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Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

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Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

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Introduction

Eligibility Criteria

(i) Non-local graduates

Non-local graduates here refer to non-local students who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in the HKSAR.

Non-local graduates who submit applications to the Immigration Department (hereafter “ImmD”) within six months after the date of their graduation (i.e. the date shown on their graduation certificates) are classified as non-local recent graduates.

Non-local graduates who submit applications beyond six months of the date of their graduation are classified as non-local non-recent graduates.

Non-local recent graduates who wish to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR are not required to have secured an offer of employment upon application. They may be granted 24 months' stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. Those who intend to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR but have not yet secured graduation results may apply for extension of stay to wait for the promulgation of results. Non-local recent graduates who have not yet obtained their graduation certificate could apply to stay and work by producing proof from the institution confirming that they have graduated.

Non-local non-recent graduates who wish to return to work in the HKSAR are required to secure an offer of employment upon application. The applications will be favourably considered so long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level. They may be granted 24 months' stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met.

(ii) GBA campus graduates

GBA campus graduates here refer to persons who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time programme offered by a higher education institution in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area jointly established by universities of the Mainland and Hong Kong in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Cooperation in Running Schools.

GBA campus graduates who submit applications to the ImmD within six months after the date of their graduation (i.e. the date shown on their graduation certificates) are classified as GBA campus recent graduates.

GBA campus graduates who submit applications beyond six months of the date of their graduation are classified as GBA campus non-recent graduates.

GBA campus recent graduates who wish to apply to come and work in the HKSAR are not required to have secured an offer of employment upon application. They may be granted 24 months’ stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. GBA campus recent graduates who have not yet obtained their graduation certificate could apply to come and work by producing proof from the institution confirming that they have graduated.

GBA campus non-recent graduates who wish to come to work in the HKSAR are required to secure an offer of employment upon application. The applications will be favourably considered so long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level. They may be granted 24 months’ stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met.

In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR, he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work in the HKSAR. While each application is determined on its individual merits, an applicant should meet normal immigration requirements (such as holding a valid travel document with adequate returnability to his/her country of residence or citizenship; be of clear criminal record and raise no security or criminal concerns to the HKSAR; have no likelihood of becoming a burden on the HKSAR, etc.) as well as the relevant specific eligibility criteria detailed above before he/she may be considered for the grant of a visa/entry permit. It should be noted that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change from time to time without prior notice.

Entry of Dependants

Applicants admitted or seeking admission under the IANG may apply to bring their spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration ^{Note 2} and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to the HKSAR under the prevailing dependant policy. Persons admitted or applying for admission under the IANG will be the sponsors of their accompanying dependants to the HKSAR. An application for admission of a dependant may be favourably considered if normal immigration requirements and the following criteria are met:

there is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the dependant and the sponsor;
there is no known record to the detriment of the dependant; and
the sponsor is able to support the dependant's living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide him/her with suitable accommodation in the HKSAR.

This entry arrangement does not apply to:

former Mainland Chinese residents residing in the Macao Special Administrative Region (hereafter “SAR”) who have obtained Macao identity cards for less than seven years, unless they have acquired residence in the Macao SAR through the One-way Permit Scheme; and
nationals of Afghanistan and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of).

The length of stay of such dependants will normally be linked to that of their sponsors. Any subsequent applications for extension of stay will be considered only when the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for residence as dependants (including that there is no change in circumstances which would have otherwise resulted in loss of sponsorship for the applicant, e.g. change in marriage relationship between the dependent spouse and the sponsor, or death of sponsor) and the sponsor remains a bona fide Hong Kong resident living in the HKSAR. These dependants are not prohibited from taking up employment or studies in the HKSAR under the existing policy.

Note 2:

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “civil partnership” and “civil union” above mean a legal institution of a nature which is akin to spousal relationship in a marriage. The same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership and opposite-sex civil union entered into in accordance with laws outside Hong Kong are limited to only relationships which are legally and officially recognised in the places of celebration. Such relationships normally have the following features: (a) the entering into and dissolution of the relationship are governed by legislation of the place where it is entered into; (b) the relationship requires registration by the competent authority specified by the legislation of the place where it is entered into; (c) the registration is evidenced in a written instrument issued by the competent authority; and (d) parties to the relationship have a mutual commitment to a shared life akin to spouses to the exclusion of others on a permanent basis. Such relationships do not include de facto spouse, partners in cohabitation, fiancé/fiancée, etc.

Processing Time

Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

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Supporting Documents

A. Documents to be uploaded by the applicant

Documents Required
The applicant's recent photograph
The applicant's valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable). For an applicant who is currently staying in the HKSAR, his/her valid travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable). A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit his/her People's Republic of China resident identity card.
The applicant's Hong Kong identity card (if any)
Official transcript of academic records, graduation certificate or supporting letter from the degree awarding institution showing the applicant's attainment of undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in the HKSAR or in a full-time programme offered by a higher education institution in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area jointly established by universities of the Mainland and Hong Kong in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Cooperation in Running Schools.
Letter of consent from the applicant's present working unit or relevant Mainland authorities (Annex of ID 991) [for Mainland residents only]
The applicant’s Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR and Macao identity card [for Macao SAR residents only]
The applicant's household registration transcript in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only]
Proof of the applicant's overseas residence, such as official documents showing the applicant's conditions of stay and limit of stay endorsed by overseas authorities [for overseas Chinese holding People’s Republic of China (hereafter “PRC”) passports only]

