HKUST Student Visa Approved: Essential Steps Before Arriving in Hong Kong

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Receiving your HKUST admission offer is a major milestone, but obtaining your student visa is just as important. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has begun issuing approved student e-Visas to incoming international students, along with important instructions that should be completed before arrival.

If you are preparing to begin your studies at HKUST, here are the key points you should know.

1. Enter Hong Kong Using Your Student e-Visa

Once your student visa has been approved, HKUST will send you an electronic visa (e-Visa). Upon arrival in Hong Kong, you should present:

• Your valid passport or travel document

• Your e-Visa, either on your mobile device or printed on A4 paper

At immigration, you will scan the QR code on the e-Visa during the entry process.

It is important not to enter Hong Kong as a visitor. Students who enter using visitor status cannot activate their HKUST student visa and are therefore not eligible to register or attend classes.

2. Keep Your Landing Slip

After clearing immigration, you will receive a Landing Slip showing the validity period of your student visa.

This document serves as proof of your authorized stay in Hong Kong and should be kept safely with your passport throughout your studies. It is also an important reference when applying for future visa extensions.

3. Save Your Student Visa Approval Documents

Students should retain the "Application for Student Visa/Entry Permit" document issued with the visa approval.

HKUST notes that this document may be required when applying for on-campus part-time employment in the future.

4. Report Any Changes to Your Study Status

If your academic situation changes—for example:

• Changing degree programs

• Transferring to another institution

you must notify the Hong Kong Immigration Department, as your visa is issued based on your approved program of study.

5. Apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID)

International students who:

• are 11 years of age or older, and

• are permitted to remain in Hong Kong for more than 180 days

must apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) within 30 days of arrival.

Appointments can be made through the Hong Kong Immigration Department's online booking system.

6. Complete Your Pre-Arrival Tasks

Before traveling to Hong Kong, students should review HKUST's pre-arrival information, including:

• academic advising

• orientation activities

• enrollment preparation

• arrival procedures

Completing these steps before departure can help ensure a smooth transition to university life.

7. Monitor Your Student Visa Expiry Date

Your student visa should remain valid throughout your academic program.

If your authorized stay will expire before completing your studies, you should apply for an extension at least four weeks before the current visa expires. Current HKUST students complete this process through the University's Academic Registry.

Final Thoughts

Receiving your HKUST student visa is an important milestone, but there are still several administrative steps to complete before and after arriving in Hong Kong. Entering with the correct visa status, keeping your immigration documents, applying for an HKID when required, and monitoring your visa validity will help ensure a smooth start to your studies.