top of page

FAQ

STUDENT VISA APPLICATION SYSTEM
+ Q1 : How can I submit application via the Student Visa Application System?

Please register for an account via our Student Visa Application System if you would like to start a new student visa application for your study in HKU.You need to provide a valid email address to register an account on the System. One email can be used to register for one account and process for one application only. If you want to register two accounts at the same time, you should register with two different emails.

​

Please note that your registered email address cannot be changed upon successful registration. Please make sure that your registered email is valid throughout the whole application process and check it regularly to receive application-related notifications. 

+ Q2 : What are the system requirements of the Student Visa Application System?

You are suggested to use the latest version of browsers to access the System or else your account may face technical issues.

 

Desktop browsers:

Google Chrome

Firefox

Safari

Microsoft Edge

 

Mobile browsers:

Chrome for Android

Chrome for iOS

Safari for iOS

ENTRY FOR STUDY IN HONG KONG
+ Q3 : I am permitted to enter Hong Kong without an entry visa/permit, do I still need to apply for a student visa/entry permit to study in Hong Kong?

All applicants without the right of abode/right to land in Hong Kong must apply for a student visa for the purpose of education from the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). All Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Short-term programmes (including Exchange programmes, Summer programmes and Visiting programmes) are inclusive.

 

Students who use travel visa or travel endorsement to participate in any classes, tutorials and other academic-related activities will be regarded as illegal.

 

According to experience, students are not required to apply for a student visa if they obtain any of the followings:

  • Hong Kong Identity Card (Permanent)

  • Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) visa/permit

  • Top Talent Pass Scheme visa/permit

  • Documents issued by the Immigration Department showing right to land / right of abode in Hong Kong

  • One-way Permit for entry to Hong Kong

  • Full-time employment visa / work permit (for mainland students, applicable to part-time study only)

  • Dependant visa / entry permit

  • Visa / Entry permit for Quality Migrant Admission Scheme

  • Visa / Entry permit for Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

  • Visa / Entry permit for Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents

  • Visa label for unconditional stay

 

However, students are responsible to check and confirm the eligibility and validity of their own visa for study purpose with ImmD by themselves.

+ Q4 : Can I study in HKU if my visa/entry permit for entry for study is not yet approved?

You are not allowed to study in Hong Kong if your visa/entry permit is not yet approved. Students are not eligible to study in Hong Kong with tourist visa. Therefore, you should submit your application for entry for study as early as possible before programme commencement.

​

If you have entered HK as a Visitor, you will have to exit and then re-enter again with your student visa in order to activate your student status. You cannot start your studies in HK in Visitor/tourist status.

+ Q5 : I have received a Conditional Admission Offer from HKU. Am I eligible to apply for entry for study even I do not have a Firm Admission Offer?

You may apply for entry for study with Conditional Admission Offer. However, upon the receipt of the Firm Admission Offer, if available, you are required to upload the copy of the Firm Offer to the online Visa Application System. Otherwise, Admissions Office will not send the visa/entry permit to you.

+ Q6 : What kinds of financial proofs will be accepted by the Hong Kong Immigration Department?

You are expected to provide financial proofs showing that you have sufficient means to cover your total cost of academic and living expenses for at least a year or during your study period in Hong Kong. Listed below are some of the common documents:

​

  • student’s latest (within 3 months) bank statement(s) and/or income proof(s) (e.g. pay slip)

  • parent’s latest (within 3 months) bank statement(s) and/or income proof(s) (e.g. pay slip), together with a supporting letter signed by your financial sponsor, and a copy of his/her passport showing the same signature as the one in the letter / copy of Census Record for mainland citizens

  • an award letter of scholarship

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  1. All the documents provided should contain the name of student/financial sponsor.

  2. Any documents provided that is not in English/Chinese should be accompanied by certified translated version(s) in English/Chinese.

+ Q7 : Can I apply for a student visa/entry permit directly with the Hong Kong Immigration Department?

For Mainland students, you are not allowed to do so. Please apply student visa via the Student Visa Application System upon receiving an admission offer

 

For other non-local students:

If you have a Firm Offer and wish to apply for a student visa directly with the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD), you may select "Self-Apply" Route, with $350 application fee, during the registration process at the HKU visa system.

 

In this case, the Admissions Office would only provide the online sponsorship letter that is required from ImmD. You will have to keep track of the approval progress with ImmD directly, pay and collect the visa permit on your own upon the visa approval. 

