Hong Kong•AsiaIANG — Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (非本地畢業生留港/回港就業安排)
At a Glance
2–4 weeks
HKD $1,200–$1,900
Varies by filing options
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Work visa for non-local graduates of Hong Kong or Greater Bay Area institutions; no job offer required for fresh graduates within 6 months of graduation.
The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) allows non-local graduates of Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area universities to work without a prior job offer. Fresh graduates (within 6 months of completion) can apply immediately; returning graduates must secure employment at degree-level market remuneration. The visa counts toward the seven-year permanent residency requirement.
The IANG grants 24 months initially, renewable on a 3+3 year extension pattern (top-tier earners may receive 6-year extensions). Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Fees start at HKD 600 application, plus HKD 1,300 issuance for stays over 180 days. Spouses have unrestricted work authorization, and holders can change employment without departmental approval.
This visa is ideal for university graduates aged 21–30 launching careers in Hong Kong's finance, technology, creative, or professional sectors while building toward permanent residence.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Hong KongRight of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a non-local graduate who has obtained a degree or higher qualification in a full-time, locally accredited program in Hong Kong.
Fresh graduates (applying within 6 months of graduation) do not need a job offer.
Returning graduates (applying after 6 months) must secure a job offer at a level commonly taken by degree holders with market-level remuneration.
Must meet normal immigration requirements (no security/criminal concerns).
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed application form.
Recent photograph.
Valid travel document.
Hong Kong identity card (if applicable).
Transcript of academic records/graduation certificate.
For returning graduates: Employment contract, Business Registration Certificate of employer, and proof of company financial standing.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No job offer required for fresh graduates within 6 months of graduation
- Renewable indefinitely with extensions on 3+3 year pattern; top-tier earners qualifying for 6-year extensions
- Fast processing: 2 weeks for recent graduates, 4 weeks for non-recent, extensions 2-3 weeks
- 24-month initial stay provides substantial foundation for career development in Hong Kong
- Spouse can work without restrictions during the visa tenure
- Clear fee structure: HKD 600 application + HKD 1,300 issuance (stays >180 days) or HKD 600
- Counts toward the 7-year requirement for Right of Abode permanent residency
- Allows employment flexibility and job changes without requiring immigration department approval
Worth Knowing
- Returning graduates (applying after 6 months) must secure a job offer at market-level remuneration
- Initial visa duration requires extension applications every 3 years to maintain continuous stay
- Not available to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam
- Must hold a degree or higher qualification from a locally accredited Hong Kong or Greater Bay Area institution
Application Process
Obtain graduation documentation
Degree certificate from Hong Kong institution
Prepare application
Complete IANG application form
Submit if fresh graduate
Within 6 months of graduation, no job offer required
For returning graduates
Must secure employment at degree level
Pay visa fee
HKD 600
Await decision
Normally 2-3 weeks
Receive entry permit
e-Visa issued for 24 months
Application Forms
Go to application portal| Application for Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates | — |
Related visas
More visas in Hong Kong
Work visas in other countries
- Hong Kong BN(O) Adult Child Visa
United Kingdom
- Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
Australia
- Sabah Work Pass
Malaysia
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