1. APPLY VISA
a. What is Visa Approval Letter (VAL)?
The Visa Approval Letter (VAL) is an official document issued by the Department of Immigration Malaysia, confirming that the named person and their program of study/level of study have been approved for entry into Malaysia for study purposes. UTM advises students to apply at least 6 weeks before the reception date to avoid delays in the approval of the VAL. For guidelines on VAL application requirements, please refer to the Education Malaysia website:
https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/guidelines
b.How long it will take to get VAL?
It should take 4 – 6 weeks from the date of receiving a complete application and payment by EMGS. Students must apply for the VAL online at
https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/
c. When and how can I pay for my VAL & Processing fee?
There are 2 payment options:
1. Online payment using a Visa or MasterCard on the educationmalaysia.gov.my website. Online payment method is only applicable for students have made an online application via EMGS website.
2. Telegraphic Transfer ( USD only) payable to EMGS.
d. When is expiry of VAL?
The Visa Approval Letter (VAL) is only valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Students need to register at the university within the specified timeframe. If registration doesn’t occur within this period, a new VAL application will be required. Therefore, before making any plans to come to UTM, ensure that you check the registration dates and timelines associated with your program. This proactive approach will help you avoid complications with your visa process and university registration.
e. Can I convert my social Pass to a student Pass?
No. Malaysia Immigration Department
NOT ALLOWED the conversion from social pass to student pass. All international students (except Diplomatic pass holders, Malaysian Permanent Residents) are required to have a student pass while studying at UTM.
f. My country does not have Malaysia Embassy. How to get Single Entry Visa (SEV)?
You can check which countries offer Visa on Arrival for Students (VOA) [HERE]. Please refer to the Immigration Department of Malaysia’s website for the Single Entry Visa (SEV) requirements by country at this website [HERE]. If your country requires an SEV to enter Malaysia, you can obtain it from any neighboring country.
g. Can I study on my social visit / tourist visa?
NO. This is not permitted. International students are only permitted to study full time courses in Malaysia with a valid student pass issued by the Immigration Department. If you enter Malaysia with a social pass, you will be required to leave Malaysia and re-enter with a Visa Approval Letter.
h. When do I get a student pass endorsement from Immigration Malaysia after registration?
Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will be required to attend post arrival medical screening within 3 days at UTM Health Center. Please come to UTM International counter to check the pre-arrival documents before going for the medical examination. From the day your passport is submitted at our counter, the process should take 22 working days (or 4 WEEKS). Please note that this timeline is at the discretion of the Immigration Department.
2. SINGLE ENTRY VISA (SEV)
b. Which country can apply for Visa on Arival for Student at Malaysia Entry Poitnt?
Student may refer to
[HERE] for list of countries granted Visa on Arrival at the Entry point. Countries not in the list are required to apply at nearest Malaysia Embassy/ Consulate
c. What documents do I need to apply for an SEV?
The document requirements may vary between different Malaysian Embassies. Please contact the Malaysian Embassy for the exact requirements and procedures.
d. Can I choose to receive a Single Entry Visa from a Malaysian Embassy in a country where I am not a citizen?
Applicants are required to obtain a Single Entry Visa (SEV) from their home country. If they plan to obtain the SEV from a country other than their home country, they need to provide documentation proving they hold a long term pass in that country.
3. RENEWAL OF STUDENT PASS
a.What documents are required to apply for renewal of student pass?
Please refer to UTM International website Pass & Visa or [HERE]
b.When should I renew the Student/Dependent Pass?
You should submit the renewal application for your student pass 3 months (90 days) before the expiry date through International Apps (MyUTM Portal). Dependent passes should be renewed 2 months (60 days) before their expiry date
c. Can I send application for renewal of student pass 1 month before the expiry date?
No, as it will lead to overstay status. Please submit all the required documents 3 months (90 days) before the expiry date and submit passport to our counter once EMGS status reaches 90%.
d. I would like to send a passport for renewal and will return to my country. Can I purchase air ticket before my passport ready?
