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20 May, 2014
The University of Hong Kong
Centre of Development and Resources for Students
Student Visa Matters


Section 1 Frequently Asked Questions on General Policy

Q1 Can I study in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR)?

With effect from 2005, The Hong Kong Immigration policy on education stipulates
that nationals from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic
People's Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam are not allowed to undertake studies in
HKSAR.

Part-time programme
If you are admitted to a part-time programme, the Hong Kong Immigration
Department will still accept your entry student visa application. They however will
take the actual teaching dates of your programmes into consideration during the
assessment stage. It is very likely that the Hong Kong Immigration Department will
only permit you to stay in Hong Kong as a student on those dates that you need to
attend classes at the university. For the rest of the week, you are expected to leave
the HKSAR territory and return to your city of domicile.


Q2 Do I need to apply for a HKSAR student visa?

All visitors who do not have a right of abode in Hong Kong are required to apply for
a student visa. The general rule is that if you are not in possession of a "Permanent
Hong Kong Identity Card" (as distinguished from a "Hong Kong Identity Card"), you
have to apply for a HKSAR student visa for the purpose of education.

Mainland students enrolled in taught postgraduate courses, undergraduate courses,
exchange and short term programmes should apply to the China Affairs Office
(Email: visaapp@hku.hk ) for visa sponsorship.

Overseas exchange or visiting students whose courses commence in September
can start sending in student visa applications in April. For those whose courses
commence in J anuary can start sending in applications in September of the
previous year.

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Q3 I have checked that I dont have to apply for an entry visa to HKSAR,
do I still need to apply for a student visa?

While HKSAR government allows some nationals entering Hong Kong without
having any ENTRY visa, you are still required to apply for a STUDENT visa if you
intend to undertake educational activities including elective attachments, exchange
studies, summer programmes, full-degree programmes in Hong Kong. You are
expected to apply for a HKSAR student visa irrespective of the duration of your
educational activity or programme.


Q4 Am I allowed working while I am studying at HKU?

Go to Q 52


Q5 Can I continue to stay in Hong Kong after termination of my studies?

Go to Q 55


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20 May, 2014
Section 2 Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application
Procedure (Overseas Nationals, PRC Nationals, Taiwan Nationals)


Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Procedure (For
Overseas Nationals)

Q6 Where can I submit my student visa application documents?

You can submit your official student visa application documents to the Hong Kong
Immigration Department via two channels.

Option 1: through the Centre of Development and Resources for Students
(CEDARS), The University of Hong Kong (HKU) or

Option 2: through your local Chinese Embassy (not applicable to applicants of
summer and elective programmes)

Q7 How to apply?

Option 1: Applying through the Centre of Development and Resources for
Students, HKU (CEDARS, HKU)

Step 1
You can mail your completed student visa application set to the Centre of
Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS), 3/F Meng Wah Complex,
The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.

Step 2
Once your student visa application set have reached CEDARS, we will send you an
email acknowledgment.

Step 3
Upon receipt of a photocopy of your admission letter and complete application set,
CEDARS will act as your visa sponsor and forward your complete visa application
document set to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The Hong Kong
Immigration Department will inform CEDARS of your student visa application result
in around 6 - 8 weeks. If Hong Kong Immigration Department approve your student
visa application, CEDARS will pick up the visa label and courier it to you. CEDARS
will confirm the delivery address with you via email before arranging courier service.

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20 May, 2014
Step 4
After receiving your student visa label, you must stick it onto your passport page
before landing at Hong Kong.

Option 2: Applying through your local Chinese Embassy

Step 1
Once you have received your official letter of admission, you have to request
CEDARS to be your visa sponsor. The application should be sent to CEDARS at
3/F Meng Wah Complex, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong
Kong.

Step 2
If we agreed to be your visa sponsor, CEDARS will email you a copy of the
supporting letter in Chinese.

Step 3
Along with CEDARSs supporting letter, you can forward your official visa
application set to your local Chinese Embassy. They will pass your visa application
to the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) in accordance to their schedule.
The HKID will then draw references from CEDARS, HKU and send your visa
application result to your local Chinese Embassy. Your local Chinese Embassy is
responsible for informing you of the result and passing you the student visa label.
The processing time for the Hong Kong Immigration Department is around 6 8
weeks. You also need to take into account additional processing time by the
Chinese Embassy, which varies with Embassy.

As it usually takes longer to apply for student visa through your local Chinese
Embassy, please allow more time for your application. You are responsible to
monitor the progress and result of your student visa application.

