Extending your IANG visa in Hong Kong? Here's what the process actually requires, the mistakes that trip people up, and why the approval rate sits at 94%.

What Is the IANG Visa Extension?

IANG lets non-local graduates of Hong Kong degree programmes stay and work without needing employer sponsorship up front. Since September 2022, the initial stay runs 24 months. After that, extensions follow a 2+2+3-year pattern — each renewal tied to you actually being employed or running a business here.

Who's Eligible for an Extension?

• You're currently employed in Hong Kong at degree-holder level, on a market-rate salary — or you're running your own registered business

• You're applying within 3 months of your current stay expiring

• You've maintained lawful status throughout your time on IANG

Key insight: This is different from your first IANG application. Extensions require proof of employment — you can't renew if you're between jobs with no offer in hand.

Approval Rates & Processing

According to Immigration Department figures, IANG extension applications were approved at a 94.4% rate in 2024 (6,592 of 6,985 applications) — consistent with approval rates staying above 94% since 2022. New (first-time) IANG applications ran slightly higher, between 94–96% over the same period.

One trend worth noting: refusals for extension applications increased from 20 in 2023 to 53 in 2024. The bar hasn't moved dramatically, but it pays to make sure your employment documentation is airtight before you file.

Fees & Costs

The Immigration Department charges a fixed application fee plus a visa-issuance fee for every extension of stay, and these amounts are revised from time to time. Rather than quote a figure that may already be out of date, check the current schedule on the ImmD website before you file, or ask us to confirm it as part of your application.

What Happens After IANG? Moving to GEP or ASMTP

IANG isn't permanent, so most people eventually move to a longer-term work visa. The General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) are the usual next steps — but it's important to know this isn't an automatic transfer. You apply fresh under GEP or ASMTP once you meet their requirements (confirmed job offer, relevant skills or experience, market-rate pay), and the Immigration Department assesses it as a new application rather than a continuation of your IANG status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for an extension without a confirmed job or active business already in place

• Leaving it until the last few weeks instead of the recommended 3 months before expiry

• Assuming a past IANG approval guarantees the next one — each extension is assessed on its own

• Underestimating the paperwork needed to prove your role and salary meet the market-rate bar

Quick Answers

• Can I extend my IANG visa without a job offer? → No. That's only true for the initial 24-month stay — extensions require current employment or an active business.

• What's the approval rate for IANG extensions? → About 94% in 2024, per Immigration Department statistics.

• How much does an extension cost? → A fixed government fee applies, revised periodically — confirm the current amount on the ImmD website.

• What happens after my IANG status runs out? → Most people apply separately under GEP or ASMTP once they qualify; it isn't an automatic switch.

• When should I apply? → Within 3 months of your current permitted stay expiring, and only once your employment is confirmed.

Final Thoughts

Extending your IANG visa isn't a formality — it's proof you've built a real career in Hong Kong. Getting the employment evidence and timing right the first time avoids any gap in your legal status.

We handle IANG extensions and transitions to GEP or ASMTP every day. Book a free eligibility assessment with our team and we'll confirm your qualification and map out your next step before your current stay runs out.