B. Documents to be uploaded by employing company

Documents Required
The company's employment contract with or letter of appointment to the applicant containing information about post, salary, other fringe benefits and employment period
The Business Registration Certificate^
Proof of financial standing (e.g. latest audited financial report, trading profit and loss account, or profit tax return)^
Detailed business plan (e.g. information on source of funds, estimated capital injection, nature/mode of business activities, expected turnover, sales volume, gross and net profit in the coming years, and proposed creation of local job posts, etc.) [for companies newly set up within 12 months only]^

^ Submission of the documents is not required if the employing company is listed on the Main Board or the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, or has successfully obtained an employment or training visa/entry permit for a non-local staff in the past 24 months immediately before submission of the application.

C. Documents to be uploaded by each accompanying dependant of an applicant for entry under the IANG

Documents Required
The dependant's recent photograph
The dependant's valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable). For a dependant who is currently staying in the HKSAR, his/her valid travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable). A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit his/her People's Republic of China resident identity card.
Evidence of the applicant's relationship with the dependant e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, family photographs, family letters (with envelopes), census record book and Privilege Card for Single Child (if applicable)
The dependant’s Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR and Macao identity card [for Macao SAR residents only]
The dependant's household registration transcript in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only]
Proof of the dependant’s overseas residence, such as official documents showing the dependant's conditions of stay and limit of stay endorsed by overseas authorities [for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only]

Important Notice
Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, applicants, accompanying dependants and employing companies may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.

Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.

Warning

Submission of Application

Processing Time

Payment of Fees

Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

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Online ／ 24-hour Telephone Enquiry on Application Status

Payment of Fees

Travel Documentation Requirement

Extension of Stay

Conditions of Stay

Re-entry into the HKSAR

Right of Abode

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Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates Entrants and their Dependants

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Introduction

Eligibility Criteria

Persons admitted under the IANG will normally be granted an initial stay of 24 months on time limitation only without other conditions of stay upon entry. They may apply for extension of stay in the HKSAR within four weeks before their limit of stay expires. Upon applying for extension, non-local graduates / GBA campus graduates are required to have secured an offer of employment which is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level. For those who have established or joined in business in the HKSAR, they are required to produce proof of their business. Successful applicants will normally be permitted to remain on time limitation only without other conditions of stay on the 3-3 year pattern.

Persons admitted under the IANG who meet the criteria stipulated in the above paragraph, and fulfil the following criteria at the time of application for extension of stay may apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream:

the applicant has been permitted to remain in the HKSAR under IANG for not less than two years; and
the applicant has an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of assessment ^Note.

Successful applicants will normally be granted an extension of stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay for a period of six years.

A dependant may apply for extension of stay for residence in the HKSAR within four weeks before his/her limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for residence as dependants (including that there is no change in circumstances which would have otherwise resulted in loss of sponsorship for the applicant, e.g. change in marriage relationship between the dependent spouse and the sponsor, or death of sponsor) and the sponsor remains a bona fide Hong Kong resident living in the HKSAR.

The length of stay of dependants of persons who are permitted to remain in the HKSAR as entrants under the IANG will normally be linked to that of their sponsors.

Note:
Applicants should provide documentary proof of having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of assessment, e.g. notice of salaries tax assessment of the previous assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents.

Processing Time

Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates Entrants and their Dependants

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Supporting Documents

Depending on the applicant’s current immigration status, the following documents are required upon online submission of the application:

Entrants admitted under the IANG

For applicants admitted as a non-local recent graduate / GBA campus recent graduate under IANG

the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable);
the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card;
supporting documents listed in Part VII(B) of the Guidebook for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong [ID(E) 991] (for first time extension and subsequent extension with change of employer);
supporting letter from the current employer stating the applicant’s position, total monthly remuneration and period of employment (for subsequent extension without change of employer); and
documentary proof of applicant having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, e.g. notice of salaries assessment of the previous tax assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents (applicable to those who apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream ^Note).

For applicants admitted as a non-local non-recent graduate/GBA campus non-recent graduate under IANG

the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable);
the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card;
supporting documents listed in Part VII(B) of the Guidebook for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong [ID(E) 991] (for applications with change of employer);
supporting letter from the current employer stating the applicant’s position, total monthly remuneration and period of employment (for applications without change of employer); and
documentary proof of applicant having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, e.g. notice of salaries assessment of the previous tax assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents (applicable to those who apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream ^Note).

Note:
Persons admitted under the IANG who meet the criteria stipulated in extension of stay under IANG and fulfil the following criteria at the time of application for extension of stay may apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream:

the applicant has been permitted to remain in the HKSAR under IANG for not less than two years; and
the applicant has an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of assessment.

Dependants

the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable);
the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card;
the sponsor’s valid travel document (showing personal particulars and current permission of stay);
applicant’s birth certificate (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only ^);
applicant’s Form ID 235B and/or travel document (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only ^); and
parents’ marriage certificate (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only ^).

^ For first time application only

Important Notice

Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, the applicants, dependants and employing companies may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.

Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.

Warning

Submission of Application

Processing Time

Payment of Fees