Studying in Hong Kong: Student Visas, Working During Studies, and Staying After Graduation (IANG) – Three Things Mainland Students Need to Know

When applying for undergraduate or graduate programs in Hong Kong, beyond selecting schools and submitting applications, mainland students need to clarify three key issues in advance: how to obtain a student visa, whether they can work during their studies, and how to stay in Hong Kong after graduation. The regulations for these matters are set by the Hong Kong Immigration Department and depend directly on the type of program you enroll in. This article breaks down each point based on the official guidelines from the Immigration Department.

1. First, Clarify: Local vs. Non-local Programs

The Immigration Department's regulations frequently use two terms: "local programs" (programs where degrees are awarded by Hong Kong institutions themselves) and "non-local programs" (programs awarded by overseas institutions but offered in Hong Kong). For mainland students, the following rights are tied to this distinction:

• Part-time and summer jobs during studies apply to local programs;
• The IANG post-graduation stay arrangement requires graduation from a locally accredited program at an authorized institution.

Therefore, when selecting a program, you must confirm whether it is a "full-time, locally assessed local program." A single university may offer both local programs and non-local programs jointly run with overseas institutions, so be sure to clarify this with the school before applying.

2. Student Visa: University Sponsorship, About Six Weeks

For mainland residents coming to Hong Kong to study, eligible programs include: full-time locally assessed post-secondary programs (local or non-local), part-time locally assessed taught postgraduate local programs, exchange programs, and certain full-time short-term programs.

Key information:

• Sponsor: A local sponsor is required, which can be the admitting university or an individual. If sponsored by the university, no additional financial proof from the sponsor is needed.
• Processing Time: Initial applications typically take about six weeks after all documents are received; processing may take longer during the peak summer season (June to August).
• Length of Stay: For full-time post-secondary programs, it is generally granted based on the normal duration of the program, up to a maximum of 6 years (also subject to the validity of your travel document).
• Travel Documents: Upon approval, mainland residents must also apply to the relevant mainland authorities for the Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao and the corresponding endorsement, which must be presented along with the e-visa upon entry.
• Extension: If you need to extend your stay, apply within four weeks before your current limit expires, with a certificate of continued enrollment issued by the university.

Visa fees and specific forms are subject to the guidelines on the Immigration Department's website and your university. Submit your application as early as possible after receiving your admission offer to allow ample time for the six-week processing and endorsement procedures.

3. Can You Work During Your Studies?

According to the Immigration Department, non-local students enrolled in full-time, locally assessed, undergraduate or above, local programs with a normal duration of at least one academic year (excluding exchange students):

• May take up part-time on-campus employment, not exceeding 20 hours per week;
• May work during the summer vacation from June 1 to August 31 each year, with no restrictions on working hours or location;
• Additionally, the Immigration Department currently grants a temporary exemption from the above employment restrictions for these students, allowing them to work in Hong Kong during their limit of stay (or within the validity period specified in the "No Objection Letter," whichever is shorter).

In addition, students enrolled in undergraduate or above programs with a normal duration of at least one academic year (local or non-local programs) may participate in academic-related internships arranged or endorsed by the university, for a period of up to one academic year or one-third of the normal program duration, whichever is shorter.

The specific types of work permitted are detailed individually in the "No Objection Letter" (NOL) issued by the Immigration Department to each eligible student. Refer strictly to the letter you receive and do not make assumptions. The "temporary exemption" is a temporary arrangement subject to change, so it is best to double-check with your university before starting work.

4. Staying in Hong Kong After Graduation: IANG

The "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates" (IANG) is the primary pathway for mainland students to stay in Hong Kong after graduation. According to the Immigration Department's page updated in April 2026:

• Who can apply: Graduates who have completed full-time bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs (or equivalent qualifications) lasting at least one academic year, locally assessed at authorized institutions in Hong Kong; graduates who have obtained a bachelor's degree or above from full-time programs at higher education institutions in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area are also eligible.
• Recent graduates: Those who apply within six months of graduation do not need to have secured employment beforehand.
• Applying more than six months after graduation (returning to Hong Kong for employment) requires securing a job offer first.
• Initial stay: Upon approval, you can stay for 24 months, with no other conditions of stay attached besides the time limit.
• Extension: When applying for an extension, you must have a job typically held by degree holders, with remuneration at market level; extensions are generally granted on a "3+3 years" basis. Those who have worked in Hong Kong for two years or more and earn an annual salary of HKD 2 million or above can apply for a longer 6-year extension.

In other words, the six months following graduation is the most flexible window to apply for IANG: no job offer is required, and you can take your time finding a job after securing the 24-month stay. If you miss this window, you must secure a job offer before applying.

How to Plan Your Timeline

1. When selecting schools: Confirm whether the target program is a full-time, locally assessed local program, as this determines your work arrangements during studies and your eligibility for IANG after graduation.
2. After receiving admission: Submit your student visa application through the university as soon as possible, allowing about six weeks for processing; upon approval, apply for your travel permit and endorsement.
3. After enrollment: Pay attention to the "No Objection Letter" from the university and the Immigration Department, and take up part-time jobs or internships according to the conditions stated in the letter.
4. Before graduation: Prepare your IANG documents and submit them within six months after graduation.

Final Thoughts

For mainland students, Hong Kong offers the advantage of being close to home, and many taught master's programs have shorter durations. The IANG also gives graduates two years to find a job in Hong Kong. However, these benefits are built on the foundation of "choosing the right program and handling procedures on time." Asking about the program's nature when selecting schools and keeping the six-month window in mind before graduation can save you a lot of trouble.

If you are considering undergraduate or master's programs in Hong Kong and are unsure about school selection, program categories, or post-graduation planning, feel free to chat with our admissions counselors first.

Verification Note: The entry requirements, sponsorship, processing times, length of stay, travel documents, on-campus work arrangements, and IANG rules in this article were verified against the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department on September 26, 2026 (the IANG page was updated on April 29, 2026). The "temporary exemption from employment restrictions" is a temporary arrangement and policies are subject to change; please refer to the latest announcements from the Immigration Department and university guidelines before proceeding.

References:

• Hong Kong Immigration Department: Entry for Study (Visas for Studying in Hong Kong, Work Arrangements During Studies)
• Hong Kong Immigration Department: Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)