HKU Student Visa Approved: What Happens Next?

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has announced the next steps for international students whose student visa applications have been approved by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD).

A visa approval does not mean that the e-Visa is immediately available. HKU will first receive the visa permit from ImmD and then send students an email with instructions for downloading their e-Visa.

For Summer Programme students, e-Visas are expected to be issued approximately four weeks before the programme begins.

For full-time degree students starting in August or September 2026, HKU states that student visas will not be issued before July 2026. The university also recommends arriving in Hong Kong about two to three weeks before the start of the semester.

Students holding a Conditional Offer must upload proof that all admission conditions have been met, such as a Firm Offer or other supporting documents, through HKU's visa application system before visa processing can continue.

Applicants who submitted their visa applications through the Self-Apply route should follow the instructions provided directly by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, including paying the required visa fee and downloading the e-Visa themselves.

Once HKU has received the visa permit, students will receive an email with instructions to download their e-Visa and complete the remaining pre-arrival preparations.