No. Students are not allowed to purchase any flight tickets before obtaining their student pass/passport from UTM International to avoid any problems that may arise afterwards. Please note that the renewal process will take 5-6 weeks.
e. My student pass has expired, and I have already overstayed. I have graduated from UTM and want to return to my hometown. How can my problem be solved, and how much will it cost?
All penalties imposed by the Malaysian Immigration Department for late extension or expiry of student passes are to be borne by the student, and all payments must be made directly to Immigration during the second appointment. The total fine is based on the number of days the student has overstayed, with a minimum fine of RM1100 (<30 days) and a maximum of RM3100 (>30days). Students are then required to report to the immigration office to give a statement to an immigration officer. The Immigration Department will issue a special pass (making arrangements to leave the country) within 7 days. The process will take 2-6 months to complete. Please email us at iscjb@utm.my for further advice.
f. What if late submission for renewal of student pass?
Immigration will impose a fine for late submission of renewal of student pass. If student submit within
- 5-7 weeks before expiry – fine RM50 b. 2-4 weeks before expiry – fine RM100
- < 0-2 weeks before expiry – fine RM150+ RM1,100 for Special Pass & Immigration compound
g. Can I get my refund of deposit for Personal Bond without cancelling my Student Pass?
No. As per the Immigration Act of 1963, students must cancel their Student Pass, otherwise the refund will be forfeited.
h. Can I travel within Malaysia by flight if my passport still in the process for Student Pass?
No, student must have the original passport to travel by flight within Malaysia. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or other public transportation.
i. My student pass has expired. What should I do?
If you are in Malaysia, you overstayed and will be subject to penalties imposed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, which include detention and fine. If you are outside Malaysia, do not re-enter Malaysia as a tourist via a social pass. You may be required to apply for a VAL prior to entering Malaysia. Please email us at iscjb@utm.my for further advice.
j. My passport is expiring less in 1 year and will renew my passport. How about my current student pass in old passport?
You are required to renew your passport at your embassy. Then, apply for a transfer of endorsement (i.e., transferring the student pass sticker from your old passport to the new passport). Please submit both passports (old and new) and the required documents to our counter. For details, refer to [HERE]
k. I had renew my passport at home country. The student pass still valid at old passport. Can I enter Malaysia?
Upon arrival at Malaysia, please show to the Immigration Officer your student pass at old passport. The immigration will give a Special Pass for 14-30 days. Please submit your passport for transfer endorsement to new passport at UTM International Office within 3 days of arrival.
l. What if Immigration/ EMGS reject my student pass renewal?
If your student pass renewal application is rejected by EMGS or the Immigration Department of Malaysia, you will be required to defer your studies and return to your home country. You will need to apply for a new student pass. Rejections usually occur because the student pass has expired for more than 3 months.
m. Do I need to submit my passport when apply for renewal?
NO. You are required to submit your original passport only when EMGS tracker show progress of 90% (usually take 2-3 weeks after submission of document to UTM). Track your renewal progress at
[HERE]
n. I’m Remote Supervison student and working at my home country. I cannot stay longer in Malaysia waiting renewal process complete.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The student pass endorsed by Immigration Department is for giving permission a student study full time and staying in Malaysia for the period of study.
The holder of student pass is not permitted to work. You can submit a documents and payment for renewal your student pass +-45 days before you plan to come to UTM/ Malaysia. UTM International do accept to received a renewal documents and payment from your representative/ friend for submission to UTM International (Note: student have to pay to 2 different account that is EMGS and UTM) .Upon arrive at UTM/ Malaysia (or after EMGS tracking show progress 90%), please submit your passport at UTM International for sticker endorsement at Immigration Department. You can track your renewal application progress at EMGS website at https://visa.educationmalaysia.gov.my/ . It will take 10-14 days for sticker endorsement at Immigration Department.
Note:1. This process is only allowed within 60 days before expiry of pass.2. Immigration may required entry stamp to Malaysia on your passport before approve your renewal application. In this case, you can only submitted renewal application after entering to Malaysia.3. Students are not allowed to purchase any flight ticket before obtaining your student pass/passport
4. DEPENDENT PASS
a. Can I bring my Spouse, children’s to apply Dependent Pass during my registration?
