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Students
This webpage sets out the entry arrangement for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereafter “HKSAR”) for study.
- An application for a visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR for study may be favourably considered if :
- the applicant:
- is admitted to a private school registered under the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279) or Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320). Except for post-secondary education, entry for study in public or aided schools (other than English Schools Foundation Schools and Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools) is not permitted;
- takes up studies in a full-time locally-accredited post-secondary programme including short-term course or part-time locally-accredited taught postgraduate local programme Note 1;
- is admitted on exchange in full-time locally-accredited local programmes at sub-degree level for not more than 6 months or on exchange in full-time locally-accredited local or non-local programmes for not more than one year at undergraduate or above level; or
- is enrolled in a full-time course on the register of non-local higher education or professional courses as set up under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance (Cap. 493);
- the applicant is:
- from the age of 5 years and 8 months to 11 for primary education; or
- below the age of 20 for secondary education;
- the applicant holds a school acceptance letter to confirm that he/she has been accepted for a course of study; and
- the applicant is able to meet the fees for the course, the living expenses for his/her maintenance and accommodation without working and without recourse to public funds.
- the applicant:
- This entry arrangement does not apply to:
- Chinese residents of the Mainland and Taiwan;
- former Mainland Chinese residents settled in Macao Special Administrative Region (hereafter “SAR”) who were not settled there by 14 January 1979; and
- nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of ), Nepal and Vietnam.
- However, provided that the conditions in sub-paragraphs 1(c) & (d) above are met, Chinese residents of the Mainland, Macao SAR and Taiwan as listed in sub-paragraphs 2(a) & (b) above and nationals of Laos, Nepal and Vietnam as listed in sub-paragraph 2(c) above may apply for entry to take up:
- For Chinese residents of the Mainland, Macao SAR and Taiwan (sub-paragraphs 2(a) & (b) above):
- studies in full-time locally-accredited post-secondary local or non-local programmes Note 2&3;
- studies in part-time locally-accredited taught post-graduate local programmes Note 4;
- exchange in full-time locally-accredited local programmes at sub-degree level for not more than 6 months or exchange in full-time locally-accredited local or non-local programmes at undergraduate or above level for not more than one year Note 3; or
- full-time short-term studies, subject to the following conditions:
- the programme concerned is offered by Hong Kong higher education institutions with degree-awarding powers (excluding their continuing and professional education arms); and
- the cumulative duration of short-term studies taken up by any student should not exceed 180 days within any 12-month period.
In addition, Chinese residents of the Mainland may also apply to attend secondary school level short-term exchange programmes approved by the Education Bureau of not more than 2 weeks, if accompanied by Mainland teachers.
- For nationals of Laos, Nepal and Vietnam (sub-paragraph 2(c) above):
- studies in full-time locally-accredited local programmes at undergraduate or above level offered by the University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions, but excluding: (i) self-financing programmes offered by the relevant institutions; (ii) programmes offered by the continuing and professional education arms of the relevant institutions; and (iii) exchange programme or short-term studies offered by the relevant institutions.
- For Chinese residents of the Mainland, Macao SAR and Taiwan (sub-paragraphs 2(a) & (b) above):
- In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR, he/she requires a visa/entry permit to study in the HKSAR. While each application is determined on its individual merits, an applicant should meet normal immigration requirements (such as holding a valid travel document with adequate returnability to his/her country of residence or citizenship; be of clear criminal record and raise no security or criminal concerns to the HKSAR; have no likelihood of becoming a burden on the HKSAR, etc.) as well as the relevant specific eligibility criteria detailed above before he/she may be considered for the grant of a visa/entry permit. It should be noted that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change from time to time without prior notice.
Note 1:
Local programmes refer to programmes leading to degrees awarded by local degree-awarding institutions whereas non-local programmes refer to programmes leading to degrees awarded solely by non-local institutions, irrespective of whether the programmes are jointly run by local and non-local institutions.
Note 2:
The agreement between the Mainland and the HKSAR on mutual recognition of degree awards in higher education is not applicable to sub-degree qualifications (i.e. associate degree and higher diploma). Mainland students may come to attend sub-degree level local programmes in the HKSAR since there is no restriction in the Mainland prohibiting them to pursue further studies at educational institutions outside the Mainland on a personal basis.
Note 3:
Mainland students are allowed to study in full-time locally-accredited local programmes. Mainland students are also allowed to study in full-time locally-accredited non-local programmes at undergraduate or above level which have been approved by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.
Note 4:
The programmes to be taken up by Mainland students must be offered by the University Grants Committee-funded institutions.
