The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Indian students go to Hong Kong for its English-medium, internationally ranked universities and proximity/connectivity to mainland China and the region. Hong Kong's Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) give graduates of local full-time accredited programmes a notably open post-study stay-and-work route, without needing a job offer at the point of first application.

Visa

Student visa/entry permit

After graduating

Under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG): graduates of a full-time, locally-accredited undergraduate-or-higher programme (bachelor's/master's/doctoral of at least 1 academic year, or a QF Level 5+ programme with 120+ QF credits) who apply within 6 months of their graduation date ('recent graduates') can get an initial 24-month stay with NO job offer required. 'Non-recent graduates' (applying after 6 months) need a job offer at graduate level and market-rate pay. Extensions follow a 3-3 year pattern (job offer required, market-level pay). IANG holders on 'time limitation only' status may take up and change employment freely without prior Immigration Department approval. After 2 years on IANG with assessable income of at least HKD 2 million in the prior tax year, a 'top-tier' extension of 6 years without other conditions is available. Processing: about 2 weeks for recent-graduate applications, 4 weeks for non-recent (longer June-August). Right of abode can be applied for after 7 continuous years of ordinary residence. Source: Immigration Department 'Guidebook for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong', ID(E)991 (04/2026), Part IV.

Full Hong Kong guide — timeline, costs, visa steps →