Summer Programmes and Elective Attachments
Due to the time constraints, students of summer programmes should email us
(evapft@hku.hk) all the completed forms and supporting documents first. We shall
go over them and make sure everything is in good order before asking you to send
us the signed originals by post. Please spare 6 - 8 weeks for the process.

Please note that as recommended by the Hong Kong Immigration Department,
students of summer programmes and short courses (including elective attachments)
should lodge their student visa applications via CEDARS, instead of the local
Chinese Embassy.
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20 May, 2014

Your passport / travel document is required to have at least two months validity
beyond the programme completion date.


Q8 How do I know my student visa status is validated?

Show your visa label to the officer at the Immigration checkpoint at the Hong Kong
airport. Please ensure that the Immigration staff has issued you with a landing slip.

The landing slip is your student visa. Please check the following information
listed on it:
1) Student Permitted to remain until dd/mm/yyyy
2) Studying the approved course at THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
3) Your English name
4) Travel document number
5) Arrival date

You are advised to staple the landing slip (your student visa) to your passport
and NOT TO LOSE IT during your stay in Hong Kong. You will need to provide
it for your student visa extension application (if applicable).

For details, please see
http://www.immd.gov.hk/en/topical/non-stamping-immigration-clearance.html

It is the responsibility of individual students to maintain a valid and legitimate visa
status throughout their studies at HKU. Should there be any circumstantial or
personal changes leading to the termination of the students prevailing visa status,
the concerned student is required to report the changes immediately to the Hong
Kong Immigration Department and to apply for a fresh visa for study. Pursuing
study without a valid visa is a breach of the law.


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Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Procedure (For PRC
Nationals)


Q9 Where can I submit my student visa application?

You can submit your official student visa application documents via the Centre of
Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS), The University of Hong Kong,
who will act as your student visa sponsor.


Q10 How to apply?

Once you have received your official letter of admission (including the conditional
offer letter), you can submit your visa documentation to the Centre of Development
and Resources for Students (CEDARS). CEDARS will send an acknowledgement
email to you as soon as possible. If your visa document set is complete, CEDARS
will forward your visa documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for
processing. The Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) normally takes 6 - 8
weeks to process your visa application.

If HKID has approved your visa application, CEDARS will pick up the visa label and
courier it to you. CEDARS will confirm the delivery address with you before
arranging for the courier service. After receiving the visa label issued by the Hong
Kong Immigration Department, you then need to approach your local police unit to
seek their endorsement () of your student visa application. You are also
required to apply for an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and
Macao () to HKSAR. Experiences tell that your local police unit
may take another 2 4 weeks processing time.

Q11 I have only received a conditional offer letter of admission at this
moment, can I apply for a student visa now?

If you are initially offered with a conditional admission, you can still forward your
visa application documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department via
CEDARS. If the Hong Kong Immigration Department approved your student visa
application, CEDARS will only pick up your student visa label upon receipt of a copy
of your confirmed notice of admission.



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Q12 How do I know my student visa status is validated?

Show your visa label to the officer at the Hong Kong Immigration checkpoint at the
entry port. Please ensure that the Immigration staff has issued you with a landing
slip.

The landing slip is your student visa. Please check the following information
listed on it:
1) Student Permitted to remain until dd/mm/yyyy
2) Studying the approved course at THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
3) Your English name
4) Travel document number
5) Arrival date

You are advised to staple the landing slip (your student visa) to your travel
document (Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao)
and NOT TO LOSE IT during your stay in Hong Kong. You will need to provide
it for your student visa extension application (if applicable).

For details, please see
http://www.immd.gov.hk/en/topical/non-stamping-immigration-clearance.html

It is the responsibility of individual students to maintain a valid and legitimate visa
status throughout their studies at HKU. Should there be any circumstantial or
personal changes leading to the termination of the students prevailing visa status,
the concerned student is required to report the changes immediately to the Hong
Kong Immigration Department and to apply for a fresh visa for study. Pursuing
study without a valid visa is a breach of the law.



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20 May, 2014
Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Procedure (For
Taiwan Nationals)

Q13 Where can I submit my student visa application?

You can submit it to the Hong Kong Immigration Department via the Centre of
Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS), The University of Hong Kong,
who will act as your student visa sponsor.


Q14 How to apply?

Once you have received your confirmed notice of admission, you may submit your
visa application set to the Centre of Development and Resources for Students
(CEDARS). After receiving your visa application set, CEDARS will send you an
email acknowledgement and forward your complete visa application set to the
Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID). The processing time of HKID is
around 8 weeks.

