Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China · work unsponsored · Leads to settlement
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Route for non-local graduates of Hong Kong institutions (and eligible Greater Bay Area campuses) to stay and work after graduation.
- Processing time
- The Immigration Department indicates processing of around four weeks for a complete application; confirm current timing on the official page.
- Government fees
- A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Initial stay of 24 months on time limitation only; renewable subject to meeting the criteria.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates allow non-local people who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time, locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong to remain and work. The arrangement has been extended to graduates of Greater Bay Area campuses of Hong Kong institutions. Recent graduates applying within the stated window do not need a job offer; later applicants generally need confirmed employment. The pass is granted on time limitation only without other conditions of stay.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓An undergraduate or higher qualification obtained in a full-time, locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong, or from an eligible Greater Bay Area campus.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓No security objection and no known record of serious crime.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓Recent graduates applying within the stated window need not have a job offer.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓Non-recent graduates generally need a genuine, confirmed offer of employment relevant to their qualification.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Common blockers
- !A qualification from a part-time or non-locally-accredited programme.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- !Applying as a non-recent graduate without a confirmed job offer.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- !Being a national of a jurisdiction excluded from the arrangement.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and personal particulars.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Graduation certificate and academic transcript from the Hong Kong or eligible GBA campus programme.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·For non-recent graduates: employment contract or letter of appointment.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Evidence of accommodation and ability to support yourself where required.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm whether you are a recent graduate (no job offer needed) or a non-recent graduate (offer required).
Build the evidence pack
Gather your graduation certificate, transcript and, if applicable, employment documents.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the IANG application to the Immigration Department.
After approval
After approval, take up or seek employment and renew toward seven-year residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG).
Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) · verified
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China with
Related routes
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
Talent route for high earners and graduates of top-ranked universities to enter Hong Kong without a prior job offer.
General Employment Policy (GEP)
Hong Kong's main employer-sponsored route for non-local professionals with a confirmed job offer that cannot be readily filled locally.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
Points-based talent route for highly skilled or talented people to settle in Hong Kong without first securing a job offer.
Entry for Residence as Dependants
Route for spouses, civil partners, dependent children and (for permanent-resident sponsors) elderly parents to reside in Hong Kong.
Frequently asked questions
Do IANG holders need a job offer?+
It depends on timing. Non-local recent graduates who apply within the stated window after graduation do not need a confirmed job offer. Non-recent graduates generally must secure a genuine, confirmed offer of employment relevant to their qualification before applying.
Does IANG cover Greater Bay Area campus graduates?+
Yes. The arrangement has been extended to cover graduates of Greater Bay Area campuses established by Hong Kong institutions, alongside graduates who studied in Hong Kong itself. Check the official page for the current list of eligible programmes and any nationality-specific conditions.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →