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Dependent Pass

Overview

A Dependent Pass allows eligible family members of postgraduate students to stay in Malaysia during the student’s period of study at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This pass is issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia, JIM) and must always follow the validity of the principal student’s pass.

UTM International assists in coordinating the application, renewal, transfer, and cancellation of dependent passes, but final approval lies with Immigration Malaysia and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Dependents must be physically present in Malaysia for the application process, and students are advised to plan early to avoid penalties or delays.

Important: The principal student (Student Pass holder) must obtain approval before applying for any Dependent Pass.

CHECKLIST FOR NEW DEPENDENT PASS (Download Here)
CHECKLIST FOR RENEWAL DEPENDENT PASS (Download Here)

1. Eligibility

Postgraduate students are eligible to bring dependents, as outlined below:

  1. Spouse (Wife or Husband)
  2. Children under the age of 17
  3. Mother
  4. Father

Notes:

  • Undergraduate students are not permitted to bring dependents.
  • Family in-law, brothers, or sisters are not eligible for a Dependent Pass.
  • Dependents must be physically in Malaysia during the application process.

2. Special Case: Newborn Dependents

  • Apply for a passport, temporary travel document, or emergency certificate at the respective embassy in Malaysia.
  • The newborn’s passport must have an entry stamp into Malaysia. The baby must be taken out of Malaysia and re-entered to obtain the entry stamp before application.
  • Both the newborn and the principal (student) must attend an Immigration appointment to apply for a Special Pass (required for travel arrangements).
  • Do not purchase flight tickets until you receive approval or an official Immigration appointment from UTM International (per Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia instructions).

3. Country-Specific Requirement

Students from certain countries (e.g., Afghanistan) must obtain a Dependent VAL (Visa Approval Letter) from the Immigration Department before travelling to Malaysia for conversion into a Dependent Pass. (The list of affected countries may change from time to time.)

4. Types of Applications

4.1 New Dependent Pass

  • Immigration will process the Dependent Pass only after the Student (Principal) Pass is completed.
  • Journey Perform (JP) Fee: MYR 506 – MYR 550 per dependent.
  • All documents must be physically submitted to UTM International Counter within 7 days of arrival in Malaysia.
  • Processing time: 2 – 4 months.

Documents Required for New Dependent Pass Application:

  • Copy of Dependent’s passport (all pages, including entry stamp)
  • Copy of Student (Principal) passport & Student Pass sticker page
  • Student’s current insurance policy (active under EMGS)
  • Student’s latest examination result/attendance report (if applicable)
  • Student’s verification letter (research/mix-mode students)
  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate / birth certificate, translated into English & endorsed)
  • Passport-sized photo of dependent
  • Proof of payment for Journey Perform (JP) Fee

4.2 Renewal of Dependent Pass

  • Immigration will process the renewal only after the Student (Principal) Pass renewal is completed.
  • Documents must be physically submitted to UTM International Counter at least 2 months before the Dependent Pass expiry date.
  • ⚠️ Penalty will be imposed if documents are submitted late.
  • Processing time: approximately 2 weeks.

Documents Required for Renewal of Dependent Pass Application:

  • Copy of Dependent’s passport (detail page, pass page)
  • Copy of Student (Principal) passport & renewed Student Pass page
  • Student’s active insurance policy under EMGS
  • Student’s latest examination result / attendance report (if required)
  • Updated proof of relationship (if requested by Immigration)
  • Proof of payment (if applicable)

4.3 Transfer of Dependent Pass

  • Application can be made if there is a need to transfer the Dependent Pass (e.g., new passport, change of details).
  • Supporting documents must be submitted to UTM International Counter.

Documents Required for Transfer of Dependent Pass Application:

  • New passport copy of dependent (with entry stamp)
  • Old passport copy of dependent (all pages)
  • Copy of Student (Principal) passport & Student Pass page
  • Student’s active insurance policy under EMGS
  • Supporting document for transfer (if applicable, e.g., change of name, passport replacement)

4.4 Cancellation of Dependent Pass

  • Dependents leaving Malaysia permanently must have their Dependent Pass cancelled.
  • The principal student must apply through UTM International before dependents exit Malaysia.

Documents Required for Cancellation of Dependent Pass Application:

  • Dependent’s passport (original & copy)
  • Student (Principal) passport & Student Pass page
  • Flight ticket of dependent (confirmed one-way out of Malaysia)
  • Cancellation request form (UTM International format)

4.5 Special Pass for Dependents

A Special Pass is issued by Immigration Malaysia for dependents in specific circumstances, such as:

  • While awaiting renewal of their Dependent Pass
  • To legally remain in Malaysia during transition (e.g., passport replacement, change of status)
  • For newborn dependents preparing to travel for entry stamping before applying for a Dependent Pass

Key Notes:

  • Application must be made through UTM International.
  • Approval is subject to Immigration Malaysia.
  • The validity of a Special Pass is usually 30 days (can be extended upon Immigration approval).
  • Do not make travel arrangements before receiving official approval.

Documents Required for Special Pass for Dependents Application:

  • Dependent’s passport (original & copy)
  • Student (Principal) passport & Student Pass page
  • Proof of ongoing application (renewal/new/cancellation, whichever relevant)
  • Supporting documents (e.g., flight booking, passport renewal receipt, birth certificate for newborns)
  • Payment receipt for Special Pass fee (if applicable)

5. Contact Information

Dependent Pass Management
International Student & Scholar Services (I3S), UTM International, UTM
Email: iscjb@utm.my
WhatsApp: +60 12-215 0054

6. Download Forms and Letters

Click Here

7. Further Information