Student Visa

I) Introduction

Under the Immigration Ordinance, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), he/she requires a valid visa/entry permit issued by the Immigration Department (IMMD) to study in Hong Kong.

Except those who have a visa/entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates or a dependent visa/entry permit that was issued they were 18 years old or above, non-local students (see definition below) who plan to enter Hong Kong for study are required to submit an application form for student visa/entry permit with all necessary documents from IMMD via the following team of Registry.

Programme	Team
Undergraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Undergraduate)
Postgraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Postgraduate)

II) Definition of Non-local Students

According to the Education Bureau (EDB), non-local students are defined as students holding:


1.	Student visa/entry permit
2.	Visa/entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates
3.	Dependent visa/entry permit (for students who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa/entry permit by the Director of Immigration)

III) Important Notes

If your status change from non-local student to local student, please update the University as soon as possible so that we can update your records in HKMU and adjust your tuition fees starting from next term (if applicable).

I) Steps to apply for student visa/ entry permit

Step 1

• Accept the admission offer and settle the tuition fees before the deadline.

Step 2

• Submit the completed ID995A and the required documents to Admissions Team* as soon as possible.

Step 3

• HKMU performs an initial check on the submitted application and documents. We may request you to submit further documents, if needed.

Step 4

• HKMU submits the application to IMMD on your behalf.

Step 5

• IMMD will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received.

Step 6

• Once IMMD has approved your application, HKMU will collect the student visa/entry permit and send it to you. Make sure the contact number, email and mailing address you provided HKMU are correct. HKMU will bear the application fee for the first student visa/entry permit for new students.

Make sure you approach the right team.

Programme	Team
Undergraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Undergraduate)
Postgraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Postgraduate)

Note: The entire process may take more than 6-8 weeks, subject to the time taken to submit all required documents and IMMD processing time.

Fully completed visa application submitted by student in:	*Expected to receive your student visa from the University
March/April	Mid-July
May	Late-July
June	Mid-August
Early July	Late August / Early September

* The above shows the estimated processing time based on our past experience and is for reference only. When the student visa / entry permit will be available is subject to the processing and approval procedures of Immigration Department, some cases may take a longer time to process.

Applicants should submit the visa application as early as possible. This is especially important if you are a Mainland student as you may have to apply for Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macau (EEP) (往來港澳通行證) and relevant exit endorsement (逗留D簽) from the Exit and Entry Administration Office of the Public Security Bureau of the Mainland at the place of your household registration.

Required Documents

Form and documents to be submitted by the applicant:


1.	Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (ID 995A)
2.	The applicant’s recent photograph (affixed on page 2 of the application form ID 995A)
3.	a) For all A photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable) b) For an applicant who is currently staying in the HKSAR Also a photocopy of his/her travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR c) For a Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document Also a photocopy of his/her People’s Republic of China resident identity card
4.	A photocopy of the applicant’s HKID card (if any)
5.	A letter of acceptance from the University
6.	One of the applicant’s parents should authorize the sponsor or his/her relative/friend in Hong Kong to be the guardian of the applicant. A consent letter duly signed by both the guardian and one of the applicant’s parents should be produced. [if the applicant is under the age of 18]
7.	A photocopy of proof of the applicant’s accommodation arrangement [if the applicant is under the age of 18]
8.	A photocopy of proof of the applicant’s financial support, e.g. bank statements, savings account passbooks, tax receipts and salary slips [if the sponsor is the educational institution]
9.	A photocopy of the applicant’s Macao identity card [for Macao residents only]
10.	A photocopy of the applicant’s household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only]

* If the relevant financial proof is not issued under the applicant’s name, please provide the supporting documents of proving the relationship between applicant and the sponsor (e.g. Household Registration or Registration Card for Resident Population).

II) Steps to take after collecting your student visa

Step 1

• Students from Mainland China: apply for Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macau (EEP) (往來港澳通行證) and a relevant exit endorsement (逗留D簽) from the Exit and Entry Administration Office of the Public Security Bureau of the Mainland at the place of your household registration.

• Students from other countries/regions: affix the visa/entry permit label onto your valid passport/travel document before entering Hong Kong.

Step 2

• Enter Hong Kong with your student visa/entry permit.

Step 3

• Receive a landing slip from IMMD on your arrival in Hong Kong. Please refer to the Non‐stamping Immigration Clearance Arrangement for Hong Kong Non‐permanent Residents.

Step 4

• Apply to IMMD for a HKID card.

Step 5

• Submit a copy of your landing slip to the University when you collect your student ID card.

Step 6

• Submit a photocopy of your HKID card as soon as it is available.

