010.

The issue I have is that my company is not sending me to Hong Kong until Q2 2010 - which means no HK work permit until June/July 2010. Now, the question is whether I can apply (as an overseas applicant) now? Will the schools even look at my child's application and give an interview date? Or am I stressing out for nothing as my application would be considered "dependant" on obtaining proper immigration documentation? Anyone go through this before?

[sea princess]

hi
Put his name down as soon as you can if you want any of the international schools. We sent some of our applications off before arriving in HK. Interviews tend to be about 6-8 months before the start of the academic year and sadly they require your child to attend an interview. You will need a postal address here for correspondance. We used my husband's future work address and had all paperwork and updates forwarded to his secretary and that worked well. We then changed the details over with the schools once we arrived here.
One consideration is whether the company has any debentures at any of the schools? This can fast track your entry in some instances. look into it.
The other option is just to send him to an international pre-school and there are lots of great schools here in HK. It depends on where you think you will be living? Most pre-schools here cater for up till 5 1/2 years and then he could then enter an ESF school the year he turns 5 (applications for this are made the September the year before so plenty of time for you depending on where you live as you are zoned into these schools).
Good luck.

Have a 3yr old now (will be 4yrs by Aug/Sep 2010) so I know (a) he's the right age for Reception year of virtually all Int'l schools and (b) that applications are due Oct/Nov 2009 and interviews in Jan/Feb 2010.

The issue I have is that my company is not sending me to Hong Kong until Q2 2010 - which means no HK work permit until June/July 2010. Now, the question is whether I can apply (as an overseas applicant) now? Will the schools even look at my child's application and give an interview date? Or am I stressing out for nothing as my application would be considered "dependant" on obtaining proper immigration documentation? Anyone go through this before?