Edit Guide Visa
Any person who does not have the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong but wants to come to Hong Kong for education must apply for a student VISA or an entry permit for study (applies to students who are from mainland China and Taiwan) before entering Hong Kong.
No visa or entry permit is required for any purpose if you hold any of the following travel documents:
. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport,
. British National (Overseas) Passport (max 180 days),
. Hong Kong Certificate of Identity,
. Hong Kong Re-entry permit (for entry from the Mainland of China and the Macao Special Administrative Region only),
. Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes provided that the document is valid or the holder's limit of stay in Hong Kong has not expired.
. Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card.
. Others, please refer to part I of this page.
For more information on VISA-free periods for your country and VISA requirements, visit this page.
Most students going to Hong Kong have to apply for a study VISA. You will also have to nominate a local sponsor who can be the educational institution granting the acceptance or a local individual that should be:
a. of the age of 18 or above;
b. a bona fide Hong Kong resident;
c. acquainted with the applicant; and
d. financially capable to support the applicant and provide him/her with accommodation.
PolyU can be used as your local sponsor and send all required documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department on your behalf if you have been accepted by the University to study in:
· a full-time degree programme at bachelor’s degree or above level;
· a part-time taught postgraduate programme;
· a full-time exchange study programme for not more than one year at bachelor’s degree or above level; or
· a full-time short-term course at bachelor’s degree or above level. The cumulative duration of such short-term studies shall not exceed 180 days within any 12-month period if the student is a permanent resident of mainland China, Macao or Taiwan.
**Remember to complete your visa application form and send it in together with your application. It usually takes 4 - 6 weeks to process a visa application. When the visa is issued, IAO will collect it and send it to the address as indicated on your online Application. Please inform IAO immediately if you have changed your address
Exchange students are not permitted to engage in any employment, either paid or unpaid during your stay in Hong Kong.
Required documents:
One duly completed visa application form. (Hong Kong Student Visa Application Form)
One recently taken 2X2 inch photo showing entire face without any headdress. Affix the photo to the application form
Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application
Original letter of acceptance by university
Current bank statements for the past 3 consecutive months that can show the applicant has adequate funds to cover the duration of his/her stay in Hong Kong
Round trip airline ticket and hotel reservation
Original and copy of re-entry permit to Singapore (Applicable to Singapore PR ONLY)
Hong Kong Identity Card (if needed)
Any visitor to Hong Kong who intends to stay for a period of more than 180 days is required by law to apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card at the Registration of Persons Office of the Immigration Department.
For more information on immigration guidelines for entry to Hong Kong, you can visit the country’s Immigration Department website here!
For Singapore Citizens:
Cost & Payment:
o Handling fee: SGD $30 for each application
o Visa fee: SGD $50
How to apply:
Applicants can apply their VISA either through the Chinese embassy in Singapore or directly via Hong Kong Immigration.
Where to apply:
The Chinese embassy
150 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247969
Approximately 10 minutes’ walk away from Orchard MRT station
Flying Chalks’ tip:
As application process could take 6 weeks or even longer, do file your application for the student VISA early!