III) Important Notes


1.	The landing slip is an important document and you must keep it with you throughout the study in Hong Kong. Your student visa will only be activated after you have obtained the landing slip. Otherwise, without a valid student visa / entry permit (i.e. activated with landing slip), you are not allowed to study at the University.
2.	According to the Hong Kong SAR Government, anyone who intends to stay in Hong Kong for a period exceeding 180 days is required to apply to the IMMD for a HKID card. Information on how to apply for a HKID card can be found on: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/contactus/person-registration.html
3.	You may be de-registered in any one of the following circumstances: a) Failure to submit the landing slip Students who fail to provide the landing slip within 4 weeks after the term has commenced will be de-registered and the University will inform IMMD of their termination of studies at the University. b) Failure to meet the conditions stipulated in the offer letter Students will normally be deemed as failing to meet the entry requirements if they fail to provide valid official proof on or before the deadline stipulated in the conditional offer letter. The University will de-register all applicants who fail to meet the entry requirements and will inform IMMD of their termination of studies at the University.

Notes:

(1) All fees paid by de-registered students are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

(2) The student visa of de-registered students will be terminated. As such, students whose student visa have been terminated are required to leave Hong Kong within 4 weeks after the date of termination of their studies. Please note that it is an immigration offence for breach of condition of stay if the students concerned fail to leave Hong Kong within the prescribed time.

IV) Contact Information

1. Hong Kong Immigration Department (IMMD)


Address	Application for Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card	8/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
	Application for entry for study in Hong Kong	(For Mainland Chinese students) Quality Migrants and Mainland Residents Section, 6th Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories (For other non-local students) Other Visas and Permits Section, 5th Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
	Other visa matters	Information and Liaison Section, Upper Ground Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
Telephone no.	(852)2824 6111
E-mail Address	enquiry@immd.gov.hk
Website	https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/index.html

Application for Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card

8/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Application for entry for study in Hong Kong

(For Mainland Chinese students)
Quality Migrants and Mainland Residents Section 6/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

(For other non-local students)
Other Visas and Permits Section 7/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Other visa matters

Information and Liaison Section 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

2824 6111

enquiry@immd.gov.hk

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/index.html

2. Admissions Team (Undergraduate)


Address	Room E0G05, G/F, Block E, Jockey Club Campus 81 Chung Hau Street Hong Kong Metropolitan University Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone no.	(852)3120 2589
E-mail Address	regadmug@hkmu.edu.hk
Website	https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/reg/admission-for-undergraduate-programmes/

Room E0G05, G/F, Block E, Jockey Club Campus
81 Chung Hau Street
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong

3120 2589

regadmug@hkmu.edu.hk

https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/reg/admission-for-undergraduate-programmes/

3. Admissions Team (Postgraduate)


Address	Room A0511, Main Campus 30 Good Shepherd Street Hong Kong Metropolitan University Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone no.	(852)2768 6606
E-mail Address	regae@hkmu.edu.hk
Website	https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/reg/tpg-rpg-admissions-enrolment/

Room A0511, Main Campus
30 Good Shepherd Street
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong

2768 6606-7

regae@hkmu.edu.hk

https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/reg/pg-dl-admissions-enrolment/

I) Introduction

Non-local students requiring to extend their period of stay in Hong Kong due to change of programme, deferment of study or expiry of visa/entry permit should apply to IMMD direct for an extension of stay in Hong Kong before the current student visa/entry permit expires.

* If your current student visa/entry permit has been expired, you are required to re-submit the application form for student visa/entry permit with all necessary documents to IMMD via the following team of the Registry.

Programme	Team
Undergraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Undergraduate)
Postgraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Postgraduate)

For details, please click here.

It is your responsibility to check for the expiry and apply for visa extension on time in accordance with the Immigration Rules. All visa application fee will have to be paid by the applicant.

Please note that Application for Extension of Stay in Hong Kong is only applicable to students who:

1) are going to complete the study within the normative study period plus one year beyond; OR
2) have a visa / entry permit that will expire soon within the normative study period.

Please visit the IMMD website for further details in relation to the subsequent application procedures with IMMD after the collection of letter from the University.

II) Steps to apply for extension of stay in Hong Kong

Step 1 

• Email the Admissions Team* around 5-8 weeks before your student visa/entry permit expires to provide the following information and request a letter confirming that you are currently studying at the University to support your application:

(1) Your Student ID number, details of expected graduation date and credits you will take in the remaining study period

(2) A photocopy of the landing slip of your student visa showing the date on which you are “permitted to remain” in Hong Kong

(3) A photocopy of your travel document

(4) Proof of your settlement of the tuition fees for the coming term

(5) Your contact number, email/mailing address
Step 2 

• We will contact you once the supporting letter is ready for your collection. Ensure your contact number, email/mailing address are correct. Otherwise, we may not be able to reach you.
Step 3 

• Collect the supporting letter from the Admissions Team* during office hours.
Step 4 

• Submit your application for extension of stay in Hong Kong, supporting letter issued by HKMU and other necessary documents to IMMD. You may delegate an authorized person to submit the application on your behalf. Note that you should be physically present in Hong Kong both at the time of application and at the time of collection of extension of stay label.

