FAQ – IANG

You can apply under under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) provided you meet these 2 requirements.  First, you were admitted as a non-local student to enter Hong Kong for the purpose of education with a student visa / entry permit.  Second, you subsequently obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong. 

Non-local fresh graduates are those who apply for IANG within 6 months after graduation.  They are not required to have secured an offer of employment.  If you have graduated but still not yet obtained your graduation certificate, you may produce proof from the institution confirming that you have graduated.  Also, if you are about to graduate, you may apply to extend your student visa to wait for your results.

Returning non-local graduates are those who apply for IANG beyond 6 months after graduation.  They are required to first secure an offer of employment.  The offer will be favourably considered if the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level.

You may apply as a returning non-local graduate, regardless of how long ago you acquired the qualification.

Yes,  it includes post-graduate non-degree qualifications, such as Postgraduate Certificate in Laws and Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

No.  With IANG, you are free to take up and change employment without the need to seek prior approval.

Initial stay of 24 months. You may apply to extend within 4 weeks before expiry.  With subsequent successful extensions, you will normally be permitted to stay on a 2-3-3 years pattern.

Yes, you may apply (in your visa application or subsequently) for your spouse or lawful domestic partner (same-sex or opposite-sex) and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18.  Some restrictions on applicant’s nationality apply.

Yes, they can study and take up employment in Hong Kong without any need for prior approval.

Upon receipt of all required documents, the processing time for applications by non-local fresh graduates and returning non-local graduates will be about 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively.  Actual time may vary depending on the circumstances and workload of the Immigration Department.  For example, it may take longer during peak season between June and August.