All non-local students who have been permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days are required to apply for a HKID card within 30 days of arrival. Make an interview appointment with the Hong Kong Immigration Department for your HKID card application. You need to bring along your student visa/entry permit and travel document. Appointments can be booked online through the Hong Kong Immigration Department website: www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/bookregidcard.htm. Your HKID card will normally be ready for collection in a month’s time.
You must carry your original copy of HKID card, passport/travel document as an identity document with you all the time in Hong Kong. Failing to produce proof of identity upon demand to a police officer or immigration officer is considered an offense. In such cases, you may be detained until you can show proofs of your identity and status.
You will also need an HKID Card for extension of your visa/entry permit and visiting a public hospital.
If you are still awaiting your HKID card appointment and require access to public hospital services, you will need to request a letter from the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) to certify your residential status in Hong Kong during a specified period. To obtain this letter, you can send an email to the ImmD at enquiry@immd.gov.hk. Remember to present this letter when you seek public hospital services.
Important Notice
ImmD will adjust their service hours in the four designated Registration of Persons (ROP) Offices from 1 November 2023. You now have the opportunity to change your appointment booking to an earlier time and apply for an HK identity card. By making a new appointment, you will be able to obtain your HK identity card for use much earlier.
Please be aware that ROP Offices will not process applications without prior appointments. You are encouraged to utilize the appointment booking and form pre-filling service via ImmD website: www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/idcard/hkic/bookregidcard.htm