VPAS — Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme (職專畢業生留港就業安排)

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VPAS — Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme (職專畢業生留港就業安排)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks

Estimated Cost

HKD $1,200–$1,900

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

Work authorization for non-local VTC Higher Diploma graduates in Hong Kong skilled trades, with 12-month initial stay to seek employment or 24 months with job offer.

The Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme enables non-local VTC Higher Diploma graduates to work in Hong Kong in skilled trades relevant to their studies. This pilot targets critical manpower shortages in technical sectors. Applicants must be aged 18+, have completed a designated two-year program, and secure full-time employment at market-rate pay with a contract of at least one year.

Two pathways apply: Category A (within 6 months of graduation) offers 12 months to seek employment; Category B (7–12 months post-graduation) grants 24 months on employment condition, with extensions available up to a 36-month cap per renewal. Fees are HKD 600 application. Processing takes 4 weeks. Dependents permitted; spouses may work unrestricted.

This visa is ideal for non-local VTC Higher Diploma graduates pursuing skilled employment in Hong Kong's technical trades.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (non-refundable)HKD $600

Visa/entry permit issuance fee (stay >180 days)HKD $1,300

Visa/entry permit issuance fee (stay ≤180 days)HKD $600

TotalHKD $1,200–$1,900

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Right of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)

Hong Kong

Right of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1–3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a non-local student enrolled in a qualifying VTC full-time Higher Diploma (2-year) programme in specified academic years.

Must have completed the programme within three academic years after admission and obtained the Higher Diploma qualification.

Must be aged 18 or above at the time of application.

Must secure a full-time job relevant to the discipline of study, at a level commonly taken up by Higher Diploma holders, with market-level remuneration and a contract of at least one year.

Not applicable to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam.

Must submit application within 12 months of graduation.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

associate or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid PRC passport

Degree/diploma

Work experience documentation

Job offer (sponsor)

Company documentation (sponsor)

Local recruitment efforts (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Clear pathway for non-local VTC graduates to remain in Hong Kong
Two-tier fee structure—HKD 600 for short stays, HKD 1,300 for extended periods
Fast processing—typically 4 weeks from document receipt
Dependents allowed—spouse and children under 18 can accompany you
Renewable for continued employment—extendable up to 36 months after 48 months
Work authorization in skilled trades—immediate permission in field-relevant roles
Addresses critical labor shortages—government-backed initiative in high-demand sectors

Worth Knowing

Strict field-relevance requirement—job must align with VTC Higher Diploma discipline
Two categories with different stay durations—Category A (12 months) vs. B (24 months)
Excludes nationals from six countries—Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, Vietnam
Employment conditions strict—full-time contract minimum one year at market-rate required
Limited to VTC Higher Diploma graduates—cannot use without completing designated program
Self-employment prohibited—entrepreneurship and business ownership not permitted