maycheng, i simply let the helper do it. they all know the procedures and paperworks. first, they will get copies of the standard contract from the immigration office. after both of you sign it, she will send it to their consulate for notarization. this will take 1 week or so. after that, she will send the notarized contract to the immigration office for visa application. you will need to file a simple form ID988B, along with copies of your proof of address, income, and HKID. that's it. then wait for the visa to be issued. quite simple. my helper collected all the forms, and i just filled them. she went to file all the applications herself. but of course, i paid for the transportation.