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Student Exchange Programme Visa (學生交流計劃簽證)
VisasHong KongStudent Exchange Programme Visa (學生交流計劃簽證)
Hong KongHong Kong•Asia
Open

Student Exchange Programme Visa (學生交流計劃簽證)

Working Holiday Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 month

Estimated Cost

HKD $600

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Exchange program visa for students at recognised Hong Kong institutions, allowing 6-12 months stay with curriculum-related internships only.

Hong Kong's Student Exchange Programme Visa permits international students to spend one or two semesters at a recognized tertiary institution through formal bilateral exchange agreements. Applicants must be nominated by their home university and admitted to a Hong Kong partner institution; they must also demonstrate sufficient financial means and hold a valid travel document.

The visa permits stays of up to 12 months for undergraduate or above exchange, or up to 6 months for sub-degree exchange. Exchange students cannot work except for curriculum-related internships in year-long programs; spouses have no independent work rights. Processing typically takes 6 weeks after receiving all documents.

This visa is ideal for university students pursuing a semester or year abroad at a Hong Kong institution through their home university's exchange partnership.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

IANG — Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (非本地畢業生留港/回港就業安排)
Hong Kong flagHong Kong

IANG — Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (非本地畢業生留港/回港就業安排)

Validity2 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be admitted to a recognised exchange programme at a Hong Kong educational institution.

Must nominate a local sponsor (usually the admitting institution).

Must have sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses.

Must hold a valid travel document.

Must be a full-time student at the home institution.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Admission letter

Proof of financial support

Health examination

Character reference

Institution enrollment confirmation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Fast processing: Visa typically issued within 6 weeks of receiving all documents
  • Full legal stay duration: Protection for the entire exchange programme period (normally 12 months or program duration)
  • Streamlined application: Institutional sponsor handles coordination; uses single form (ID 995A)
  • Renewable status: Can extend within programme parameters if studies continue
  • Access to Hong Kong tertiary infrastructure: World-class universities and research facilities
  • Dependents allowed: Family members may accompany on exchange
  • Low application fee: HKD 600 single payment covers entire entry process

Worth Knowing

  • Employment strictly prohibited: No paid or unpaid work allowed; no curriculum-related internship pathway exists
  • Time-bound stay: Limited to programme duration (maximum 12 months for non-degree programs)
  • Spouse cannot work: Partners prohibited from employment during exchange period
  • Early application required: Submit 8-10 weeks before start date for processing buffer
  • Specific form required: Must use Form ID 995A (applicant); sponsor institution completes separate documentation
  • No permanent residency pathway: Exchange visas do not lead to PR or long-term settlement
  • Mandatory return to home country: Visa expires upon programme conclusion; no extension options beyond original programme
  • Full-time student requirement: Must remain enrolled at home institution throughout exchange

Application Process

1

Secure admission: Obtain admission letter from Hong Kong educational institution

2

Nominate sponsor: Institution acts as local sponsor

3

Complete application: Fill Form ID 995A

4

Gather documents: Admission letter, passport, financial proof, health check if required

5

Submit application: Submit online via GovHK with HKD 600 fee

6

Await processing: Normally 6 weeks

7

Receive e-Visa: Digital visa issued

Application Forms

Go to application portal
ID 995A – Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (applicant)—
ID 995B – Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (sponsor)—

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026
Forms
ID 995A – Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (applicant); ID 995B – Application for Entry …
immd.gov.hk
Max Stay
Not more than 6 months (sub-degree exchange) or not more than 1 year (undergraduate or above exchang…
immd.gov.hk
Max Stay Estimate
type: months, initialDays: 365, notes: Up to 12 months for undergraduate/above exchange; up to 6 mon…
immd.gov.hk
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":42,"maxDays":42}
immd.gov.hk
Processing Time
Normally 6 weeks upon receipt of all required documents
immd.gov.hk
Spouse Can Work
no
immd.gov.hk
Work Auth
Exchange students shall not take up any employment, whether paid or unpaid. Exchange students at und…
immd.gov.hk
Apply Now Official Information

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