Hong Kong Immigration Services – IANG

Staying and Working in Hong Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

Under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG), non-local students who have obtained an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong may apply to stay and work in Hong Kong, where non-local students mean persons entering Hong Kong for the purpose of education with a student visa / entry permit issued by the Director of Immigration.  

Successful applicants will be granted an initial stay of 24 months upon entry and are free to take up and change employment with no need to seek prior approval.  Their stay may be extended by submitting an application within 4 weeks before expiry.  With subsequent successful extensions, applicants will normally be permitted to stay on a 2-3-3 years pattern.

Family Members in an IANG Application

An IANG applicant may apply to bring in his/her spouse or lawful domestic partner (same-sex or opposite-sex) and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong and, after admitted to Hong Kong under IANG, will be their sponsors.

Traveling and Returning to Hong Kong after Admitted to Hong Kong under IANG

Persons admitted to Hong Kong under the IANG can travel and re-enter Hong Kong within the permitted period of stay without any re-entry visa.

Becoming a Permanent Resident in Hong Kong

Persons admitted to Hong Kong under the IANG who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in Hong Kong.

Quota and Restriction for IANG Application

  • IANG is quota-free and non-sector specific
  • IANG does not apply to nationals of the following countries :
    • Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of) and Nepal

Eligibility for Applying for IANG

Non-local graduates under the IANG are non-local students who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong.  For nationals of Vietnam, IANG only applies to those who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time locally-accredited local programme in Hong Kong offered by the University Grants Committee funded institutions.  However, self-financing programmes offered by these institutions as well as programmes offered by their continuing and professional education arms are excluded.

Non-local fresh graduates (those applying for IANG within 6 months after graduation) are not required to  have secured an offer of employment.  Those having graduated but still not yet obtained their graduation certificate may also apply by producing proof from the institution confirming that they have graduated.  Those about to graduate may apply for extension to stay to wait for their results to be released.

Returning non-local graduates (those applying for IANG beyond 6 months after graduation) are required to 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.

Required Documents for an IANG Application

Documents required for an applicant for investment visa application

The Applicant

  • Completed Form ID 990A 
  • Photocopy of valid travel document
  • Photocopy of Hong Kong identity card (if any)
  • Photocopies of academic transcript, graduation certificate or supporting letter proving award of required degree
  • Letter of consent from current working unit or relevant authorities (for Mainland residents only)
  • Photocopy of Macao identification card (for Macao residents only)
  • Photocopy of household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identification card (for Taiwan residents only)
  • Photocopy of proof of overseas residence endorsed by overseas authorities (for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only)
Documents required for sponsor for investment visa application

The Employer

  • Completed form ID 990B
  • Photocopy of employment contract or letter of appointment
  • Photocopy of the Certificate of Business Registration 
  • Photocopy of proof of financial standing 
  • Detailed business plan
Documents required for dependent for investment visa application

Each Accompanying Dependent

  • Part B of the form ID 990A completed 
  • Photocopy of valid travel document 
  • Photocopy of evidence of relationship with the applicant such as marriage certificate, birth certificate
  • Photocopy of Macao identification card (for Macao residents only)
  • Photocopy of household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identification card (for Taiwan residents only)

Processing Time for an IANG Application

In general, 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 of an application and workload of the Immigration Department.  For example, the time may be longer between peak season between June and August.

Counting on FastLane HR for Assistance in IANG Applications

Applying for IANG can be complex and time-consuming if you do not know exactly the documents and justifications you need to provide to meet the approval criteria by the Immigration Department.  It is always best to do it right the first time than trial and errors. FastLane HR has a team of experienced professionals familiar with the requirements and processes involved in obtaining an IANG visa. We also offer renewals for IANG visa.  FastLane HR is the perfect partner for people who need IANG assistance to obtain approval in one go.

Full services offered by FastLane HR to facilitate IANG Applications

  • Understand your situation and needs 
  • Assist and/or advise preparation of required documents
  • Review documents provided by the applicant and employer
  • Prepare declarations, application forms and letters of authorisation
  • Submit application to the Immigration Department
  • Follow-up and communicate with the Immigration Department and provide additional supporting documents when required
  • Continuous communications with the applicant and/or employer
  • Arrange payment and collection of IANG label
  • Send the IANG label to the applicant

Information posted on this website in relation to policies by the Hong Kong Government are based on latest announcements and guidelines as published by relevant government departments at the time of posting.  FastLane HR will not be responsible for any loss or damages incurred as a result of any inaccuracy of such information. 

Date: January 2023

Please subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about FastLane HR's latest human resources and payroll updates