Hong Kong Student Visa
A Hong Kong Student Visa (formally a Visa/Entry Permit for Study) is issued by the Immigration Department (ImmD) to non-local students admitted to take up full-time studies at a recognised Hong Kong institution. It applies to students entering local degree programmes, non-local programmes delivered in Hong Kong, exchange programmes, and other accredited courses, and is required by every non-local student regardless of their country of origin.
Applicants generally need a local sponsor, which can be either the admitting educational institution or an individual, using Application Forms ID 995A (applicant) and ID 995B (sponsor). Many universities and colleges handle much of the coordination on behalf of admitted students, but the responsibility for ensuring the application is complete and submitted in time ultimately rests with the individual student.
Students in full-time, locally-accredited local or non-local post-secondary programmes are normally granted a length of stay matching their programme duration, up to a maximum of six years upon entry. Students on other courses are typically granted 12 months or the course duration, whichever is shorter. As with all categories, approval is determined solely by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a confirmed offer of admission to a recognised Hong Kong institution for a full-time programme.
- Applicant must have a valid travel document with adequate returnability to their country of residence or citizenship.
- Applicant must have a clear criminal record and raise no security concerns.
- Applicant must nominate a local sponsor — the educational institution or an individual — to support the application.
- Applicant must not be likely to become a burden on Hong Kong’s public funds.
- This entry arrangement generally does not apply to certain excluded nationalities for non-locally-accredited courses, as set out by the Immigration Department; applicants should confirm current exclusions before applying.
- Accompanying dependants, if any, must each complete their portion of the relevant application form.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (HK$) |
| Student Visa/Entry Permit Application Fee | HK$330 (revised from HK$230, effective 8 September 2025) |
This fee reflects the Immigration Department’s standard ordinary visa fee, which was revised for new entry visa and visa extension applications, including student visas. Many institutions bear or advance this fee on behalf of first-time applicants as part of their admissions process, so confirm the arrangement with your institution. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Always confirm the current fee on immd.gov.hk, and note that exchange rates fluctuate daily.
Hong Kong Student Visa Processing Time
The Immigration Department states it normally takes six weeks to process a visa/entry permit application for study once all required documents have been received. Institutions and students are strongly advised to apply as far in advance as possible, since processing cannot begin until the complete set of documents and information has been submitted.
Some universities note that the overall process — including internal document checks by the admitting institution before submission to ImmD — can take longer than the six-week ImmD benchmark alone, particularly if supporting documents are incomplete on first submission. Mainland Chinese applicants should also factor in additional time for the Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) and the relevant exit endorsement. Students should apply as soon as possible after accepting their offer of admission, and avoid finalising travel plans until the visa/entry permit is confirmed. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid Passport or travel document
- Passport-sized Photograph (affixed to the application form as specified)
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form ID 995A, plus Form ID 995B completed by the local sponsor)
- Government Fee Receipt
- Admission Letter / Proof of Offer from the Hong Kong institution
- Proof of Financial Means to support tuition and living costs
- Proof of Accommodation arrangements in Hong Kong
- Academic Transcripts / Prior Qualifications, where required by the institution
- Parental Authorisation of the sponsor (for applicants under 18, or as required)
- Previous Passports (if applicable)
- Supporting Documents for any accompanying dependants
Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Hong Kong Student Visa Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
A Hong Kong Student Visa application depends on close coordination between your admission process and the required immigration documentation, and the standard six-week ImmD processing window leaves little room for last-minute gaps. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support, a clear Eligibility Assessment, and thorough Application Review to help keep your application on track from acceptance to arrival.
We provide Personalized Guidance suited to your institution and programme, backed by a Transparent Process and End-to-End Assistance. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Hong Kong Immigration Department, but we help ensure nothing is missing from your application.