Applicants admitted for study (in full-time undergraduate or post-graduate local programmes in local degree-awarding institutions) may apply to bring their spouse or the other party to same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration Note 5, and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to the HKSAR under the prevailing dependant policy. Persons admitted or applying for admission for study will be the sponsors of their accompanying dependants to the HKSAR. An application for admission of a dependant may be favourably considered if normal immigration requirements and the following criteria are met:
- there is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the dependant and the sponsor;
- there is no known record to the detriment of the dependant; and
- the sponsor is able to support the dependant's living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide him/her with suitable accommodation in the HKSAR.
This entry arrangement does not apply to:
- former Mainland Chinese residents residing in the Macao SAR who have obtained Macao identity cards for less than seven years, unless they have acquired residence in the Macao SAR through the One-way Permit Scheme; and
- nationals of Afghanistan and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of).
Such dependants will normally be granted an initial stay of 12 months upon entry which is subject to annual extension upon application. Such application will be considered only when the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for residence as dependants (including that there is no change in circumstances which would have otherwise resulted in loss of sponsorship for the applicant, e.g. change in marriage relationship between the dependent spouse and the sponsor, or death of sponsor) and the sponsor remains a bona fide Hong Kong resident living in the HKSAR. Under the existing policy, while dependants whose sponsors have been admitted into the HKSAR for study may take up study in the HKSAR, they are prohibited from taking up employment in the HKSAR unless they have obtained prior permission from the Director of Immigration.
Note 5:
For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “civil partnership” and “civil union” above mean a legal institution of a nature which is akin to spousal relationship in a marriage. The same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership and opposite-sex civil union entered into in accordance with laws outside Hong Kong are limited to only relationships which are legally and officially recognised in the places of celebration. Such relationships normally have the following features: (a) the entering into and dissolution of the relationship are governed by legislation of the place where it is entered into; (b) the relationship requires registration by the competent authority specified by the legislation of the place where it is entered into; (c) the registration is evidenced in a written instrument issued by the competent authority; and (d) parties to the relationship have a mutual commitment to a shared life akin to spouses to the exclusion of others on a permanent basis. Such relationships do not include de facto spouse, partners in cohabitation, fiancé/fiancée, etc.
It normally takes six weeks to process a visa/entry permit application for study upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department (hereafter “ImmD”) will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received. Please refrain from making enquiries about the progress of the application unless it is absolutely necessary, as it may delay the processing of the application.
All applications are processed and determined by the ImmD. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.
Students
To apply for entry for study, the applicant should nominate a local sponsor. A local sponsor can either be the educational institution granting the acceptance or an individual. If the local sponsor is an individual, he/she should be:
- of the age of 18 or above;
- a bona fide Hong Kong resident;
- acquainted with the applicant; and
- financially capable to support the applicant and provide him/her with accommodation.
Besides, if the applicant is under the age of 18, one of the applicant's parents should authorise 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.
- Forms and documents to be submitted by the applicant
| Forms/ Documents Required |
|---|
| Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (ID 995A) |
| The applicant's recent photograph (affixed on page 2 of the application form ID 995A ) |
| Copy 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). For an applicant who is currently staying in the HKSAR, copy of his/her travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable). A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit a copy of his/her People's Republic of China resident identity card. |
| Copy of the applicant's Hong Kong identity card (if any) |
| A letter of acceptance from the educational institution |
| One of the applicant's parents should authorise the sponsor or his/her relative/friend in the HKSAR 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] |
| Copy of proof of the applicant's accommodation arrangement [if the applicant is under the age of 18] |
| Copy 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] |
| Copy of the applicant's Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR and Macao identity card [for Macao SAR residents only] |
| Copy of the applicant's household registration transcript in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only] |
- Forms and documents to be submitted by the sponsor
| Forms/ Documents Required |
|---|
| Application for Entry for Study (Sponsor) in Hong Kong (ID 995B) |
| An undertaking that the sponsor is prepared to provide accommodation to the applicant during his/her period of study in the HKSAR [if the applicant is under the age of 18] |
| Copy of the sponsor's Hong Kong identity card # |
| Copy of the sponsor's travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry, and the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable) [for non-permanent resident of the HKSAR only] # |
| Copy of proof of the sponsor's financial standing, e.g. bank statements, savings account passbooks, tax receipts and salary slips; and an undertaking that the sponsor is prepared to provide financial support and accommodation to the applicant during his/her period of study in the HKSAR # |
# Submission of the documents is not required if the sponsor is the educational institution granting the acceptance
- Forms and documents to be submitted by each accompanying dependant of an applicant for entry for study
| Forms/ Documents Required |
|---|
| The applicant's application form, Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (ID 995A) with Part B duly completed by the dependant |
| The dependant's recent photograph (affixed on page 2 of the application form ID 995A) |
| Copy of the dependant's valid travel document containing personal particulars, its date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable). For a dependant who is currently staying in the HKSAR, copy of his/her travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable). A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit a copy of his/her People's Republic of China resident identity card. |
| Copy of evidence of the applicant's relationship with the dependant, e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, family photographs, family letters (with envelopes), census record book and Privilege Card for Single Child (if applicable) |
| Copy of the dependant's Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR and Macao identity card [for Macao SAR residents only] |
| Copy of the dependant's household registration transcript in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only] |
Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, applicant, accompanying dependant(s) and sponsor may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.
Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.
It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. To verify the authenticity of the information and documents submitted with a visa/entry permit application, field visits may be conducted. A person who knowingly and wilfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the HKSAR granted shall have no effect.
Online Submission
Click here for online submission of application and uploading of supporting documents.
Other Means of Submission
Completed application forms, i.e. ID 995A and ID 995B, and all supporting documents can also be submitted by the applicant or the local sponsor by post directly or through the local sponsor in the HKSAR to the following address. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants, each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 995A. For an applicant or a dependent child under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child.
| Receipt and Despatch Sub-Unit Ground Floor, Administration Tower, Immigration Headquarters, 61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories |
Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the ImmD. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. (Details)
Applications from Chinese residents of the Mainland should be submitted to the ImmD through the educational institution (the sponsor) granting the acceptance.
It normally takes six weeks to process a visa/entry permit application for study upon receipt of all the required documents. The ImmD will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received. Please refrain from making enquiries about the progress of the application unless it is absolutely necessary, as it may delay the processing of the application.
All applications are processed and determined by the ImmD. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.
If the applicant is a Chinese resident in the Mainland, please contact the admitting education institutions to process the payment and collection of the “e-Visa".
For other applicants, upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the ImmD will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees can be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants can instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
Students
Once the receipt of application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire their application status here or through the 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663.
If the applicant is a Chinese resident in the Mainland, please contact the admitting education institutions to process the payment and collection of the “e-Visa".
For other applicants, upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the ImmD will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees can be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants can instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
A visa/entry permit (in the form of “e-Visa”) will be issued upon successful application. Upon immigration arrival clearance in the HKSAR, an “e-Visa” holder should present his/her valid travel document and the “e-Visa” saved on a personal mobile device or printed on a sheet of A4 white paper, and scan the encrypted QR code on the “e-Visa” with the optical reader at an immigration counter.
Successful applicant who is a Chinese resident of the Mainland should apply for an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (hereafter “EEP”) and a relevant exit endorsement from the relevant Mainland authorities. The applicant’s EEP bearing the relevant exit endorsement should be presented together with the "e-Visa" issued to him/her for immigration arrival clearance.
In general, non-local students admitted to take up studies in full-time locally-accredited local and non-local post-secondary programmes will be granted a length of stay in line with the normal duration of their study programmes, subject to a maximum period of six years upon entry and the validity of the travel document held. For those studying other courses, they will normally be granted permission to stay for 12 months upon entry or in accordance with the duration of their studies, whichever is shorter.
Persons admitted for study may apply for extension of stay, if necessary, within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires to continue their study in the HKSAR. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for study. Extension of stay, if approved, will normally be on a yearly basis or in accordance with the duration of their studies, as appropriate.
In general, a person who is admitted as student in the HKSAR shall be subject to the following conditions of stay:
- he/she shall become a student only at a specified school, university or other educational institution and undertake such course of study as may be approved by the Director of Immigration; and
- he/she shall not:
- take up any employment, whether paid or unpaid; or
- establish or join in any business.
Notwithstanding the employment restrictions as mentioned above, 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:
- the internship must be study/curriculum-related and be arranged or endorsed by the institutions they are studying in Note 1; and
- 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 shorter Note 2.
There is no restriction on the nature of work, level of salary, location, number of working hours and employers for the internship arrangements.
As regards non-local students enrolled in full-time locally-accredited sub-degree local programmes with a study period not less than 2 academic years, they may also apply to take up an internship if the following conditions are met:
- the internships must be mandatory, study/curriculum-related and be arranged / endorsed by the institutions they are studying in Note 1 ; and
- the duration of the internship is up to 6 months Note 2&3.
Moreover, non-local students (excluding exchange 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:
- part-time on-campus employment Note 4 for not more than 20 hours per week Note 5 throughout the year; and
- employment during the summer months from 1 June to 31 August (both dates inclusive) without any limit in relation to work hours and location.