If HKID approve your visa application, CEDARS will pick up the Entry Permit (
) and courier it to you. CEDARS will confirm the delivery address with you
before arranging for a courier service.


Q15 How do I know my student visa status is validated?

You need to present both your Taiwan passport and the single journey entry permit
for your initial landing at the Hong Kong airport. Please ensure that the Immigration
staff has issued you with a landing slip.

The landing slip is your student visa. Please check the following information
listed on it:
1) Student Permitted to remain until dd/mm/yyyy
2) Studying the approved course at THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
3) Your English name
4) Travel document number
5) Arrival date

You are advised to staple the landing slip (your student visa) to your passport
and NOT TO LOSE IT during your stay in Hong Kong. You will need to provide
it for your student visa extension application (if applicable).


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For details, please see
http://www.immd.gov.hk/en/topical/non-stamping-immigration-clearance.html

It is the responsibility of individual students to maintain a valid and legitimate visa
status throughout their studies at HKU. Should there be any circumstantial or
personal changes leading to the termination of the students prevailing visa status,
the concerned student is required to report the changes immediately to the Hong
Kong Immigration Department and to apply for a fresh visa for study. Pursuing
study without a valid visa is a breach of the law.
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20 May, 2014
Section 3 Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application
Documents (Overseas Nationals, PRC Nationals, Taiwan Nationals)

Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Documents (For
Overseas Nationals)

Q16 What documents do I need?

Option 1: Applying through the Centre of Development and Resources for
Students (CEDARS)

a completed official visa application forms ID995A;
a completed visa sponsorship application form;
a photocopy of your complete set of confirmed offer letter of admission;
a photocopy of your passport
(The validity of your passport should be longer than the normal study period
of your programme in Hong Kong. If not, your student visa will have a shorter
valid period. You need to apply for a student visa extension in future);
a photocopy of your CV or resume (except for exchange / short-term
programme students);
documents/ statements showing that you have adequate means to finance
your studies in HK (e.g. latest bank statements, award letters of financial aid
or scholarship, etc.);
a declaration form (to be filled in by those applicants who are currently in HK);
and
a HK$800 bankdraft made payable to "The University of Hong Kong or a
HK$850 credit card payment authorization form.

Option 2: Applying through your Local Chinese Embassy*

a completed visa sponsorship application form;
a photocopy of your complete set of confirmed offer letter of admission;
a photocopy of your passport;
documents/ statements showing that you have adequate means to finance
your studies in HK (e.g. latest bank statements, award letters of financial aid
or scholarship, etc.); and
a HK$300 bankdraft made payable to "The University of Hong Kong or a
HK$350 credit card payment authorization form.

*Please note that your Local Chinese Embassy will ask you to fill in extra forms
and you may also need to pay them additional charges.
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Q17 What kinds of financial documents will be accepted by the Hong
Kong Immigration Department?

You are expected to provide documents or statements showing that you have
sufficient means to finance your studies in Hong Kong. Listed below are some of
the common documents:

students latest bank statement(s)*,
parents latest bank statement(s),
if your bank statements are not in Chinese or English, applicants must
include a bank letter in English,
supporting letter issued by parent(s) and a photocopy of his/her passport
showing the same signature on the supporting letter (if you provide parents
bank statement),
award letter of financial aid*,
award letter of scholarship or postgraduate scholarship*,

* All these documents should show the name of student. Documents without
name of student are unacceptable.


Q18 How much money will be considered as sufficient?

The Hong Kong Immigration Department has not specified any particular amount,
you however are expected to demonstrate that you or your parents have sufficient
money to cover your academic expenses and your living expenses during the
studying period in Hong Kong. For the estimated figures, please refer to our
publication Preparatory Guide for Non-local Students.



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Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Documents (For
Mainland Nationals MPhil / PhD / SJD Programme only)

Q19 What documents do I need?

a completed official visa application form ID995A;
a completed visa sponsorship application form;
a photocopy of your signed acceptance of notice of admission/ statement of
acceptance from HKU;
a complete CV i.e. resume ();
a photocopy of PRC Identity Card;
a photocopy of your census record ();
photocopies of testimonials () ;
documents/ statements showing that you have adequate means to finance
your studies in HK (e.g. latest bank statements, award letters of financial aid
or scholarship, etc.);
a declaration form (to be filled in by those applicants who are currently in HK);
and
a HK$800 bankdraft made payable to "The University of Hong Kong or a
HK$850 credit card payment authorization form.