​

Please note that student visa application directly with the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD), is not applicable for:

  • Students pursing part-time programmes

  • Student holding a conditional offer

  • Students from the mainland, Taiwan, Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam

+ Q8 : Can I submit the hardcopy set of application documents to Admissions Office directly without the submission of application in the Online Visa Application System?

You must register and submit an application via the online Visa Application System before submitting the hardcopy set of application documents to Admissions Office. Otherwise, Admissions Office will not be able to proceed your visa application. 

+ Q9 : What to note if I have received multiple admission offers/decided to change the study programme?

For undergraduate and postgraduate applicants:


Please note that multiple admission offers would cause delay to your application progress. If you receive multiple admission offers, you are responsible to confirm your final decision on the study programme in order to proceed with your student visa application. 

 

Should there be any changes in your study programme/curriculum after your submissions of student visa, please inform the Admissions Office immediately. As the visa application has been submitted to HK ImmD, the visa will be approved with the old programme. This will not affect the student entry to HK with the approved visa permit. We shall inform HK ImmD and you will receive an updated NOL with the new programme upon the approval.


Please also provide the updated offer letter for our record.

 

For summer programme applicants:


Please inform Admissions Office immediately upon confirming acceptance of multiple programmes.

+ Q10 : How can I apply for dependent visa?

Admissions Office will not process and sponsor dependent visa application. Applicant may arrange visa(s) for his/her accompanying dependant(s) separately upon his / her own student visa is approved. For details, please refer to the Application for Residence as Dependants and Guidebook on ImmD website.

ENTRY AND TRAVELLING ARRANGEMENTS
+ Q11 : If my Travel Document/Passport/Exit Entry Permit (EEP)'s validity period cannot cover the whole study period, can I apply for a student visa?

You are advised to have your travel document/passport/EEP of at least six months validity beyond the proposed date of your entry into Hong Kong, and the validity period should cover your whole study period. Otherwise, your student visa application might be put on hold until you have obtained a renewed travel document.

​

If you wish to apply with your current travel document (which cannot cover the whole study period), please write an undertaking that you understood you are required renew your passport/travel document about 6 months before its expiry and then apply for a visa extension as appropriate in time. Please date and sign on the letter and upload it onto the system.

+ Q12 : Do I need to apply for re-entry permit if I return to Hong Kong from other countries during my study period?

If you will return within the permitted limit of stay and if your residential status remain unchanged, you are not required to apply for a re-entry visa/entry permit to enter Hong Kong (multiple entries allowed).

​

For Taiwanese students, after entering Hong Kong on your single entry permit, you have to apply for a 'Multiple Entry Permit' (MEP) and transfer the endorsement onto the MEP to facilitate your future travels to and from Hong Kong. You may apply for the MEP in person at ImmD.

+ Q13 : I am holding an overseas passport and wish to travel to Mainland China during the semester break. Do I need to apply for a separate tourist visa to the Mainland? (For international students)

Yes, you need to apply for a separate tourist visa to the Mainland China. If you would like to apply for it in Hong Kong, please visit the China Travel Service (H.K.) Limited (E-mail: enquiry_epd@ctg.cn) in person. You apply for a Chinese tourist visa at your local Chinese Embassy before you come to Hong Kong, please contact the authorities concerned directly for assistance.

+ Q14 : I have a valid student visa in my old passport/travel document. Can I transfer it to my new passport/travel document? (For international students)

You should present both your old and new passports/travel documents when entering Hong Kong. Afterwards, you may apply for ‘Transfer of Endorsement’ at ImmD in person.

+ Q15 : How to apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card?

If your length of stay in Hong Kong is more than 180 days, you need to apply for a HK Identity Card within 30 days of arrival/or upon acquiring such permission to stay. Please refer to the webpage of the Hong Kong Immigration Department here for the application procedure. You may make an appointment via the online booking system or by phone beforehand.


A note to all student visa holders under the age of 18:

  • If your parents have nominated a relative to be your local guardian, you should be accompanied by that local guardian when you submit your Hong Kong Identity Card application at ImmD.

  • If your parents have nominated “The University of Hong Kong” to be your local guardian, you can submit your application to ImmD on your own. You will be asked to fill in a declaration form.

EXTENSION OF STAY
+ Q16 : When should I apply for an extension of stay to continue my studies in Hong Kong?

If you have not yet completed your studies (including dissertation and oral defense etc.), you may apply for a normal student visa extension via HKU visa system to obtain our supporting letter. Please contact your Faculty/Department in advance to endorse the Student Status form.

Students may apply for an extension of stay in Hong Kong by:
Step 1 - Submit an application via the HKU online visa application system within 4-6 weeks before the expiry of your current visa/entry permit, and
Step 2 - Submit your application to ImmD's online platform within 4 weeks before the expiry of your current visa/entry permit after obtaining the supporting letter.

+ Q17 : Do I need to submit the hardcopy set of application documents to Admissions Office for visa extension?

No. Please upload all required documents and submit an application via the Student Visa Application System of Admissions Office to obtain the supporting letter.

+ Q18 : What should I do if my visa/entry permit has expired?

You are not allowed to study in Hong Kong if your visa/entry permit is expired. You should return to your home country and re-apply for a new student visa via the Student Visa Application System. In this case, the application will require HK$990 application fee and 6-8 weeks processing time. 

​

If you are currently staying in HK, please do not overstay here and leave HK on or before your current limit of stay according to the landing slip. Overstaying is considered an illegal act.

 

Please be reminded that you cannot start your studies in HKU without a valid student visa.

+ Q19 : Should I apply for visa extension if I am a part-time student?

Part-time students should apply for a new student visa instead of visa extension. 

​

Please re-apply for a new student visa via the Student Visa Application System. Please note that the processing time is about 6-8 weeks.

+ Q20 : How long does it take for visa extension application?

It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks for ImmD to process an application upon receipt of all required documents. For details, please visit the website of ImmD here.

+ Q21 : What are the difference between Visa Extension & Visa Renewal (Re-applying for a new visa)?

Please see the options below and check which category you are applicable to:


Visa Extension – if your visa has not yet expired, and you are in HK during the submission of the visa extension application and collection of the extended visa permit
Visa Renewal – if you are NOT in HK and will return to HK only after your visa expired. Please note that the processing time is about 8 weeks. Please plan carefully to apply in time before your proposed re-entry date to HK

+ Q22 : I have completed my studies and waiting for my graduation result, can I apply for a Visa Extension?

If you have fulfilled all graduation requirements, you may apply for an “Interim Extension of Stay on Student Condition” visa without the sponsorship from the University, and subsequently apply for an “IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates)” visa if you wish to continue staying in Hong Kong. 

 

Please click here for the relevant details on the online application.

EMPLOYMENT DURING STUDY
+ Q23 : Can I take up internship/employment during my studies in Hong Kong?

The No Objection Letter (NOL) issued by the Immigration Department allows you to take up on-campus part-time employment for no more than 20 hours per week during term time or full-time employment during the summer months. For study-related internships during term time, you may apply for an internship NOL from the Immigration Department with a supporting letter from your Faculty.

 

It is important to note that conducting private tutoring, busking and on-line business activities, whether they are carried out on campus or not, are considered a violation of your conditions of stay.

 

From November 2023, the employment restrictions for postgraduate non-local students in Hong Kong have been relaxed. If you are holding a visa permit issued on or before November 2023, you may contact your Faculty to obtain the relevant NOL copy. Otherwise, the NOL will be issued together with your approved visa permit.

+ Q24 : What are the designated operators in HKU for on-campus or summer employment?
+ Q25 : Can I take up any internship after my final year’s assessment?

You are not eligible to take up any internship upon completion of your studies or fulfilment of your graduation requirement.

+ Q26 : Can short term visiting students take up any internship, part-time on-campus job and summer employment?

As the study period of the short term programmes in HKU are less than one academic year, students are not eligible to take up any internship, part-time on-campus job or summer employment.

+ Q27 : Should I submit separate applications every time before taking up internship?

Non-local students studying full-time programmes at undergraduate level or above will receive a No Objection Letter (NOL) upon approval of entry for study. If the NOL states that you are eligible to take up internship, you are not required to submit another application of internship approval.

 

However, the NOL for taking up study/curriculum-related internship is valid for one academic year or a specific period only. Please check with your Faculty whether you were included in the Batch NOL renewal list. If yes, you will receive the updated NOL for the new academic year from the Faculty.

+ Q28 : What should I do if my NOL is lost or damaged?

You should have saved a copy of your visa/permit and NOL when you download your e-Visa.

 

If you wish to obtain a new NOL, please submit a completed ID91 form, together with your travel document/EEP and the latest visa label/entry permit and landing endorsement to ImmD.

 

For Mainland students, please approach the Quality Migrants and Mainland Residents Section of the ImmD (Address: 6/F, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories) for the issuance of a new NOL.