Nevertheless, non-local students (excluding exchange students) of full-time locally-accredited local programmes at undergraduate level or above whose study period is not less than one academic year are temporarily exempted from the above employment restrictions that they may take up employment in Hong Kong during the currency of their limit of stay or within the effective period as specified in the “No Objection Letter” (NOL) issued to them (if applicable), whichever is the shorter.
Eligible students will be notified of the internship, part-time on-campus employment and/or summer job arrangement individually by a NOL which will spell out the type(s) and conditions of employment which the student may take up.
Note 1:
The study/curriculum-related internship must be endorsed by designated officers of the relevant institution, not by individual offices, schools, faculties or faculty members.
Note 2:
The 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).
Note 3:
For Higher Diploma programmes: The 6 months' duration is calculated on a cumulative basis of 182 days and is counted by calendar day. For sub-degree programmes other than Higher Diploma programmes : The 6 months' duration is calculated on a cumulative basis of 26 weeks and is counted by calendar week as a unit regardless of the actual days being engaged in the internship within a week. The cumulative duration of 182 days or 26 weeks need not be continuous.
Note 4:
The employment must take place within the campus of the institution (including only the campus of the institution which the non-local student is enrolled in, and excluding the campus of any subsidiary and associated bodies of the relevant institution proper or its self-financing arms) where the non-local student is studying or, if the work location is outside the campus of the institution, the employer is the institution itself.
Note 5:
Students are not allowed to roll-over unused hours from one week to another.
If the educational institution or student for any reason terminates studies before the completion of such a study course as approved by the Director of Immigration, the educational institution should notify the Director of Immigration of the date of termination of study in writing with reasons for termination or provide the Director of Immigration with a completed "Notification of Termination of Studies" (ID 977) within 7 working days following the termination. The educational institution can also submit the “Notification of Termination of Studies” online through the ImmD online service system.
Non-permanent residents of the HKSAR, irrespective of their nationality and type of travel document held, do not require a re-entry visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR provided that they return within the currency of their permitted limit of stay and that the circumstances upon which they have acquired their residential status remain unchanged.
Mainland students and their Dependants
This webpage sets out information about extension of stay for Mainland residents admitted as student and their dependants.
In general, non-local students admitted to take up studies in full-time locally-accredited local and non-local post-secondary programmes will be granted a length of stay in line with the normal duration of their study programmes, subject to a maximum period of six years upon entry and the validity of the travel document held. For those studying other courses, they will normally be granted permission to stay for 12 months upon entry or in accordance with the duration of their studies, whichever is shorter.
Persons admitted for study may apply for extension of stay, if necessary, within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires to continue their study in the HKSAR. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for study. Extension of stay, if approved, will normally be on a yearly basis or in accordance with the duration of their studies, as appropriate.
A dependant may apply for extension of stay for residence in the HKSAR within four weeks before his/her limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for residence as dependants (including that there is no change in circumstances which would have otherwise resulted in loss of sponsorship for the applicant, e.g. change in marriage relationship between the dependent spouse and the sponsor, or death of sponsor) and the sponsor remains a bona fide Hong Kong resident living in the HKSAR.
Dependants of persons who have been admitted into the HKSAR to take up studies will normally be granted an initial stay of 12 months upon entry which is subject to annual extension upon approval.
Routine applications will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.
The processing time is subject to the circumstances of individual applications and the number of applications received at the time. A longer processing time may be required during summer rush period between June and August.
Mainland students and their Dependants
Depending on the applicant’s current immigration status, the following forms and documents (original) are required to be submitted or uploaded upon submission of the application:
Mainland residents on student status #
- completed form ID 91 (only for persons who submit applications in paper forms);
- 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 the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable);
- the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card; and
- current school letter addressed to the Immigration Department confirming that the student requires extension of stay to continue study.
# For applications submitted in paper form, applicants should submit copies of the aforementioned supporting documents.
Dependants (Dependants shall submit applications through the ImmD's online application system and upload the supporting documents listed below.)
- 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 the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable);
- the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card; and
- the sponsor’s valid travel document (showing personal particulars and current permission of stay).
Important Notice
Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, the applicants and dependants may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.
Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.
It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. To verify the authenticity of the information and documents submitted with a visa application, field visits may be conducted. A person who knowingly and willfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the HKSAR granted shall have no effect.
Applicants must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of application. Applications may be submitted as follows:
Mainland residents on student status
Applicants may click here for online submission of application and uploading of supporting documents. The completed application forms, i.e. ID 91, and all supporting documents may also be submitted by the applicant to the office below. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the online application form/ application form, i.e. ID 91, must be signed by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian. The form can be obtained free of charge from the ImmD Headquarters or Immigration Branch Offices and can also be downloaded here.
