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Changes in visa status or expiry of an existing visa may require students to submit a fresh application for a student visa. Current students may apply for a student visa through the University, with the Academic Registry acting as the sponsor.
To apply, students should submit their application in hard copy to the Academic Registry either by courier or in person during office hours. All required documents will be reviewed and forwarded to the Hong Kong Immigration Department by the Academic Registry. The normal processing time for a student visa is approximately 6 weeks, according to the Immigration Department.
Students who are currently outside Hong Kong are advised to submit their application approximately 8 weeks prior to their intended entry into Hong Kong.
Relevant information regarding an entry visa can be obtained at the website of Immigration Department HKSAR at http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/study.html#secondTab.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Completed Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (ID 995A)
One recent photograph affixed to page 2 of the application form
Copy of the applicant’s travel document (showing personal particulars, issue/expiry dates, and re-entry visa if applicable)
If currently in Hong Kong:
Photocopy of the travel document page showing the latest arrival stamp / extension of stay label
Copy of the latest issued e-Visa (if applicable)
For Mainland Chinese applicants who have not been issued with a travel document:
Copy of the PRC Resident Identity Card
Copy of the Hong Kong Identity Card (if applicable)
Proof of financial support, such as bank statements, savings passbooks, tax receipts, salary slips.
If sponsored, sponsorship letter signed by the sponsor / parent and a copy of the sponsor’s identity document (with signature). [Sample]
Students must ensure that all sections of the application form are fully completed and signed before submission.
Applications should be submitted by courier or in person to:
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Academic Registry
1/F Academic Building, Lifts 17–18
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
(Attn: Program Registration)
Tel: +852 2358 8618
Upon receipt of complete application documents, the Academic Registry will issue the Sponsor Form (ID 995B) and a supporting letter for the visa application.
The total fee for a new student visa application is HKD 660, which includes:
Visa Application Fee (payable to the Academic Registry)
Visa Fee (payable to the HKSAR Immigration Department)
Further payment instructions are provided below.
| Fee Type | Payment Instructions | Fee Amount |
| Visa Application Fee (To be paid to the Academic Registry) |
Before submitting your visa application to the Academic Registry, you should settle the Visa Application Fee online in the “Student Center” via Student Intranet. Please attach a screenshot or printout of the payment proof together with the visa application documents. Payment steps: 1) Go to Finances Section 2) Select “Miscellaneous Purchases” 3) Select “Purchase Items” 4) Select “ARO Visa Application Fee” |
$330 |
| Visa Fee (To be paid by the student to the Immigration Department direct) |
After your application for student visa is approved, you will receive an email notification with instructions for payment of the Visa Fee. You should complete the payment online via the Immigration Department website. After payment, you can instantly download or print your “e-visa” from the Immigration Department webpage. |
$330 |
| Total | $660 |
Note: If your access to SIS is suspended due to visa issue, please settle the visa fee and submit the payment proof after obtaining the student visa.