The Immigration Department (ImmD) has introduced the electronic services for all visa applications in phases from 28 December 2021 to 29 November 2022 to allow applicants to complete the entire process of visa-related application online through the GovHK website, the ImmD’s website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
Applicants can complete the application form and upload supporting documents online. During the process, they can save the information entered in the system temporarily for later completion of the online application process. After submitting their applications online, applicants can also submit supplementary documents and/or enquire the status of their applications online, when necessary.
Upon approval of the application, applicants may pay online through the online payment webpage link provided in the notification of the application result, and then download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves upon payment. For details of the "e-Visa", please click here.
After the introduction of the electronic services for visa application, applicants may still choose to use the existing methods, such as in person, by post or by drop-in box, to submit their applications, and attend an Immigration Office for payment and collection of the visa.
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 and submitting supplementary documents, through the GovHK website, the ImmD’s website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
Q3: Who can use online services to submit a visa application?
A3: The eligibility for online submission of visa applications is subject to the requirements of the types of visa applications. For details, please refer to the dedicated webpage for each type of visa applications under Online Services.
Q4: I am not an “iAM Smart” user, can I use online services to submit an application?
A4: 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.
Q5: 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?
A5: Yes. In addition to online services, 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 applications.
Q6: What documents do I need to submit when I submit my application online?
A6: 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 under Online Services.
Q7: How long will incomplete online applications be stored temporarily?
A7: 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.
Q8: I do not have a scanner, can I use online services to submit my application?
A8: 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.
Q9: Can I use online services to submit supplementary documents?
A9: 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.
Q10: 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?
A10: 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.
Q11: Do I need to pay when I submit my application online? If not, when do I need to pay?
A11: Online submission of applications is a free service. Once the application is approved, you can pay the relevant fee by following Guidelines on the Payment for and Collection of an “e-Visa” attached to the ImmD’s notification of the application result.
Q12: When will I receive an official Application Reference Number?
A12: 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.
Q13: Do I need to sign my electronic form?
A13: 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.
Q14: What should I do if I find that the information I gave in the online application form is wrong？
A14: Please contact the relevant section that processed your application for follow-up action.
Q15: When I submit my application online, do I have to fill in my contact email address?
A15: 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.
Q16: What should I do if I forget the temporary Application Reference Number provided by the system after clicking “Save and Exit”?
A16: 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.
Q17: 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”?
A17: Please call the technical support hotline operated by the contractor at (852) 3128 8668 from 7 am to 11 pm (Hong Kong time) daily.
Q18: Who should I contact if I have any other questions about online submission of applications?
A18: 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.