Q20 What kinds of financial documents will be accepted by the Hong
Kong Immigration Department?

You are expected to provide documents or statements showing that you have
sufficient means to finance your studies in Hong Kong. Listed below are some of
the common documents:

students latest bank statement(s)*,
parents latest bank statement(s),
if your bank statements are not in Chinese or English, applicants must
include a bank letter in English,
supporting letter issued by parent(s) and a photocopy of his/her passport
showing the same signature on the supporting letter (if you provide parents
bank statement),
award letter of financial aid*,
award letter of scholarship or postgraduate scholarship*,

* All these documents should show the name of student. Documents without
name of student are unacceptable.
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Q21 How much money will be considered as sufficient?

The Hong Kong Immigration Department has not specified any particular amount,
you however are expected to demonstrate that you or your parents have sufficient
money to cover your academic expenses and your living expenses during the
studying period in Hong Kong. For the estimated figures, please refer to our
publication Preparatory Guide for Non-local Students.


Q22 I have not yet completed my degree programme and cannot provide
the transcripts. What can I do?

You can provide other official documents like a certificate of enrollments (),
latest academic result slips or other official documents that can certify your current
student status at your home institute.



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Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Documents (For
Taiwan Nationals)

Q23 What documents do I need?

a completed official visa application form ID995A;
a completed visa sponsorship application form;
a photocopy of your signed acceptance of notice of admission from HKU;
a photocopy of your CV or resume ();
a photocopy of Taiwan Identity Card;
a photocopy of Taiwan passport
(The validity of your passport should be longer than the normal study period
of your programme in Hong Kong. If not, your student visa will have a
shorter valid period. You need to apply for a student visa extension in
future);
a photocopy of your household registration in Taiwan ();
photocopies of testimonials () ;
documents/ statements showing that you have adequate means to finance
your studies in HK (e.g. latest bank statements, award letters of financial aid
or scholarship, etc.);
a declaration form (to be filled in by those applicants who are currently in
HK);
a HK$800 bankdraft made payable to "The University of Hong Kong or a
HK$850 credit card payment authorization form;
a statement stating your reason for studying at The University of Hong Kong;
and
a statement stating your plan after the completion of studies at The
University of Hong Kong.













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Q24 What kinds of financial documents will be accepted by the HK
Immigration Department?

You are expected to provide documents or statements showing that you have
sufficient means to finance your studies in Hong Kong. Listed below are some of
the common documents:

students latest bank statement(s)*,
parents latest bank statement(s),
if your bank statements are not in Chinese or English, applicants must
include a bank letter in English,
supporting letter issued by parent(s) and a photocopy of his/her passport
showing the same signature on the supporting letter (if you provide parents
bank statement),
award letter of financial aid*,
award letter of scholarship or postgraduate scholarship*,

* All these documents should show the name of student. Documents without
name of student are unacceptable.


Q25 How much money will be considered as sufficient?

The Hong Kong Immigration Department has not specified any particular amount,
you however are expected to demonstrate that you or your parents have sufficient
money to cover your academic expenses and your basic living expenses during the
studying period in Hong Kong. For the estimated figures, please refer to our
publication Preparatory Guide for Non-local Students.
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20 May, 2014
Section 4 Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application
Processing Time (Overseas Nationals, PRC Nationals, Taiwan Nationals)


Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Processing Time (For
Overseas Nationals)

Q26 When do I apply? How long will it take?

For those students who apply through CEDARS
Once you have received a copy of your confirmed notice of admission, you need to
mail your student visa application documents to the Centre of Development and
Resources for Students (CEDARS). CEDARS will act as your visa sponsor and
forward your complete visa application document set to the Hong Kong
Immigration Department (HKID). HKID normally takes 6 - 8 week processing time.

For all those students who opt to apply through Local Chinese Embassy
In addition to mailing your visa sponsorship documents to CEDARS, HKU, you also
need to contact your Local Chinese Embassy. They will pass your visa application
to the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) in accordance to their schedule.
The HKID will then draw references from CEDARS, HKU and send your visa
application result to your local Chinese Embassy. Your local Chinese Embassy is
responsible for informing you of the result and passing you the student visa label.
The processing time for the Hong Kong Immigration Department is around 6 8
weeks. You also need to take into account additional processing time by the
Chinese Embassy, which varies with Embassy.

As it usually takes longer to apply for student visa through your local Chinese
Embassy, please allow more time for your application. You are responsible to
monitor the progress and result of your student visa application.


