Visa Application Steps
Getting a student visa (Student Pass) as an international student for a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program in Malaysia is a multi-step process managed primarily through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) by your chosen university.
Here are the key steps involved:
1. Secure Admission to a University
- Apply and Receive an Offer: Research and apply to a Malaysian higher education institution (HEI) recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education.
- Receive and Accept the Offer Letter: Once accepted, you will receive an official Offer Letter or Admission Confirmation. This is the foundational document required for the visa application.
2. University Submits Application via EMGS
- Document Submission: Your chosen university's International Student Office will initiate the student pass application on your behalf through the EMGS online system. You will need to provide them with the required documents.
- Required Documents (Typically include):
- Passport Copy: Must be valid for at least 18 months from the date of the visa application. Include the bio-data page and all pages with visas/stamps.
- Passport-sized Photographs: Recent, with a white background, adhering to EMGS photo guidelines.
- Official Offer Letter from the university.
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates (from previous studies).
- Proof of English Proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or MUET scores), if required by your program.
- Completed Health Declaration Form (and sometimes a Pre-Arrival Medical Check-up report).
- Proof of Financial Capacity (bank statements, sponsor letters, or scholarship award letters).
- Visa Processing Fees.
- EMGS Processing: EMGS screens and vets your documents and health status. The university/EMGS will inform you of any issues or requests for additional documents.
3. Obtain the Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
- Approval: Upon approval by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, EMGS will issue an Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL).
- eVAL Importance: The VAL is the official document confirming that you are permitted to enter Malaysia for study purposes. It is typically valid for six months from the date of issuance.
- Tracking: You can track the status of your application online via the EMGS website portal using your passport number and nationality.
4. Apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV)
- Pre-Arrival Visa: Students from countries that require a visa to enter Malaysia must apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV) or Visa with Reference (VDR) at the nearest Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in their home country before traveling.
- Required for SEV: You will need your passport, the eVAL, and a completed visa application form.
5. Travel to Malaysia and Final Endorsement
- Entry and Arrival: Once you have your eVAL and SEV (if required), you can purchase a flight ticket and travel to Malaysia. You should plan to arrive 2-3 days before your official registration date.
- Immigration Clearance: Upon arrival at the airport, present your passport and eVAL at the Immigration counter. Your passport will be stamped, and you might receive a Special Pass to allow time for the final process.
- Post-Arrival Procedures (Within 7 days):
- Register with your university.
- Undergo a Post-Arrival Medical Screening at an EMGS-approved clinic in Malaysia. Passing this is mandatory for the Student Pass.
- Submit Passport for Endorsement: Your university will collect your passport and submit it to the Immigration Department to have the Student Pass sticker (the actual visa) endorsed in your passport.
- Student Pass: The Student Pass is typically valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually through your university until your studies are completed.
Key Reminders and Processing Times:
- Start Early: The entire process, from university application to receiving the VAL, can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months. Start preparing your documents well in advance.
- No Tourist Visa Conversion: You cannot enter Malaysia on a tourist/social pass and then convert it into a Student Pass.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has a minimum of 18 months' validity when you apply for the visa.
