Direct answer
The Hong Kong student visa is sponsored by your university. You need to fill out form ID 995A (or ID 995B for applicants from mainland China). Processing takes 4–6 weeks, costs HK$230, and is valid for the duration of your course plus one month. Mainland Chinese students must obtain the visa before entering Hong Kong.
What is a Hong Kong Student Visa and why must international students apply?
A Hong Kong Student Visa is an entry permit issued by the Immigration Department (immd.gov.hk) that allows non-local students to pursue full-time studies in Hong Kong. Unlike mainland China, Hong Kong does not have a residence permit system; international students must hold a valid student visa to legally stay and attend classes.
Students from mainland China fall under the “non-local student” category. Applying for a Hong Kong student visa is not only a prerequisite for entering campus but also determines your legal period of stay. Regardless of whether you are enrolling in an undergraduate, master’s, or diploma program, you must first obtain a student visa before you can set foot in Hong Kong. According to 2024 public statistics on Hong Kong further education, the average approval period for student visas was 5.2 weeks. Applicants who submitted materials more than 6 weeks in advance were approved the fastest (3.8 weeks), while those who rushed their submissions faced waiting times of up to 8.3 weeks.
Application forms and the sponsorship system
Application forms: ID 995A vs ID 995B
The Immigration Department website (immd.gov.hk) provides two application forms:
| Form | Applicable to | Download link | Submission method |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID 995A | Non-mainland China applicants | immd.gov.hk | Submitted by the university or by post |
| ID 995B | Mainland China applicants | immd.gov.hk | Submitted by the university (mandatory) |
Key note: Mainland Chinese students must fill out ID 995B, and the admitting university will submit it to the Immigration Department on your behalf. Students cannot submit the application themselves. This is because mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong must comply with national exit and entry regulations, and the university acts as the sponsor to verify identity and integrity.
The sponsor role: University = legal guarantor
The student visa operates on a “sponsorship system.” Your admitting university acts as the sponsor, guaranteeing to the Immigration Department that:
- You have been genuinely admitted, and the course duration and fees are accurate.
- You have a legitimate student status with no criminal record.
- You have sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses.
After the university submits your ID 995B on your behalf, you will typically receive a “Sponsorship Letter” or “Reference Letter” to track your application status. If the university has concerns about your student status (e.g., overdue fees, academic dishonesty), it can report this to the Immigration Department, potentially affecting visa approval or renewal.
Application process and timeline
Standard process (4 steps)
Step 1: Receive a Conditional Offer
- The university will indicate that a student visa is required for enrollment.
Step 2: Prepare application materials; the university assists with form completion
- ID 995B form (the university usually provides a template)
- Scanned copy of the admission letter
- Financial proof (see below)
- Scanned copies of ID card and passport
Step 3: The university submits to the Immigration Department
- The university’s international student office collects all applications.
- Submissions are usually made in batches 2–3 months before the academic year starts.
- You can track progress via the Immigration Department’s student visa enquiry system or using the reference number provided by the university.
Step 4: Visa approval and activation before entering Hong Kong
- The Immigration Department issues an “In-Principle Approval” or visa label.
- Upon first entry, activate the visa at Hong Kong International Airport to receive a “Student Label.”
- You can then stay in Hong Kong.
Processing time: 4–6 weeks (official estimate)
The Immigration Department’s official processing time is 4 weeks, but it often takes 5–6 weeks. During peak periods (September for the new academic year), it can take up to 8 weeks. Recommendations:
- Prepare materials 3 months in advance.
- Follow up proactively after the university submits (check once a week).
- Do not wait until the week before classes start.
Validity and entry deadline
- Validity: Course duration + usually 1 month
- Example: 2-year master’s program → visa valid for approximately 2 years and 1 month.
- Example: 4-year undergraduate program → visa valid for approximately 4 years and 1 month.
- Entry deadline: The In-Principle Approval is typically valid for 12 months.
- You must enter Hong Kong with your passport and the In-Principle Approval within this period.
- If it expires, you must reapply.
Required documents checklist
| Category | Document | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity documents | Passport | Valid for at least 6 months |
| ID card | Copy of mainland China resident ID card | |
| Academic | Admission letter | Scanned copy, must include university contact details |
| Financial proof | Bank deposit certificate | Sufficient to cover 1 year of tuition + living expenses (approx. HK$400,000–800,000) |
| Source of funds statement | If funded by parents, include proof of relationship (birth certificate/household registration) | |
| Health | Medical examination report | Required by some universities; not needed if not requested |
| Character | Criminal record check | Not required for Chinese citizens; the Immigration Department checks directly |
Key points for financial proof:
- The account must be in the applicant’s name or that of an immediate family member (parents).
- The funds should be frozen for at least 6 months (covering the first half-year after enrollment).
- Stocks, property deeds, etc., are not accepted; only bank deposits are valid.
- Amount = annual tuition + annual living expenses × number of course years (conservative estimate: HK$450,000/year).
Student visa fee
Applying for a student visa costs HK$230 (same price for initial application and renewal). Some universities collect this fee on your behalf, while others require you to pay it directly. Confirm who is responsible for the fee to avoid any issues.
What can you do with a valid student visa?
With a valid student visa, you can:
- ✓ Pursue full-time studies in Hong Kong (at least 18 hours of classes per week).
- ✓ Work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during term time; full-time during holidays).
- ✓ Participate in university-approved internships.
- ✗ Engage in full-time work unrelated to your course.
If you wish to stay and work in Hong Kong after your course, you must apply for an IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates) visa, rather than continuing to use your student visa.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I apply for a student visa myself?
A: No. Mainland Chinese students must have their university act as the sponsor and submit form ID 995B to the Immigration Department. Students cannot submit the application themselves.
Q: What if my visa is rejected?
A: You can appeal to the Immigration Department (see our article on visa rejections). Common reasons include insufficient funds, false information, or character issues. Appeal fees are additional; consulting an immigration lawyer is recommended.
Q: If I change universities or programs while in Hong Kong, is my visa still valid?
A: No, it does not automatically transfer. You must notify your original university and the Immigration Department, and reapply for a new student visa sponsored by the new university.
Q: Will my visa be cancelled if I haven’t paid my tuition fees?
A: Yes, the university has the right to report overdue fees to the Immigration Department, which could lead to visa cancellation or renewal refusal. Pay your fees on time.
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