Immigration Department: Visa Extensions Can Be Now Be Made Online

Mainlanders, non-permanent residents, and students currently out of Hong Kong can renew their work and student visas online from today, the Immigration Department (ImmD) announced yesterday (April 7), , after a group of lawmakers proposed the measure.

The six lawmakers, namely Wendy Hong Wen, Erik Yim Kong, Gary Zhang Xinyu, Brave Chan Yung, Tan Yueheng and Chow Man-kong, supported the plan to assist those stuck outside of Hong Kong during the pandemic to apply for visa renewals.

"As the fifth wave is expected to last for some time, the department has been exploring how to facilitate applications by non-permanent residents who are out of Hong Kong and are unable to return in time," a press release said.

“Successful applicants will be able to download their e-visas and activate the renewals from outside the SAR.”

The tentative measure is set to expire on Dec. 31, affecting at least 45,000 visa holders across nine categories of visas, including mainland Chinese professionals, non-local graduates, capital investment entrants, and students.

The ImmD will intend to "review whether to extend the measure in due course" depending on the pandemic situation.