Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Jan 15, 2025
Hong Kong is a popular destination for Indian students, with 553 Indian students enrolled in universities as of 2024. Known for its strong job market, especially in finance, tech, and business sectors, Hong Kong offers great opportunities to gain work experience. To work while studying, Indian students must apply for a Hong Kong work permit visa, under the IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates).
International graduates in Hong Kong can stay for 12 months after completing an accredited full-time program, without needing a job offer, if they apply within 6 months after graduation. To extend this stay, graduates must secure a job offer or prove they’ve started a business. Extensions are typically granted for 2 to 3 years based on employment or business status. Hong Kong work visa fees for Indians are 230 HKD (2,553 INR).
Know More: Hong Kong Student Visa
Eligibility Criteria for Hong Kong Working Visa
After completing their studies in Hong Kong, international students are classified into the following categories:
- Non-local Graduates
- GBA Campus Graduates
The eligibility criteria for a Hong Kong employment visa are as follows for both categories of students:
Non-local Graduates
Non-local graduates are students who completed their undergraduate or higher education in Hong Kong.
- Recent Graduates (within 6 months of graduation) can apply for a 24-month stay without needing a job offer.
- Non-recent Graduates (after 6 months of graduation) must have a job offer to apply, with the job being suitable for degree holders and offering a market-level salary.
GBA Campus Graduates
GBA graduates have studied in programs offered by institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
- Recent Graduates (within 6 months of graduation) can apply for a 24-month stay without a job offer.
- Non-recent Graduates (after 6 months of graduation) need a job offer to apply.
Note: In both cases, applicants must meet normal immigration requirements like holding a valid passport and having no criminal record.
Documents Required for Hong Kong Employment Visa
To apply for a Hong Kong work visa/permit, applicants must provide the following documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Completed employment visa application form
- Job offer letter
- 2-3 recent passport-sized photos
- Travel and health insurance
- Education certificates (e.g., mark sheets, degrees)
Note: Documents should be in English or Chinese. For others, certified translations are required.
Entry of Dependents Under a Hong Kong Work Permit for Indian
A Hong Kong work visa for Indians allows the visa holder to bring their spouse or children with them. Check out the requirements and restrictions of this process:
- Applicants under the IANG can bring their spouse (opposite or same-sex) and unmarried children under 18 as dependents.
- Sponsors must provide proof of a genuine relationship and demonstrate the ability to support dependents.
- The length of stay for defendants is linked to the sponsor’s stay.
- Dependents can work or study in Hong Kong under existing policies.
- This arrangement does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Korea (DPRK), or residents with less than seven years of Macao SAR residency.
- Extension of stay for dependents is granted if the sponsor’s circumstances remain unchanged.
Employment Regulations in Hong Kong
International students can not work in Hong Kong during their studies, except in some cases mentioned below.
Internships
Full-time students with at least one year of study can take internships arranged by their school for up to one year (or one-third of the course duration).
Part-time on-campus and summer jobs
Students can work part-time on campus for up to 20 hours per week and full-time during summer (June 1–August 31).
Hong Kong Work Visa Processing Time for Indians
The Hong Kong work visa processing time for Indians is mentioned below.
- Non-local and GBA campus recent graduates: 2 weeks after receiving all documents.
- Non-recent graduates: 4 weeks after receiving all documents.
Note: The Immigration Department processes all applications, but approval is at their discretion and may depend on policy changes. Processing may take longer during the summer (June-August) due to high application volume.
FAQs
Ques: How do I get a work visa in Hong Kong?
Ans: To get a work visa in Hong Kong, you need a valid job offer from a recognized employer. The employer will sponsor your application, and you'll need to provide documents like your passport, proof of qualifications, and job details. Submit your application to the Immigration Department.
Ques: What is the minimum salary for a Hong Kong work visa?
Ans: There isn’t a fixed minimum salary for a work visa. However, the salary should be at a market level for the job you're applying for, and it must meet the Hong Kong government’s requirements. The salary should be enough to support yourself (20,000 HKD) without relying on public funds.
Ques: Do Indians need a work visa in Hong Kong?
Ans: Yes, Indians need a work visa to work in Hong Kong unless they have permanent residency. You must have a job offer from a Hong Kong employer, who will sponsor your visa application.
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