3 minsHong Kong is not only a place for tourists and visitors to visit and see what the country has to offer. It is an education hub where people from different parts of the world welcome to study. Boasting some of the best universities in Asia and the world, Hong Kong maintains an international standard when it comes to education. That is why every year more foreign student come to Hong Kong for their higher education.
Many of these students come from different parts of the world and Hong Kong's neighboring Asian countries. Indian students are among the individuals that would like to benefit from Hong Kong's top education. Hong Kong's quality of education has long been held high in India, attracting a number of intelligent students from India. If you are an Indian student who is planning to study abroad, Hong Kong is the perfect choice.
So to get you started, the steps on how to apply for a student visa from India are given below.
Step-by-Step Process for Student Visa Application:
1. Get a sponsor
Before trying to apply for a Hong Kong student visa, you should first nominate a local sponsor. This local sponsor can either be the educational institution who has granted an acceptance of the applicant or an individual who should be of legal age (18 and above), a Hong Kong resident, and acquainted to the applicant who is financially capable to support him/her. In such a scenario, a ‘Declaration by Financial Sponsor’ should be completed and signed. A parent/ guardian should also authorize the sponsor to serve as the guardian throughout the applicant's stay. This is especially important if the applicant is under 18 years old.
2. Fill out necessary forms
Applicant should complete the application form ID 995A while the sponsor fills out the form ID 995B. Both can be downloaded online through the website (www.immd.gov.hk) or you can obtain these from offices:
- Immigration Department Headquarters
- Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing
- Immigration Branch Offices.
- Overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions.
- Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong
Affix a recent photograph on page 2 of the form.
3. Prepare the following documents
The documents that should accompany your application form are:
- Transcripts, awards, and certificates
- A photocopy of your letter of admission from a university in Hong Kong and your letter of acceptance to the specific course.
- Photocopy of the applicant's travel document which contains personal credentials, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable).
- One passport sized photograph
Proof of your financial standing such as proof of scholarship funds, bank statements, passbooks, etc. A proof of HK$120,000 or equivalent in another currency should suffice.
- Photocopy of Highest Public Examination/Academic Result
- Photocopy of other qualifications such as IELTS or TOEFL (if any)
- Photocopy of Identity Card or equivalent (if any)
- Photocopy of Passport
- Properly filled Application for Student Visa Sponsorship and Declaration
- Photocopy of telegraphic transfer advice/receipt
4. Include Visa Fee.
The Visa fee covers visa application fees, courier expense, and administration fees. A list of the Visa Fee can be seen on the immigration website (www.immd.gov.hk).
5. Submit the Student Visa requirements.
Submit your required materials and visa fee to India's Chinese Embassy. Or, you can also send your documents to the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS). (Note that your embassy or consulate website has specific instructions on submitting your documents.)
6. Wait for the confirmation
Once your application has reached the CEDARS office, they will send an acknowledgement letter to you at the earliest. CEDARS will then forward the official Visa documents and application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID). After 6 to 8 weeks, HLID will inform you about the results of the application. If approved, CEDARS will pick up a visa label and courier it to you by delivery after confirming your mailing address via email. Therefore, if you applied in person, you must pick it up personally. On the other hand, if you applied by mail, wait for the delivery.
7. Attach the label
Stick the student visa label onto your passport page after receiving your student visa label. You are now officially accepted to study in Hong Kong and its top universities.
What are you waiting for? Apply for a Hong Kong Student Visa right away!
Image credit: blog.studylink.com
Speak to an expert
Chat with Couru