Where to Apply
Quality Migrants and Mainland Residents Section of the Immigration Department
6th Floor, Administration Tower,
Immigration Headquarters,
61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O,
New Territories
Working Hours
8:45 am - 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Dependant
Dependants shall submit applications here and upload all supporting documents. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the online application form must be signed by the applicant's parent or legal guardian.
Eligible applicants may submit the application for extension of stay in person or through his/her authorised representative by making an appointment online here or at (852) 2598 0888.
Routine application will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.
The processing time is subject to the circumstances of individual applications and the number of applications received at the time. A longer processing time may be required during summer rush period between June and August.
Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.
Mainland students and their Dependants
After the receipt of application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire the application status here or through the 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663.
Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.
Non-Mainland Students and their Dependants
This webpage sets out information about extension of stay for non-Mainland residents admitted as student and their dependants.
In general, non-local students admitted to take up studies in full-time locally-accredited local and non-local post-secondary programmes will be granted a length of stay in line with the normal duration of their study programmes, subject to a maximum period of six years upon entry and the validity of the travel document held. For those studying other courses, they will normally be granted permission to stay for 12 months upon entry or in accordance with the duration of their studies, whichever is shorter.
Persons admitted for study may apply for extension of stay, if necessary, within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires to continue their study in the HKSAR. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for study. Extension of stay, if approved, will normally be on a yearly basis or in accordance with the duration of their studies, as appropriate.
A dependant may apply for extension of stay for residence in the HKSAR within four weeks before his/her limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for residence as dependants (including that there is no change in circumstances which would have otherwise resulted in loss of sponsorship for the applicant, e.g. change in marriage relationship between the dependent spouse and the sponsor, or death of sponsor) and the sponsor remains a bona fide Hong Kong resident living in the HKSAR.
Dependants of persons who have been admitted into the HKSAR to take up studies will normally be granted an initial stay of 12 months upon entry which is subject to annual extension upon approval.
Routine applications will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.
The processing time is subject to the circumstances of individual applications and the number of applications received at the time. A longer processing time may be required during summer rush period between June and August.
Non-Mainland Students and their Dependants
Depending on the applicant’s current immigration status, the following forms and documents are required to be submitted or uploaded upon submission of the application:
Non-Mainland Students #
| Forms/Documents Required |
|---|
| Completed form ID 91 (only for persons who submit applications in paper forms) |
| 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 the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable) |
| The applicant’s Hong Kong identity card |
| Current school letter addressed to the Immigration Department confirming that the student requires extension of stay to continue study |
# For applications submitted in paper form, applicants should submit copies of the aforementioned supporting documents.
Dependants (Dependants shall submit applications through the ImmD's online application system and upload the supporting documents listed below.)
| Documents Required |
|---|
| 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 the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable) |
| The applicant’s Hong Kong identity card |
| The sponsor’s valid travel document (showing personal particulars and current permission of stay) |
| Applicant’s birth certificate (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) ^ |
| Applicant’s Form ID 235B (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) ^ |
| Parents’ marriage certificate (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) ^ |
^ For first time application only
Important Notice
Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, applicants and dependants may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.
Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.
It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. To verify the authenticity of the information and documents submitted with a visa application, field visits may be conducted. A person who knowingly and willfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the HKSAR granted shall have no effect.
Applicants must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of application. Applications may be submitted as follows:
Non-Mainland students
Applicants may click here for online submission of application and uploading of supporting documents. The completed application forms, i.e. ID 91, and all supporting documents may also be submitted by the applicant to the office below. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the online application form/ application form, i.e. ID 91, must be signed by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian. The form can be obtained free of charge from the ImmD Headquarters or Immigration Branch Offices and can also be downloaded here.
Where to Apply
Extension Section of the Immigration Department
5th Floor, Administration Tower,
Immigration Headquarters,
61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O,
New Territories
Working Hours
8:45 am-5:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Dependant
Dependants shall submit applications here and upload all supporting documents. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the online application form must be signed by the applicant's parent or legal guardian.
Eligible applicants may submit the application for extension of stay in person or through his/her authorised representative by making an appointment online here or at (852) 2598 0888.
Routine applications will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.
The processing time is subject to the circumstances of individual applications and the number of applications received at the time. A longer processing time may be required during summer rush period between June and August.
Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.
Non-Mainland Students and their Dependants
After the receipt of the application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire their application status here or through the 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663.
Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland e-wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to ”The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region“, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.
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15-12-2025
