Useful Information

Q1: What types of applications are applicable to the electronic services for visa application?

A1: Electronic services for visa application have been extended to all visa application types including the visas/entry permits for visit, employment, investment, training, residence and study since 29 November 2022.

Q2: How can I use online services to submit an application?

A2: You can complete the entire online application submission process, including filling in an electronic form, uploading photos and relevant supporting documents, submitting supplementary documents and paying the application fee ^Note (if applicable), through the GovHK website, the ImmD’s website or the ImmD Mobile Application.

Q3: I am not an “iAM Smart” user, can I use online services to submit an application?

A3: Yes. An applicant who is not an “iAM Smart” user can also use online services to submit an application. If you are an“iAM Smart” user, you may fill in the electronic form by using the “e-ME” Form Filling function of “iAM Smart”, which is faster and more convenient.

Q4: If I do not use online services to submit an application for an entry visa/permit or extension of stay, can I submit my application by post, by drop-in box or in person at an Immigration Office?

A4: To further promote electronic services for visa applications, applicants of the General Employment Policy, the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, the Technology Talent Admission Scheme, the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents, the Top Talent Pass Scheme, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, Investment as Entrepreneurs, Training, and the Working Holiday Scheme, and all dependants must submit relevant applications and upload all supporting documents through the online application system of the ImmD. The ImmD will no longer accept such applications submitted by post, by drop-in box or in person at an Immigration Office.

For other types of visa applications, in addition to the online application system of the ImmD, applicants can also use the existing methods such as by post, by drop-in box or in person at an Immigration Office to submit their application, subject to the requirements of the types of visa applications. For details, please refer to the dedicated webpage for each type of visa applications on this website.

Q5: What documents do I need to submit when I submit my application online?

A5: The documents needed to be submitted for online application depends on the requirements of the type of your visa application. For details, please refer to the dedicated webpage for each type of visa applications on this website.

Q6: How long will incomplete online applications be stored temporarily?

A6: During the process of online application submission, applicants can choose to temporarily store their application information in the computer system and leave the webpage. The information entered will be temporarily stored in the computer system for 14 days. If applicants do not complete the online application process within 14 days, the information temporarily stored will be deleted without further notice.

Q7: I do not have a scanner, can I use online services to submit my application?

A7: Yes. You can use the camera function of an electronic device to take pictures of the required photos and documents, and then upload the files.

Q8: Can I use online services to submit supplementary documents?

A8: Yes. If you have submitted your application through the GovHK website and have received a notification letter from the ImmD requesting you to provide supplementary documents, you can use online services to submit the relevant documents.

Q9: What measures does the ImmD have in place to ensure that the personal information provided by applicants in their online visa applications will not be intercepted or altered? What information security measures are in place?

A9: The ImmD will implement appropriate information security measures in accordance with the government’s security guidelines and by adopting the latest and appropriate information security technology on the market. The system will encrypt the personal data provided by applicants online to ensure the security and integrity of the data during transmission on the Internet. The ImmD will also ensure that all information will be processed in the department’s private and specific network, and will be encrypted and stored in government data centres.

Q10: Do I need to pay when I submit my application online? If not, when do I need to pay?

A10: Online submission of application is a free service. However, with effect from 11 a.m. on 26 February 2025, an applicant who makes an application under a Specified Scheme is required to pay an application fee and, upon approval of the concerned application, the relevant visa issuance fee according to the two-tiered fee structure. The application fee paid is non-refundable in any circumstance irrespective of the application result. For more details about the new fee structure for visa applications under Specified Schemes, please click here. Upon approval of applications, the notification of the application result issued by the ImmD will include a webpage link for payment of the visa issuance fee.  You can pay the relevant fee by following the Guidelines on the Payment for and Collection of an “e-Visa” attached to the ImmD’s notification of the application result.

Q11: When will I receive an official Application Reference Number?

A11: After you have completed the online application process, the ImmD will create a file for your application as soon as possible upon receipt of your application. You will then receive an acknowledgement letter containing the official Application Reference Number via email.

Q12: Do I need to sign my electronic form?

A12: The applicant and/or sponsor, employer or employing company's authorised person (where applicable) are required to complete the application form online and sign to acknowledge that the information given is correct, complete and true. Please follow the instructions to sign using a mouse, digital pen, etc.

Q13: What should I do if I find that the information I gave in the online application form is wrong？

A13: Please contact the relevant section that processed your application for follow-up action.

Q14: When I submit my application online, do I have to fill in my contact email address?

A14: When submitting an application online, the applicant must provide a contact email address to complete the application process. All notices concerning the application will be sent to that contact email address.

Q15: What should I do if I forget the temporary Application Reference Number provided by the system after clicking “Save and Exit”?

A15: During the online application process, if you choose “Save and Exit”, you will be asked by the system to provide an email address, and a temporary Application Reference Number for your incomplete online application will be sent to this email address. You must use this temporary Application Reference Number and your personal particulars as the access code to complete the online application process within 14 days, otherwise the information temporarily stored will be deleted without further notice.

Q16: How can I seek assistance if I encounter technical problems when submitting an application/supplementary document(s) online, paying online, or making enquiries about or downloading my “e-Visa”?

A16: Please call the technical support hotline operated by the contractor at (852) 3128 8668 from 7 am to 11 pm (Hong Kong time) daily.

Q17: Who should I contact if I have any other questions about online submission of applications?

A17: Please contact the Information and Liaison Section of the ImmD by phone at (852) 2824 6111, by fax at (852) 2877 7711 or by email at enquiry@immd.gov.hk.