Post-Study Work in Hong Kong (IANG) Explained

What IANG is

The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) is an official scheme run by Hong Kong's Immigration Department. It lets non-local students who have earned a full-time, locally-accredited qualification at degree level or above in Hong Kong apply to stay in — or return to — Hong Kong to look for or take up work.

In practical terms, IANG is the main route that turns a Hong Kong study experience into a post-study work opportunity. It is a stay-and-work arrangement, not a scholarship or a degree, and it is separate from your student visa.

This guide explains the structure in general terms. It is general information, not immigration advice — always confirm the current rules, fees and forms on the official Immigration Department page before you act.

Who can apply: recent vs non-recent graduates

IANG distinguishes between two groups by the timing of your application. Non-local graduates who apply within six months of their graduation date are treated as recent graduates; those who apply later are treated as non-recent graduates.

The practical difference is around employment. Recent graduates can generally apply without having already secured a job — the arrangement gives them time to look for suitable work. Non-recent graduates generally need to have secured a graduate-level job before applying.

Eligibility also depends on your qualification (it must be a full-time, locally-accredited programme at degree level or above in Hong Kong) and on nationality; a small number of nationalities are not covered. Confirm your own eligibility on the official page — this is general information, not immigration advice.

• Recent graduate: applies within 6 months of graduation; a job offer is generally not required to apply
• Non-recent graduate: applies after 6 months; generally needs a secured graduate-level job
• Qualification: full-time, locally-accredited, degree level or above, obtained in Hong Kong
• Nationality: a few nationalities are excluded — check the official list

How long you can stay and how extensions work

Under IANG, successful applicants are normally granted an initial period of stay on 'time limitation only' — meaning you can live and work without an employer sponsor or other conditions during that period. The initial period is set by policy and has been 24 months in recent practice.

Before your permitted stay ends, you can apply to extend it. Extension rules typically look at whether you are employed in suitable, graduate-level work, and the exact conditions and any required pay level are defined by the Immigration Department.

Because the initial period, extension criteria and fees can be updated, do not rely on a fixed number from any third party — verify the current stay period and extension rules on the official Immigration Department page.

How to apply

Applications are made to the Immigration Department, and an online channel is available through the GovHK e-services platform. You submit the application form together with supporting documents such as your passport, your graduation certificate or academic proof, and — for non-recent graduates — evidence of your job.

Timing matters. Recent graduates should apply within the six-month window after graduation to keep the simpler no-job-required route. If you are applying from outside Hong Kong after returning home, the same scheme applies for eligible graduates who wish to come back to work.

The forms, fee and processing time are published by the Immigration Department and can change, so download the current form and fee schedule from the official page rather than an older copy.

• Prepare: passport, graduation proof/academic transcript, and (if non-recent) job evidence
• Apply online via GovHK or as directed on the official Immigration Department page
• Recent graduates: aim to apply within 6 months of graduation
• Pay the current application fee and allow for the published processing time

How IANG fits into a longer stay

IANG is often the first step in a longer stay in Hong Kong. As long as you keep meeting the conditions and extend your stay when required, you can continue to live and work there.

Under Hong Kong law, a person who has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode. Whether any individual qualifies depends on their own circumstances and on the law as applied by the authorities.

This is stated here as a neutral factual pathway, not as advice or a promise. If long-term residency is your goal, confirm the current requirements directly with the Immigration Department and consider professional guidance for your specific case.

Reminders and avoiding scams

No one can guarantee that your IANG application, extension or any future residency will be approved — decisions rest with the Immigration Department. Be cautious of anyone selling a 'guaranteed' work visa or right of abode, or asking for large sums to 'process' a straightforward government application.

The official application is made directly to the Immigration Department for the published fee. Use the official page for the current forms, fees and rules, and keep copies of everything you submit.

Because immigration rules change, re-check the official source close to the time you apply — this guide is general information, not immigration advice.