​

For other non-local students, please approach the Extension Section for the same formalities (Address: 5/F, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories).

EMPLOYMENT AND ARRANGEMENT AFTER GRADUATION
+ Q29 : Can I apply for employment in Hong Kong after the completion of my studies?

If you have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time programme, you may apply for staying/returning and working in Hong Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG).

The application of IANG requires you to provide a certificate of graduation. You MUST apply for a testimonial for graduates/certificate of graduation at the Registry of HKU in advance (application link). You do not need the sponsorship from Admissions Office on IANG visa application. Please read the guidelines and go to ImmD to apply directly.

+ Q30 : What should I do if I am going to graduate but have not yet received my graduation result to apply for a IANG?

You may apply for an Interim Extension of stay on student condition. Please read the guidelines and go to ImmD directly for application.

+ Q31 : Do my family members and I need to apply for visit visas to attend my graduation ceremony?

You may need to apply for a visit visa to enter Hong Kong and attend your graduation ceremony. Please check your limit of stay printed on the landing slip, you may also check with ImmD for details.

LOSS OF VISA/ENTRY PERMIT OR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
+ Q32 : What should I do if my passport with current visa/entry permit label is lost or damaged in Hong Kong? (For non-local students other than the mainland)

You have to report to the Hong Kong Police and obtain a loss report memorandum. You also have to report to your consulate in Hong Kong and apply for a new passport.

 

After receiving your new passport, you need to get a supporting letter from Admissions Office. You will then have to visit ImmD and apply for a replacement of your student visa label with issuance fee incurred.


Please visit:
The Hong Kong Immigration Department
5/F, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories


Please bring along the following documents with you:

​

  • A copy of the loss report memorandum issued by the Hong Kong Police;

  • A supporting letter issued by Admissions Office;

  • A copy of your new passport/travel document;

  • A completed application form (ID405) and application fee;

  • A copy of your Hong Kong Identity Card (if any);

  • A copy of your HKU Student Card (if any);

  • A copy of your offer of admission letter issued by HKU (if any).

 

Details can be viewed under the section of “Transfer of Endorsement”.

+ Q33 : What should I do if my EEP with current visa/entry permit label is lost, damaged in the Mainland? (For mainland students)

You are required to replace the EEP in the Mainland China at the Public Security Bureau where your household registration is kept. At the same time, you are advised to apply for a tourist visa to enter Hong Kong for processing the student visa replacement in person at ImmD.

+ Q34 : What should I do if my EEP is lost or damaged in Hong Kong?

For Mainland students, you are required to approach China Travel Service (Hong Kong) directly to apply for a replacement of EEP and the relevant exit endorsement. 

​

+ Q35 : I have a valid student visa in my old passport/travel document. Can I transfer it to my new passport/travel document?

You should present both your old and new passports/travel documents when entering Hong Kong. Afterwards, you may apply for ‘Transfer of Endorsement’ in person at ImmD.

CHANGE OF STUDY PROGRAMME
+ Q36 : Can I switch my study programme from one to another in HKU?

You should seek approval from ImmD for a change of study programme.  For Mainland students, please apply for Change of Study Programme via Student Visa Application System; for other non-local students, please contact Admissions Office for the formalities of updating ImmD.

+ Q37 : Does the change of study programme application affect my departure or entry to Hong Kong?

This application would not affect your departure or entry to Hong Kong. 

+ Q38 : Will I receive a new visa/entry permit from ImmD?

Please note that you will NOT receive a new visa permit if you apply for a change of study programme. 

+ Q39 : Can I continue to stay in Hong Kong after termination of my studies?

Eligible graduates can apply for staying in Hong Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates Scheme (IANG), or you can apply for extending your stay in Hong Kong as a visitor with valid reason(s). Unless with such prior approval from ImmD, all student visa holders are required to leave Hong Kong within 4 weeks from the date of termination of studies. Please refer to the website of ImmD here (under Q19 of “Frequently Asked Questions”). Please also refer to your landing slip issued to you by ImmD.

EXTERNAL LINKS AND INFORMATION
​

  1. Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong issued by ImmD
     

  2. FAQs on Immigration Policy on Study at ImmD website
     

  3. FAQs on Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) at ImmD website

​

DISCLAIMER
​

  1. Admissions Office will not be responsible for any delay/cancellation/failure in your student visa application.
     

  2. All content in the website may be updated at any time without prior notice.
     

For enquiries, please click here.

bottom of page