Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme in Hong Kong in 2026

The Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme (VPAS) is a pilot pathway for eligible non-local graduates of specified Vocational Training Council full-time Higher Diploma programmes to remain or return for skilled-trade employment related to their studies.

Timing

Applicants must normally complete an eligible programme within the scheme's required academic-year framework and apply no later than 12 months after graduation.

Category A applicants apply within the first six months after graduation after obtaining VTC proof of eligibility. Category B applicants apply during months seven to twelve and provide the corresponding VTC proof.

Employment condition

VPAS entrants are admitted on employment condition. During the first 48 months under that condition, they must work full-time in employment relevant to their discipline and employer-change rules are restricted.

VPAS does not apply to people already permitted to remain under IANG, so graduates should identify the correct route before applying.

Practical safeguards

Immigration approval is discretionary. Immigration permission does not replace company, employment, tax, investment, professional-licensing or other regulatory requirements.

Return to the Hong Kong immigration hub, methodology, and legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Hong Kong