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Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Processing Time (For
PRC Nationals)

Q27 When do I apply? How long will it take?

You can forward your visa documents to CEDARS after receiving your confirmed or
conditional notice of admission. You will receive an acknowledgement email from
CEDARS as soon as possible. CEDARS will act as your visa sponsor and forward
your complete visa application document set to the Hong Kong Immigration
Department. Hong Kong Immigration Department normally takes 6-8 week
processing time. After receiving the entry visa label issued by the Hong Kong
Immigration Department, you still need to seek an additional endorsement from
your local police unit. Experience tells that your local police unit (depending on your
affiliated district) will take 2-4 weeks to grant you the endorsement.

For those students who have only received a conditional offer letter of admission,
CEDARS can still help you to forward your visa documents to the Hong Kong
Immigration Department. However, CEDARS will only pick up and courier your visa
label upon receipt of a copy of your confirmed offer letter of admission.



Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Processing Time (For
Taiwan Nationals)

Q28 When do I apply? How long will it take?

You can forward your visa documents to CEDARS after receiving your confirmed
notice of admission. After receiving your visa documents, CEDARS will send an
acknowledgement email to you and forward your complete visa application
document set to the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID). The HKID
normally takes 8 weeks to process your application.

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Section 5 Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Fees
(Overseas Nationals, PRC Nationals, Taiwan Nationals)

Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Fees (For Overseas
Nationals)

Q29 How much does it cost me?

Option 1: Through the Centre of Development and Resources for Students
(CEDARS)

You need to pay HK$800 (bankdraft) or HK$850 (credit card). This fee already
covers the visa label fees and courier charges.

Option 2: Through the local Chinese Embassy
You need to pay HK$300 (bankdraft) or HK$350 (credit card) visa sponsorship fees
to CEDARS. Some local Chinese Embassies also charge you for additional
administrative and service charges.


Q30 How can I pay the visa fees?

You can pay the visa fees by one of the following options:

By mailing a Hong Kong dollar $800 bankdraft to us. The payee of the
bankdraft should be "The University of Hong Kong". The mailing address is:

Centre of Development and Resources for Students
Campus Life
3/F, Meng Wah Complex,
Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong.

OR

By credit card. You need to forward a copy of your authorization form and a
photocopy of your credit card to CEDARS, HKU. You need to pay extra bank
charges in addition to the standard student visa charge which is HK$850.
Please download the authorization form for the credit card payment here.
Please make sure that your credit card has sufficient fund for transaction.

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Q31 Any other payment options?

The following payment options are not available for the payment of visa fees:

telegraphic transfer
personal cheques in foreign currencies
traveler's cheques
cash in foreign currencies
money order / postal cheque

In case the students have paid the visa fees with any one of the
aforementioned payment options, the student is liable for settling any
outstanding or untraceable amount as well as the incurrent administrative
fees.


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20 May, 2014
Frequently Asked Questions on Entry Visa Application Fees (For PRC
Nationals and Taiwan Nationals)

Q32 How much do I need to pay?

You need to pay HK$800 (bankdraft) or HK$850 (credit card) visa fees to The
University of Hong Kong. This fee already covers the Hong Kong Immigration
Department's visa label fees and courier charges.

Q33 How can I pay the visa fees?

You can pay the visa fees by one of the following options:

By mailing a Hong Kong dollar $800 bankdraft to us. The payee of the
bankdraft should be "The University of Hong Kong". The mailing address is:

Centre of Development and Resources for Students
Campus Life
3/F, Meng Wah Complex,
Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong.

OR

By credit card. You need to forward a copy of your authorization form and a
photocopy of your credit card to CEDARS, HKU. You need to pay extra bank
charges in addition to the standard student visa charge which is HK$850.
Please download the authorization form for the credit card payment here.
Please make sure that your credit card has sufficient fund for transaction.
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20 May, 2014
Q34 Any other payment options?

The following payment options are not available for the payment of visa fees:

telegraphic transfer
personal cheques in foreign currencies
traveler's cheques
cash in foreign currencies
money order / postal cheque

In case the students have paid the visa fees with any one of the
aforementioned payment options, the student is liable for settling any
outstanding or untraceable amount as well as the incurrent administrative
fees.



Frequently Asked Questions on Financial Proof for Entry Visa Application

Q35 What kinds of financial documents will be accepted by the Hong
Kong Immigration Department?

