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Research Postgraduate Programmes

RPG Candidature Extension and Visa Extension

For any students who require more time to complete their studies, it is necessary to apply for an extension of both their candidature with the University and their student visa with the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This page explains the entire process.

You must begin the candidature extension process at least 3 months before your current study period ends. 

 

Example: If your candidature is due to end on August 31, you must submit your "Application for Extension of Candidature" to your department by May 31.

 

Before starting any paperwork, you must discuss with your supervisor. Please discuss your research progress, agree on a realistic new timeline for your thesis submission, and prepare your justification for requiring an extension.

 

Important Notes: 

Both the University's approval for your candidature extension and a valid student visa are compulsory for you to continue your current studies. Failure to complete this entire process may result in a lapse of your student status, overstay in Hong Kong is also considered an illegal act.

 

LS1. HKID Card (Permanent) 香港永久性居民身份證

LS2. Documents issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR showing right to land / right of abode in HK 由香港特區入境事務處簽發享有香港特區的居留權 / 入境權之證明文件
LS3. One-way Permit for entry to Hong Kong 中華人民共和國前往港澳通行證 (單程證)
LS4. Full-time employment VISA / work permit 來港就業入境簽證 / 進入許可證
LS5. Dependent VISA / entry permit (students who were below aged 18 years old when they were FIRST issued with such VISA / entry permit by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR) 受養人簽證 / 進入許可證 (獲香港特區入境事務處首次簽發受養人簽證 / 進入許可證時未年滿18 歲的學生，均視為本地生)
LS6. VISA / entry permit for Quality Migrant Admission Scheme 優秀人才入境計劃
LS7. VISA / entry permit for Capital Investment Entrant Scheme 資本投資者入境計劃
LS8. VISA / entry permit for Admission Scheme for the 2nd Generation of Chinese HK Permanent Residents 輸入中國籍香港永久性居民第二代計劃
LS9. VISA label for unconditional stay 無條件限制逗留 (簽證)
NLS1. Student VISA / entry permit 學生簽證 / 進入許可證
NLS2. VISA / entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) 在非本地畢業生留港 / 回港就業安排下的簽證 / 進入許可證
NLS3. Dependent VISA / entry permit (students who were aged 18 years old or above when they were FIRST issued with such VISA / entry permit by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR) 受養人簽證 / 進入許可證 (獲香港特區入境事務處簽發受養人簽證 / 進入許可證時已年滿18 歲的學生，均視為非本地生)
NLS4. VISA / entry permit for Top Talent Pass Scheme 高端人才通行證計劃
NLS5. Students who do not hold any of the documents in LS1 – LS9
 
 

*Except for students with status LS1, LS2, LS3, LS8 and LS9, all remaining students are regarded as visa holders.​​

 

 

This table outlines the full extension process. Please follow each step carefully.

PhaseStepYour ActionKey Details & Timeline
1. University Candidature Extension1Prepare your candidature extension application materials with your Supervisor.

Prepare the official Application for Extension of Candidature:

  • Application Form for Extension of Candidature.
  • Detailed justification on this extension.
  • A clear study plan with timeframe showing how you will complete your research and submit thesis in the extended period.
  • From the second application onward, supervisor’s support and explanation are also required.
 2Complete and submit Application Form for Extension of Candidature.
  • This official Application Form for Extension of Candidature must be completed and endorsed by you and your supervisor.
  • Timeline: Submit the application to your home Department at least 3 months before your current candidature ends.
 3Wait for conditional approval from the Graduate School.
  • Your application will be reviewed by your Department, the Faculty, and the Graduate School.
  • Please check if you are a visa holder.
  • For Visa Holders: Faculty will send you a notification of conditional approval.
  • For Non-Visa Holders: Faculty will send you a notification of confirmed approval on your candidature extension. Please refer to Step 8 directly.
2. Visa Application4Submit Visa Extension Application to HKU Admissions Office for a supporting letter.
  • Submit your application via the Admissions Office Visa Application System.
  • For your "Expected Study End Date," please state your expected thesis submission date + 6 months.
  • Please refer to the Document Checklist and HKU Admissions Office Visa Application Website for more details.
  • Timeline: Please submit this application to HKU Admissions Office around 6 weeks before your current visa expires.
  • Note: For visa renewals or changes in visa type (e.g. IANG visa to Student Visa), the processing time may take approximately 8-10 weeks, please take action in advance.
 5Submit Visa Extension Application to the HK Immigration Department (ImmD).
  • Submit your visa extension application online via the ImmD System after you receive the supporting letter from HKU Admissions Office.
  • Timeline: You can only submit your visa extension application to ImmD within 4 weeks before your current visa expires.
 6Receive your extended visa.You will receive your extended visa upon ImmD approval. The ImmD processing time is usually 3 weeks.
3. Final Confirmation7Upload your new visa to the HKU Portal.
  • This is a mandatory step to make your extension official in the University's records. 
  • Please ensure that you input accurate information carefully and submit the correct documents. You will not be able to re-submit the documents after confirming your submission.
  • Please read the Guideline for Online Submission of Visa, Landing Slip and Visa Expiry Date for more guidance on how to upload the correct documents to SIS.
  • Path: HKU Portal > SIS Menu > Self Services > Compulsory Upload of Visa Docs
  • Inform your home Department for verification.
  • Timeline: Complete this step immediately after you receive the new visa.

 

Your candidature extension record cannot be updated and your new student card cannot be issued until this step is completed.

 

 8Collect Extended Student Card (if applicable)
  • Upon verifying your extended visa, you will receive an official confirmation email on your candidature extension. 
  • You will receive another email notification from Academic Support and Examinations Section when your student registration card is ready. 

 

When you apply the visa extension supporting letter from the HKU Admissions Office, you will be required to upload clear copies of the following documents. Please refer to the HKU Admissions Office Visa Application Website for more details and information.
 
    DocumentRemarks
    HKID Card 
    Student Registration Card  
    Current Student Visa (e-Visa) 
    Latest Landing Slip 
    Exit-Entry Permit (EEP)For Mainland Students only
    Passport / Travel Document

    Personal particulars page

    For Macao / Taiwan / Overseas Students only

     

    How to Submit Correct Visa, Landing Slip and Visa Expiry Date Online?

    Guideline for Online Submission of Visa, Landing Slip and Visa Expiry Date