* Make sure you approach the right team.

Programme	Team
Undergraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Undergraduate)
Postgraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Postgraduate)

III) Required Documents


1.	Completed application form ID 91
2.	Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in HKSAR
3.	A photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card
4.	A letter from the sponsor institution to IMMD confirming that the student requires an extension of stay to continue his/her study

I) Introduction

In the following situations, non-local students are required to re-submit an application for student visa/entry permit with all necessary documents from IMMD via the University instead of applying for an extension of stay in Hong Kong.


1.	Students cannot complete their studies within the normative study period plus one year;
2.	Students resume their studies at the University after deferment or outbound exchange; OR
3.	Students whose visa / entry permit have been expired.

II) Steps to apply for entry for study in Hong Kong

Step 1

• Submit the completed application form ID995A and the required documents to the Admissions Team* as soon as possible.

Step 2

• HKMU performs an initial check on your application and documents. We may request you to submit further documents, if needed.

Step 3

• HKMU submits the application to IMMD on your behalf.

Step 4

• IMMD will not be able to start processing your application unless all the required documents and information have been received.

Step 5

• Once IMMD approves your application, HKMU will collect the student visa/entry permit and send it to you. Ensure your contact number, email/mailing address are correct.

• All visa application fee will have to be paid by you.

Step 6

• Students from Mainland China: apply for Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macau (EEP) (往來港澳通行證) and relevant exit endorsement (逗留D簽) from the Exit and Entry Administration Office of the Public Security Bureau of the Mainland at the place of your household registration.

• Students from other countries/regions: affix the visa/entry permit label onto your valid passport/travel document before entering Hong Kong.

Step 7

• Enter Hong Kong with your student visa/entry permit.

Step 8

• Receive a landing slip from IMMD on your arrival in Hong Kong. The landing slip bears your English name, travel document number, arrival date, conditions and limit of stay in Hong Kong. Please refer to the Non‐stamping Immigration Clearance Arrangement for Hong Kong Non‐permanent Residents.

Step 9

• Submit a photocopy of your landing slip to the Admissions Team*.

* Make sure you approach the right team.

Programme	Team
Undergraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Undergraduate)
Postgraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Postgraduate)

III) Required Documents

Form and documents to be submitted by the applicant:


1.	Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (ID 995A)
2.	The applicant’s recent photograph (affixed on page 2 of the application form ID 995A)
3.	An explanation letter to the Director of Immigration to provide application reasons and study plan with expected graduation date and credits that applicants will take in the remaining study period
4.	a) For all A photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable) b) For an applicant who is currently staying in the HKSAR Also a photocopy of his/her travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR c) For a Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document Also a photocopy of his/her People’s Republic of China resident identity card
5.	A photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card (if any)
6.	A letter of acceptance from the University (if any)
7.	One of the applicant’s parents should authorize the sponsor or his/her relative/friend in Hong Kong to be the guardian of the applicant. A consent letter duly signed by both the guardian and one of the applicant’s parents should be produced [if the applicant is under the age of 18]
8.	A photocopy of proof of the applicant’s accommodation arrangement [if the applicant is under the age of 18]
9.	A photocopy of proof of the applicant’s financial support, e.g. bank statements, savings account passbooks, tax receipts and salary slips [if the sponsor is the educational institution]
10.	A photocopy of the applicant’s Macao identity card [for Macao residents only]
11.	A photocopy of the applicant’s household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only]

I) Introduction

Non-local students are responsible to keep the student visa/entry permit safe and in good condition at all times. In case your student visa/entry permit has been lost or stolen, you should apply for a replacement from IMMD as soon as possible.

II) Step to apply for replacement of visa/entry permit

Step 1

• Immediately file a report of lost or stolen document to the Hong Kong Police/local police.

Step 2

• Email the Admissions Team* to provide the following information and request a letter confirming that you are currently studying at the University to support your application:

(1) Your Student ID number

(2) A reported loss memo from the Hong Kong Police / the local police

(3) A photocopy of your travel document

(4) Your contact number, email address and mailing address

Step 3

• We will contact you once the supporting letter is ready for your collection. Normally, it takes 5 working days to issue the letter after all necessary documents have been received. Ensure your contact number, email address and mailing address are correct. Otherwise, we may not be able to reach you.

Step 4

• Collect the supporting letter from the Admissions Team* during office hours.

Step 5

• Submit your application, supporting letter issued by HKMU, reported loss memo from police and a photocopy of your HKID card (if available) to IMMD.

Step 6

• IMMD conducts record check and confirms your immigration status by issuing a bearer letter and a visa label. All replacement fee required will be borne by you.

Step 7

• Students from Mainland China: need to bring along the bearer letter and the new visa/entry permit label to the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited (香港中國旅行社) for the replacement of EEP (往來港澳通行證) and relevant exit endorsement.

• Students from other countries/regions: need to bring along the bearer letter and the visa label to their country's consulate for the replacement of travel document.

Step 9

• Submit a photocopy of your landing slip to the Admissions Team*.

* Make sure you approach the right team.

Programme	Team
Undergraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Undergraduate)
Postgraduate programmes	Admissions Team (Postgraduate)

III) Required Documents

Form and documents to be submitted by the applicant:


1.	Applicant’s Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card (if available)
2.	Reported loss memo from the Hong Kong Police/local police
3.	Supporting letter from the University confirming that the student is currently studying with us

I) Introduction

If a non-local student changes his/her programme, the University will update IMMD accordingly. The student visa issued under the old programme will remain valid.

However, the No Objection Letter (NOL), which is required for non-local students to participate in study/curriculum-related internship, part-time on campus employment and summer jobs, will cease to be valid upon programme change. The University will apply to IMMD for a new NOL on behalf of students and then contact the students concerned to collect the new NOL upon receipt from IMMD.

Hong Kong Immigration Department


Address	Application for Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card	8/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
	Application for entry for study in Hong Kong	(For Mainland Chinese students) Quality Migrants and Mainland Residents Section, 6th Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories (For other non-local students) Other Visas and Permits Section, 5th Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
	Other visa matters	Information and Liaison Section, Upper Ground Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
Telephone no.	2824 6111
E-mail Address	enquiry@immd.gov.hk
Website	https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/index.html

Application for Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card

8/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

(For Mainland Chinese students)
Quality Migrants and Mainland Residents Section 6/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Application for entry for study in Hong Kong

(For other non-local students)
Other Visas and Permits Section 7/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Other visa matters

Information and Liaison Section 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

2824 6111

enquiry@immd.gov.hk

www.immd.gov.hk

I) Introduction

Non-local students of full-time locally-accredited local programmes at undergraduate level or above will be issued a “No Objection Letter” (NOL) upon the approval of application for student visa/entry permit which will spell out the type(s) and conditions of employment which the student may take up.

II) Important Note

1. Under Regulation 2 of the Immigration Regulations, Cap 115A, permission given to a person to land in Hong Kong as a student shall be subject to the conditions of stay that, inter alia, he/she shall not take any employment, whether paid or unpaid. The restriction in respect of internship and part-time employment for non-local students has been further relaxed from 17 March 2014 onwards. Non-local students of full-time locally-accredited local or non-local programmes at undergraduate level or above whose study period is not less than one academic year may take up internship subject to the following conditions:

i. The internships must be study/curriculum-related and be arranged or endorsed by the institutions they are studying in; and

ii. The duration of the internship is up to one academic year, or one-third of the normal duration of the relevant full-time academic programme, whichever is the shorter.

There is no restriction on the nature of work, level of salary, location, number of working hours and employers for the internship arrangements.

The study/curriculum-related internship cannot take place before a non-local student has officially registered with the institution and begun attending any scheduled classes of his/her registered programme in Hong Kong, or when the student concerned has already fulfilled all the course/credit requirements for graduation (e.g. a student who has just finished his/her final year of study).

2. Non-local students of full-time locally-accredited local programmes at undergraduate level or above whose study period is not less than one academic year may, during the currency of their limit of stay, take up:

i. part-time on-campus employment for not more than 20 hours per week throughout the year;

ii. employment during the summer months from 1 June to 31 August (both dates inclusive) without any limit in relation to work hours and location.

3. In the event that students switch from one programme to another at the University, the NOL in respect of the previous study programme will cease to be valid. The eligibility for study/curriculum-related internship, part-time on campus employment and summer jobs will be assessed afresh. A new NOL will be issued if applicable.

4. Admissions Team will inform eligible students to collect the renewed NOL at an appropriate time every year.

5. If you would like to take up internships that are not mandatory in the programme curriculum on a voluntary basis, please directly contact your School for endorsement.

6. Please visit IMMD website for details under the topic “Employment during the Study Programme”: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/faq/imm-policy-study.html

III) Steps to apply for No Objection Letter (NOL) (only applicable to students who wish to take up internships that are not mandatory in the programme curriculum)

Step 1 

• Obtain a letter of endorsement from your School.
Step 2 

• Submit your application and supporting documents to IMMD directly. Normally, it takes around 2-3 weeks for IMMD to process the application.
Step 3 

• IMMD emails the approval notification to you.

IV) Required Documents


1.	A photocopy of employment contract from the employer
2.	A photocopy of the letter of endorsement from your School
3.	A photocopy of your HKID card, passport, visa label and the latest landing slip
4.	A photocopy of your student card

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