No. Student MUST travel to Malaysia as Single traveler. You can apply Dependent Pass after student pass is issue to the student (Principle)
b. I want to bring my family. Who can I apply for Dependent Pass?
You can apply Dependent Pass only per as following:
i) Wife/husband with children or
ii) Mother or father or
iii) Husband & mother
NOTE: Family in law or brother /sister is not allowed to apply for dependent pass
c. My wife is pregnant and will deliver soon. My Mother in Law is already in Malaysia to take care of my wife. Therefore, I want to apply Dependent pass for my Mother In Law.
NO. You are not allowed to apply Dependent Pass for In Laws Family according to the rules of Malaysia Immigration Department. However, if your wife is student, your Mother In Law may apply Dependent Pass under your wife.
d. Do I need to apply VAL for my dependent?
For certain countries, Immigration Malaysia required student to apply for VAL for Dependent before travel to Malaysia (update: Currently only Afghanistan required VAL for Dependent. List of country will update from time to time)
5.VARIATION/PROGRESSION (CHANGE PROGRAMME)
a. I graduated with my Master's degree in April. My student pass expires in July. However, I've been accepted into the PhD program at UTM. Can I stay in Malaysia until the registration date for the PhD program, given that my current student visa is still valid?
According to Malaysian immigration regulations, students who have already graduated must cancel their student pass and return to their home country. If a student has already been admitted to a PhD program, they should apply for a new Visa Approval Letter (VAL) for PhD studies from their home country after receiving the senate letter confirming their graduation from UTM (applicable only to research-mode programs). We strongly advise students to cancel their Master’s Pass before applying for the new VAL.
b. Currently I’m studying at a English Language Center in Malaysia. Can I apply for progression?
No. If you wish to change your institution ( i.e. degree program at UTM) you will be required to leave Malaysia and make a new VAL application.
c. I am currently studying at XYZ University and have received a new offer letter from UTM. What is the process for transferring universities?
Kindly obtain the release letter and examination results from XYZ University. Please note that you need to shorten your current student pass and apply online for a new Visa Approval Letter (VAL) under UTM. Be aware that the approval of the new VAL is subject to Immigration’s discretion. Students are not allowed to register at UTM until the VAL is approved. You may be required to leave the country until your new VAL is approved. UTM advises students to apply for a new VAL from their home country.
d. What steps should I take if I decide to transfer to a different program or faculty?
You are required to apply for a new program and obtain approval from the Academic Office. Following that, you must cancel your current student pass and submit a new application for a VAL under the new programme. We recommend returning to your home country while waiting for your new VAL to be approved by Immigration. For further details, please contact UTM International.
e. What if immigration/ EMGS reject my variation/ progression?
If your application for variation/progression is rejected by EMGS/Immigration Department of Malaysia, you will need to defer your studies and return to your home country. You will need to apply for a new student pass.
6. CANCELLATION VAL / PASS
a. Do I need to cancel the student pass?
Student are required to cancel a student pass if:
1. Graduate/ Completion of Studies from UTM
2. Deferment of Studies (excluding health problems)
3. Withdrawal or Termination from studies
4. Change Programme or Change University
b. Whaf if I leave Malaysia without cancel my Student Pass
Leaving Malaysia without canceling your student pass will result in two things: you will lose your Personal Bond deposit to Immigration Malaysia, and you may face difficulties applying for another visa or transferring to a different university within the country.
c. Can I cancel my Student Pass at my home country
Not allowed. Students need to submit their physical passports to our counter because the Immigration Department of Malaysia requires the original passport for canceling a pass.
7. SPECIAL PASS
a. Can I apply Special Pass ?
No. Special Pass can only be applied by the Institution if the student has submitted the application of student pass or dependent pass.
b. My special pass is expired and I have overstayed, what should I do now?
Please contact UTM International and request to apply for a Special Pass. Immigration will impose a compound fine of RM1,000 to RM5,000 for overstaying. Students may be deported to their home country and blacklisted by Immigration.
More FAQ on visa [HERE]