You are expected to provide documents or statements showing that you have
sufficient means to finance your studies in Hong Kong. Listed below are some of
the common documents:

students latest bank statement(s)*,
parents latest bank statement(s),
if your bank statements are not in Chinese or English, applicants must
include a bank letter in English,
supporting letter issued by parent(s) and a photocopy of his/her passport
showing the same signature on the supporting letter (if you provide parents
bank statement),
award letter of financial aid*,
award letter of scholarship or postgraduate scholarship*,

* All these documents should show the name of student. Documents without
name of student are unacceptable.



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20 May, 2014
Q36 How much money will be considered as sufficient?

The Hong Kong Immigration Department has not specified any particular amount,
you however are expected to demonstrate that you or your parents will have
sufficient money to cover your academic expenses and your living expenses during
the studying period in Hong Kong. For the estimated figures, please refer to our
publication Preparatory Guide for Non-local Students.


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20 May, 2014
Section 6 Frequently Asked Questions on Dependent Visa Application

Q37 Am I allowed to bring along my dependants?

Students on full-time studies may apply to bring in their spouse and unmarried
dependent children under 18 years of age. However, those students who are
admitted to short term or exchange or part-time studies are not allowed to bring
along their spouse or children.


Q38 How do I apply for a dependant visa for my family?

(The following arrangement applies to students who apply for an entry student visa
only. Other students should apply for a dependent visa on their own.)

You may submit the relevant application documents to CEDARS. CEDARS will
help you forward the complete visa application set to the Hong Kong Immigration
Department (HKID). Once HKID has approved your application for a dependant
visa, CEDARS will pick up the visa label and courier it to you. The required
documentation is listed below:
a completed official visa application form ID995A;
a photocopy of your spouse and/or children's passport;
a photocopy of your spouse's financial proof document;
a photocopy of your marriage certificate and/or children's birth certificate;
and
a HK$800 bankdraft made payable to "The University of Hong Kong" or a
HK$850 credit card payment authorization form.


Q39 Is my spouse allowed to work or study in HKSAR during my studying
period?

A dependant visa holder is not allowed to work. She or he however can take up full
time or part-time studies here without having to apply for a separate student visa.


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Section 7 Frequently Asked Questions on Visa Extension

Q40 Do I need to extend my student visa?

(Note: Students on part-time study have to apply for a new entry student visa every
year. The procedure is the same as when they first come.)

If you have extended your study or your limit of stay is shorter than the normal
duration of your study programme, you should apply for a visa extension 4 weeks
before your limit of stay expires.

Please approach CEDARS for a copy of supporting letter before you submit your
application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Please also note that it is
the responsibility of individual students to renew their visa in a timely manner to
maintain a valid and legitimate visa status throughout their study at HKU.
Currently, for undergraduates and taught course postgraduates from the mainland,
the contact office at the University is the China Affairs Office (Email:
visaapp@hku.hk. For all other students, please contact CEDARS for a visa
extension. Details can be viewed at the CEDARS website here.

Q41 When & how to apply for extension of stay to continue with my
studies in Hong Kong?

Applications will normally be accepted 4 weeks before the limit of stay expires. You
may apply in person or authorise in writing a representative to submit the
application. However, you must be physically in Hong Kong on the date of
submission and on the date of collection of the visa label.

Mainland students should submit the applications to the Quality Migrants and
Mainland Residents Section, Immigration Department, 6/F, Immigration Tower, 7
Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Students other than those from the
Mainland should submit their applications to the Extension Section, Immigration
Department, 5/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong or
any Immigration Office (except Hong Kong Island Travel Documents Issuing
Office).

Students can apply for an early visa extension should the need arise. Please state
the reasons for your early visa extension when applying to CEDARS for a
supporting letter for visa extension.

Application procedures and forms are available here.
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20 May, 2014
Q42 What documents are required for me to apply for extension of stay
for pursuing the same course of study?

The following documents are normally required when submitting an extension of
stay application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department: (i) a duly completed
application form ID91; (ii) applicant's travel document; (iii) applicant's Hong Kong
Identity Card; and (iv) a current school letter confirming that the student requires
extension of stay to continue with the same study.


Q43 What is the normal processing time for processing applications for
extension of stay in the Hong Kong Immigration Department?

Same as other applications for extension of stay, applications will be finalised within
2 to 3 weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents. You may wish to find out
more information on the homepage of the Hong Kong Immigration Department
here.


Q44 What are the restrictions for extending my stay in Hong Kong to
pursue further studies?

