How to apply for a visa extension in Hong Kong?

If you need a visa extension in Hong Kong, the rules depend on your visa type - and missing your deadline can have serious consequences. Whether you are in Hong Kong to work, study, support a household as a domestic helper, or visiting as a tourist, you must apply to extend your stay before your current limit expires. This guide walks through the eligibility criteria, documents, fees, and application steps for each category.

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Visa extension for talents

Hong Kong runs several talent admission schemes, each with its own extension rules. The schemes currently available are:

• Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
• General Employment Policy (GEP)
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
• Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
• Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
• Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
• Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents (ASSG)

Please refer to the Immigration Department website for the specific eligibility criteria for each scheme.

Who is eligible to apply for a visa extension?

All talents who want to stay longer in Hong Kong need to apply for a visa extension. There are different criteria depending on the scheme. Under QMAS visa extension, the list of prerequisites for requirements for extension of visa in Hong Kong includes:

• Persons Admitted through the General Points Test:
  • Initially granted a 36-month stay;
  • For the first extension, the applicant must show evidence of settling in Hong Kong (e.g. gainful employment or business establishment);
  • Further extensions require proof of settlement and contribution to Hong Kong, (e.g., engaging in specialist, senior level employment, establishing a significant business);
  • Extensions typically follow a 3-2 year pattern; and
  • If the applicant has stayed for at least two years and earned an income of at least HK$2 million in the previous tax year, he/she may be granted a five-year extension after submitting income proofs.
• Persons Admitted through the Achievement-based Points Test:
  • Normally granted an eight-year stay initially; and
  • For extension, the applicant must demonstrate self-sufficiency and the ability to support any dependents using his/her own financial resources during his/her stay in Hong Kong.

Eligible individuals for a visa extension under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) in Hong Kong include:

• Non-local Graduates / GBA Campus Graduates:
  • Initially granted a 24-month stay;
  • For extension, the applicant must have secured an offer of employment which is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level, or he/she provides proof of established or joined business in Hong Kong; and
  • Successful applicant will usually receive extensions following a 3-3 year pattern.
• Top-Tier Employment Stream Applicants:
  • Must have stayed in Hong Kong under IANG for at least two years.
  • Require an assessable income of no less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment.
  • Successful applicants in this category can be granted a six-year extension, with evidence of income like a notice of salaries tax assessment or relevant tax documents.

What documents are needed to apply for a visa extension?

The documents required vary by scheme. For an IANG extension, you will typically need:

• Hong Kong identity card
• Travel document and/or latest “e-Visa”
• Supporting letter from employer/employment contract stating your position, remuneration and duration of your employment contract
• Documentary proof of the applicant having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, e.g. notice of salaries tax assessment of the previous tax assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents (if applicable)
• Other supporting documents

Visa extension for foreign domestic helpers

If you have a foreign domestic helper who wants to apply for a visa extension with the same employer for contract renewal, you may apply using an online application service.

Who is eligible to apply for a visa extension?

Your foreign domestic helpers are eligible to apply for visa extension if:

• The employer is financially capable of employing a Helper after his/her household expenditure has been deducted;
• The Helper and the employer shall enter into a standard Employment Contract (ID 407) as specified by the Director of Immigration;
• The Helper shall only perform domestic duties for the employer;
• The Helper shall not take up any other employment with any other person during his/her stay in Hong Kong and within the contract period;
• The employer must pay the Helper a salary that is no less than the minimum allowable wage announced by the Government and prevailing at the date of application for employing the Helper;
• The Helper shall work and reside in the employer's residence;
• The Helper shall be provided with suitable accommodation and with reasonable privacy;
• The bona fides of the employer and the Helper are not in doubt;
• There is no known record to the detriment of the employer and the Helper; and
• The employer is a bona fide resident in Hong Kong.

What documents are needed to apply for a visa extension?

• Visa/Extension of Stay Application Form for Domestic Helper from Abroad (ID 988A) completed and signed by the Helper;
• Application for Employment of Domestic Helper from Abroad (ID 988B) completed and signed by the employer;
• original copy of the new standard Employment Contract (ID 407);
• original of his/her travel document (for in-person application) or copy of the Helper's travel document including the pages showing (i) his/her personal particulars, photo, passport validity; and (ii) the latest landing endorsement / landing slip / visa label / “e-Visa” (for application made by post, drop-in or online);
• copy of the proof of employer's financial position; and
• copy of the proof of the employer's residential address.

Visa extension for students

If you are a student who just finished your education in Hong Kong, you might extend your stay by applying under different schemes for talents mentioned above. Note that different rules apply to mainland and non-mainland students.

Students who wish to continue their programs or pursue higher education can also extend the stay limit. Note that different rules apply to mainland and non-mainland students.

Who is eligible to apply for a visa extension?

Students who apply for schemes for talents can refer to the above section. For students wishing to extend the stay limit to continue their programs or pursue higher education, the approved stay extension will typically last a year or the duration of their studies. Applicants need to meet the following eligibility criteria for entry will such applications be considered:

• Possessing a valid student visa to study in Hong Kong;
• Being admitted and to only attend at a specified school, university or other educational institution and undertake such course of study as may be approved by the Director of Immigration; and
• The applicant cannot take up any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establish or join in any business, except for mandatory internship, part-time on-campus jobs, or summer jobs.

What documents are needed to apply for a visa extension?

Students who apply for schemes for talents can refer to the above section.

Suppose you are a non-Mainland student who wants to extend the length of stay to continue studying. In that case, you need to submit the following forms and documents (original):

• Original and photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable);
• Photocopy of the applicant’s Hong Kong identity card;
• Completed form ID 91; and
• Current school letter addressed to the Immigration Department confirming that the student requires extension of stay to continue study.

Visa extension for visitors

Visitors must depart Hong Kong before their stay limit expires. You can apply to extend your stay as a visitor by applying online when you have 14 days or fewer remaining before your stay limit expires. In-person applications are accepted when you have seven days or fewer remaining. All applications are considered on their individual merits and are not guaranteed to be approved.

What documents are needed to apply for a visa extension?

• Applicant’s travel document (and the previous travel document if it shows the current limit of stay); and
• Evidence to support the need to prolong the stay in Hong Kong e.g. onward/return tickets; evidence showing adequate fund, etc.

How to apply for a visa extension online?

Yes, you can apply for a visa extension in Hong Kong online. Once you have prepared your supplementary documents, you can either book an online appointment for a visa extension in Hong Kong via the 24-hour telephone booking system at (852) 2598 0888, or you can just use the convenient online service.

Generally, the application process consists of the following steps:

1. Fill out your information, including reference number of latest visa / entry permit / extension of stay application name, date of birth, immigration status, expiry date of travel document;
2. Read and agree to the Declaration of Applicant;
3. Upload all the supporting documents;
4. Review and sign the application; and
5. Provide contact email for subsequent correspondence.

How long does it take to process a visa extension?

For talent scheme, student, and domestic helper extensions, processing typically takes two to six weeks.

For visitor extensions, applications submitted in person to the Extension Section are normally finalised on the same day. Online visitor applications are normally processed on the next working day after receipt. As an extension is not guaranteed, visitors should submit their application at an appropriate time before their stay limit expires.

How much does it cost for visa extension?

The cost to extend the limit of stay in Hong Kong is HKD$230.

The requirements for an extension of a visa in Hong Kong are often complicated. Ensure you always keep up to date with the most recent requirements and apply ahead of time if you need to extend your visa!

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Sources last checked on 21 Nov 2023