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:
Source check: all 11 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
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
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is an unsponsored Hong Kong immigration route. Sources: official Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/hong-kong/immigration-arrangements-non-local-graduates#answer
What is the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China?
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) is an unsponsored Hong Kong route. Indicative government fees are A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page; indicative processing time is The Immigration Department indicates processing of around four weeks for a complete application; confirm current timing on the official page; typical duration is Initial stay of 24 months on time limitation only; renewable subject to meeting the criteria. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) on 1 June 2026.
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
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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.
How long is the initial IANG visa valid for after I graduate?+
The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates grant an initial stay of 24 months on time limitation only, renewable subject to meeting the criteria. Confirm current arrangements on the official Immigration Department page.
Can I apply for IANG if I studied a part-time or non-locally-accredited programme?+
No. IANG requires an undergraduate or higher qualification obtained in a full-time, locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong (or from an eligible Greater Bay Area campus). A qualification from a part-time or non-locally-accredited programme is a common blocker.
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 in Hong KongHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR)
Last checked: 1 June 2026