Find out the Hong Kong Immigration Department's reply here.


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Section 8 Miscellaneous Questions

Q45 Do I need to apply for re-entry permit if I return to Hong Kong from
other countries during my studying period?

It depends on your nationality. If your country is entitled 'entry visa free' to HKSAR,
you don't need to apply for re-entry visa. For details, you may check directly on the
Hong Kong Immigration Department.

For Taiwan students, after entering Hong Kong on your single entry permit, you may
apply for a 'Multiple Entry Permit' (MEP) and transfer the endorsement onto the
MEP to facilitate your future travels to and from Hong Kong. You may apply for the
MEP in person at the Hong Kong Immigration Department.


Q46 I wish to travel to Mainland China during the semester break. Do I
need to apply for a separate tourist visa to Mainland?

Yes, you need to apply for a separate tourist visa to Mainland China. If you would
like to apply for it in Hong Kong, you can do so in person at the China Travel
Service (H.K.) Limited (E-mail: enquiry@ctshk.com). You may be able to apply for it
at your local Chinese Embassy before you come to Hong Kong. You can contact
them for help directly.


Q47 How to apply for a Hong Kong identity card?

If your length of stay in Hong Kong is more than 180 days, you need to apply for a
HK identity card within 30 days of arrival / or upon acquiring such permission to stay.
The application procedure can be found on the homepage of the Hong Kong
Immigration Department. You can apply for it by making an appointment booking
online or apply by phone.

A note to all student visa holders under the age of 18:
If your parents have nominated a relative to be your local guardian to the Hong
Kong Immigration Department, you should be accompanied by that local guardian
when you submit your Hong Kong Identity Card application at the Hong Kong
Immigration Department.

If your parents have nominated The University of Hong Kong to be your local
guardian, you can just submit your application to the Hong Kong Immigration
Department on your own. You will be asked to fill in a declaration form there.
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20 May, 2014
Q48 What should I do if I lose my travel documents?

You have to report to the Police and obtain a lost report memorandum. You also
have to report to your consulate in HK and apply for a new passport.

After receiving your new passport, you need to get a supporting letter from your
visa sponsorship office. You then need to go to the Hong Kong Immigration
Department and apply for endorsement of your student visa /a replacement of your
student visa label on your new passport. You need to pay a fee.

For students of overseas nationals, you need to go the following office:
The Hong Kong Immigration Department
5/F, Immigration Tower,
7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai

For students of PRC nationals, please go to:
The Hong Kong Immigration Department
6/F, Immigration Tower,
7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai

Please bring along the following documents with you:
A copy of the lost report memorandum issued by the Police;
A copy of the supporting letter issued by the University;
A copy of your new passport;
Completed application form (ID405) and application fee;
A copy of your Hong Kong Identity Card (if any);
A copy of your HKU Student Card (if any);
A copy of your HKU admission letter (if any).

Details can be viewed under the section of Transfer of Endorsement and Loss of
EEP of the Hong Kong Immigration Department webpage.

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20 May, 2014
Q49 Can I change to another educational institution?

Student visa holders are imposed with a condition of stay to take up a prescribed
course in the prescribed educational institution. Any change in condition of stay
requires the prior approval from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Application for change of educational institution may be approved provided that you
continue to fulfill eligibility criteria for study. If the change of educational institution is
approved, you will be issued with an appropriate label specifying the name of the
new educational institution subject to payment of the label fee.


Q50 Can I change from one programme to another within HKU?

You may apply to switch your study from one programme to another within the
same educational institution if you continue to fulfill eligibility criteria for study. But
any change in condition of stay requires the prior approval from the Hong Kong
Immigration Department. If the change of study programme is approved, you will be
informed in writing. Please contact the Centre of Development and Resources for
Students (CEDARS) for advice on the procedure.


Q51 What should I do if I have any change of visa status during my
studying period?

It is the responsibility of individual students to maintain a valid and legitimate visa
status throughout their studies at HKU. Should there be any circumstantial or
personal changes leading to the termination of the students prevailing visa status,
the concerned student is required to report the changes immediately to the Hong
Kong Immigration Department and to apply for a fresh visa for study. Pursuing
study without a valid visa is a breach of the law.


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20 May, 2014
Q52 Am I allowed to work while I am studying at HKU? Where can I work
part-time on campus?

For students reading a full-time locally accredited programme at degree level or
above, they will be notified by the Hong Kong Immigration Department individually
by a No Objection Letter (NOL) if they are eligible for taking up part-time/summer
work upon approval of entry and extension of stay.

Interested students should refer to the detailed information available under
Employment during the Study Programme of the webpage of the Hong Kong
Immigration Department.

As specified in the No Objection Letter, eligible students should take up
employment at operators within the campus designated by your institution for not
more than 20 hours per week. The list of designated operators of HKU is available
here. The list will be updated from time to time.


Q53 What should I do if my No Objection Letter is lost or damaged?

If the No Objection Letter is lost or damaged, you should get a replacement from
the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Mainland students may request Quality
Migrants and Mainland Residents Section for the issuance of a fresh NOL at no fee.
Other non-local students may approach the Extension Section for the same
formalities. For enquiries, please contact Hong Kong Immigration Department by
email to enquiry@immd.gov.hk. Applicants should submit a duly completed form
ID91, together with his / her travel document containing the latest arrival stamp /
landing slip / extension of stay label in the HKSAR.


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20 May, 2014
Q54 What if I want to take up an internship, voluntary or charity work
during my study at HKU?

For students studying certain programmes with compulsory internship requirement,
they would be given a No Objection Letter (NOL) by the Hong Kong Immigration
Department. Please see Q52 for details.

For students studying programmes without compulsory internship requirement,
they have to seek prior approval from the Hong Kong Immigration Department to
allow them to take up such internship on their own. Students need to submit the
following documents in person to 5/F (for non Mainland China students) or 6/F (for
Mainland China students), Immigration Tower, the Hong Kong Immigration
Department, Wan Chai, Hong Kong:

i) the contract and relevant documents of the internship;
ii) a supporting letter from your Faculty confirming that the internship is
study-related (only internship related to your current study in HKU will be
considered).

Applications will be considered on a case by case basis by the Hong Kong
Immigration Department.

For details of the application procedure, please contact the Hong Kong Immigration
Department directly.

Enquiry telephone number: (852) 2824 6111
Fax number: (852) 2877 7711
Email: enquiry@immd.gov.hk

Address:

Immigration Department
Immigration Tower,
7 Gloucester Road,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong

If you wish to take up voluntary or charity work, you should apply for prior approval
from the Immigration Department beforehand. Email: enquiry@immd.gov.hk



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20 May, 2014
Q55 Can I apply for employment in Hong Kong after I have completed my
study?

Interested students should refer to information under Employment after the
completion of studies of the webpage of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

For job vacancy information, please explore it with our Careers and Placement
Team (Email: careers@hku.hk) or visit their webpage.


Q56 Can I continue to stay in Hong Kong after termination of my studies?

Eligible graduates can apply to stay in HKSAR under the Immigration
Arrangements for Non-local Graduates Scheme (IANG) or you can apply to the
Immigration Department directly to extend your stay in Hong Kong as visitor with a
good reason. Unless with such prior approval from the Hong Kong Immigration
Department, all student visa holders are required to leave Hong Kong within 4
weeks from the date of termination of studies. Please refer to the reply of the Hong
Kong Immigration Department under Q19 of Frequently Asked Questions.


Q57 I have just completed the study programme and have not yet
received the result. However, my current student visa is about to expire and I
wish to apply to stay in Hong Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for
Non-local Graduates Scheme (IANG). Can I extend my stay in Hong Kong to
await the result?

Please refer to the information available at the Hong Kong Immigration Department
website. Please refer to the section of Interim Extension of Stay on Student
Condition of Frequently Asked Questions.


Q58 I have successfully completed the requirements for the conferment
of a degree and waiting for the Congregation. I wish to apply to stay in Hong
Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates Scheme
(IANG). How can I apply for a certificate for conferment of a degree?

A fresh HKU graduate can apply for a Certificate of Graduation as a proof of
graduation for IANG application purpose. Application should be submitted to our
Academic Support and Admissions Section. Details can be viewed at
http://www.asa.hku.hk/.
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20 May, 2014
Q59 If the passport / travel document is valid for less than six months,
can I apply for a HKSAR student visa?

A passport / travel document is required to have at least six months validity beyond
the proposed date of entry into Hong Kong.


Q60 I have a valid student visa in my old passport / travel document. Can I
transfer it to my new passport / travel document?

You should present both your old and new passports / travel documents when
entering Hong Kong.


Section 9 Disclaimer
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs) on the student visa matters serves as reference
only. The Hong Kong Immigration Department will update its procedures any time
without prior notice. Hence, you are always advised to consult the Hong Kong
Immigration Department on all immigration matters.