Ms. Liu from Changsha, 35 years old and holding a bachelor’s degree, had been unable to pass the IELTS exam. She had originally thought that obtaining Hong Kong residency was out of reach for her, but later learned about the “study-to-immigrate” route: complete a one-year master’s program in Hong Kong, obtain an IANG visa upon graduation, and have her children join her in Hong Kong to attend school.

This path has a relatively low barrier to entry and a manageable timeline, making it suitable for families with average educational backgrounds who want to switch their children to a different educational track.

01

Basic Pathways to Immigrating Through Further Education

Step 1: Apply for a one-year taught master’s program in Hong Kong. Many programs have low English proficiency requirements, and some programs taught in Chinese do not even require an IELTS score.

Step 2: After enrollment, apply for a student visa. Spouses and minor children can apply for dependent visas, and children can attend public or international schools in Hong Kong.

Step 3: After graduation, apply for an IANG visa, commonly known as the “Arrangement for Non-Local Graduates to Remain in or Return to Hong Kong for Employment.” The initial approval is valid for two years, after which it can be renewed under the “2+3+3” model.

Step 4: Generally, after residing in Hong Kong for 7 years, you may apply for permanent resident status.

According to data released by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, the approval rate for IANG visas has consistently remained around 95%, making it one of the highest among all talent programs.

02

Who Is It For?

First, individuals with a bachelor’s degree and some work experience, but whose scores are not high enough to qualify under the “Outstanding Talent” or “Highly Skilled Talent” categories.

Second, families who want their children to receive an education in Hong Kong but do not want to relocate the entire family too early.

Third, people who are willing to spend a year studying and have sufficient financial resources. The total cost for a one-year master’s program, including tuition and living expenses, is approximately 200,000 to 400,000 Hong Kong dollars.

Fourth, people who plan to pursue opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the future. Hong Kong residency offers advantages in starting a business, purchasing property, and securing education for children in the Greater Bay Area.

03

What to Keep in Mind for Visa Renewals and Permanent Residency

The key requirement for renewing an IANG visa is “working or starting a business in Hong Kong.” The Immigration Department will review whether you have a reasonable work history, tax payment record, and residence record in Hong Kong.

Many people mistakenly believe that visiting Hong Kong a few times a year is enough to renew their visa. That’s not actually the case. When renewing a visa, you must provide an employment contract, pay stubs, Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) records, and proof of rental or home ownership.

If you start a business in Hong Kong, you’ll also need a physical office address, business contracts, employees or partners, and bank statements to prove that the company is actually in operation.

Applications for permanent residency are based on “habitual residence.” The total time spent outside Hong Kong within any 7-year period must not exceed 180 days at a time, and applicants must provide evidence of continuous residence or employment in Hong Kong.

04

Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: You can obtain permanent residency just by completing your studies. No. One year of study counts only as part of your time in Hong Kong; after graduation, you must renew your visa through the IANG program to accumulate a total of 7 years.

Misconception No. 2: Master’s programs taught in Chinese are subpar. In fact, this is not the case. Many programs taught in Chinese are full-fledged master’s degrees offered by Hong Kong universities, and the credentials are recognized by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE).

Misconception 3: Just having a Hong Kong residency automatically guarantees admission to a top school. While Hong Kong residency does expand educational options, admission to a specific school ultimately depends on academic performance and interview results.

Misconception 4: Hiring an agency guarantees admission. A formal application still depends on your academic background, work experience, letters of recommendation, and interview performance. An agency can only help optimize your application materials; it cannot substitute for your qualifications.

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