Background to IANG
The Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduates (IANG) was introduced in 2008 to bring in more diverse talents of high caliber to Hong Kong. As part of the Government's efforts to draw quality talents to Hong Kong, the Policy Address in 2022 had outlined the extension of the limit of stay under IANG from 1 year (12 months) to 2 years (24 months) to facilitate non-local post-secondary students to stay in Hong Kong upon their graduation.
What is IANG?
The IANG allows non-local graduates to stay and work in Hong Kong after their graduation. This scheme also allows non-local graduates to bring in their spouses and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to the HKSAR.
What are the advantages of IANG?
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Non-local recent graduates
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Can stay in Hong Kong for up to 24 months to look for work right after graduation
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Can change employers during the IANG period
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Can work in Hong Kong without additional work visa sponsorship from employers
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Dependents can also take up employment in Hong Kong
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Application process is simple and efficient
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Non-local non-recent graduates
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Can return to Hong Kong to work after securing a job offer in Hong Kong (see further clarifications below)
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Can change employers during the IANG period
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Dependents can also take up employment in Hong Kong
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Application process is simple and efficient
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Who are covered under IANG?
The IANG Scheme covers non-local graduates, as defined by persons entering the HKSAR for the purpose of education with a student visa / entry permit issued by the Director of Immigration, and have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited program in Hong Kong.
However, the IANG Scheme does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of) and Nepal. For nationals of Vietnam, the IANG Scheme only applies to those who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time locally-accredited local program in Hong Kong offered by the University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions, but excluding self-financing programs offered by the relevant institutions.
Note: Note: As announced in the Policy Address on Oct 19, 2022, the scope of the IANG Scheme will be expanded to cover post-secondary students who have graduated from the campuses of Hong Kong’s universities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) on a pilot basis for 2 years. Under the expanded scope, GBA campus graduates who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time program offered by a higher education institution in the Mainland cities of the GBA jointly established by universities of the Mainland and Hong Kong in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Cooperation in Running Schools are also eligible to apply for IANG
Depending on the time that the IANG applications are submitted to the Immigration Department, the applications would be handled under one of the following categories:
(a) Non-local Recent Graduates
Non-local graduates who submit applications to the Immigration Department within 6 months after the date of their graduation (i.e. the date shown on their graduation certificates), are classified as non-local recent graduates. Non-local recent graduates who wish to apply to stay and work in Hong Kong are NOT required to have secured an offer of employment upon application. They will be granted a stay of *24 months (with a valid travel document during the stay period) without any other conditions upon application, and are free to take up any employment without the need to seek prior approval from the Immigration Department.
(b) Non-local Non-Recent Graduates
Non-local graduates who submit applications beyond six months of the date of their graduation are classified as non-local non-recent graduates. Non-local non-recent graduates who wish to return to work in the HKSAR are required to secure an offer of employment upon application. Their applications will be favorably considered so long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at market level. They will be granted a stay of *24 months (with a valid travel document during the stay period) without any other conditions upon application, and are free to take up any employment without the need to seek prior approval from the Immigration Department.
Upon expiration of IANG, subsequent extensions of stay will normally follow the "2 years + 2 years + 3 years" pattern subject to the applicant fulfilling applicable conditions with sponsorship from his/her employer.
*[Dated Oct 19, 2022] Further to the Policy Address announced by the Chief Executive on Oct 19, 2022, the government will relax the IANG by extending the limit of stay from 1 year (12 months) to 2 years (24 months) to facilitate the non-local post-secondary graduates staying in or coming to Hong Kong for work. This is a pilot arrangement and will be reviewed after the first year of implementation.
Enquiries
If you wish to find out more about the IANG, please contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department by phone at (852) 2824 6111, by email at enquiry@immd.gov.hk, or visit their official websites through the following links:
