Information for Non-local Students

• Definitions of Local and Non-local Students
• Enrolment
• Visa Extension and Reporting
• Reporting Student Status Changes to the Immigration Department
• Change of Visa Type or Residence Status

 

Definitions of Local and Non-local Students

From the 2019/20 academic year onwards¹, persons holding a valid visa/entry permit issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department under the following categories are defined as "non-local students":

• Student visa/entry permit
• Visa/entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
• 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

Persons holding any of the following documents issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department are classified as "local students":

• Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
• Documents issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department certifying the right of abode / right to land in Hong Kong
• Document of Identity / One-way permit for entry to Hong Kong
• Dependant visa / entry permit (for students who were below 18 years old when they were issued with such visa / entry permit by the Director of Immigration)
• Full-time employment visa / work permit (for part-time study)
• Visa / entry permit for Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
• Visa / entry permit for Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
• Visa label for unconditional stay

Please refer to the Rules Governing Enrolment of Local and Non-local Students for more information. If you need any advice on your visa matters, please contact the Immigration Department.

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¹ For students admitted before the 2019/20 academic year, those holding a visa/entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) or a dependant visa/entry permit were defined as "local students" throughout the whole study period.

 

Enrolment

Valid visa/entry permit required upon enrolment

All students must produce appropriate identity document(s) (e.g. a validated visa/entry permit AND the latest landing slip issued at the immigration checkpoint upon entry to Hong Kong) for verification at the time of enrolment.

Since it is by law that people entering Hong Kong as visitors are NOT allowed to study at any school or university, those holding visitor visas or entering Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme will not be accepted for enrolment as a student at the University.

For information and assistance on student visa application, please contact the Global Engagement Office (GEO).

Deadline for enrolment

The deadline for student enrolment at the University is the end date of Week 2 in Semester A, Semester B or the Summer Term as specified in the University's Academic Calendar.  Those who fail to complete enrolment by the specified date will have their studies terminated and the Immigration Department will be informed accordingly.

 

Visa Extension and Reporting

1. Apply for visa/entry permit extension before expiry of limit of stay

   Student visas/entry permits are normally valid through the normal duration of programmes. If the visa expires before graduation, students should apply for an extension of stay to the Immigration Department prior to the expiry of their limit of stay to continue their studies and maintain an active student status.

2. Apply for a letter of certification from SGS

   Student visa holders can apply for a letter of certification for extension of student visa from the SGS Service Counter to support their application to the Immigration Department. The certification letters are normally available for collection/mailing within 7 working days upon receipt of the application. During peak periods such as end of semesters/terms, more time may be required for processing.

   Students holding other types of visa should apply to the Immigration Department directly for extension with appropriate documents.

3. Report new visa information via AIMS

   Once a visa/entry permit is extended, students must report the new visa information to SGS.

   All students with valid visas, except those holding part-time student visas, can update their visa information via AIMS > Personal Information > Visa Information. To enable this AIMS function, students should submit a copy of their Hong Kong Identity Card to the SGS Service Counter.

   Those who are ineligible or unable to use this AIMS function should visit the SGS Service Counter in person and bring along the original copy of their renewed visa/entry permit for verification and records updating.

Reporting Student Status Changes to the Immigration Department

The University is required to report to the Immigration Department any change of student status of student visa holders, including approved periods of leave of absence, suspension of studies, withdrawal of studies and termination of studies.

Change of Visa Type or Residence Status

Students who have changed their visa type (such as from holding a student visa to an employment visa, or vice versa) or residence status during their period of study at the University should report the change to SGS by completing the "Change of Personal Particulars" form and returning it to the SGS Service Counter in person, along with the original supporting document for verification.