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New Visa/Pass and Visa Approval Letter (VAL)

Overview

If you are an international student planning to pursue full-time studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), you are required to obtain a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) and a Student Pass before travelling to Malaysia. The application is coordinated through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and verified by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Apply for your VAL at least eight (8) weeks before your registration date to avoid delays.

  • Applications must be submitted online through the EMGS portal.
  • Please ensure that your passport has at least 18 months’ validity at the time you apply for the eVAL.
  • A Social/Visit Pass (tourist visa) cannot be converted into a Student Pass.

This guide will take you step-by-step through the process, from VAL application until your arrival in Malaysia and Student Pass endorsement.

1. Visa Approval Letter (VAL)

The VAL is the official approval from the Immigration Department of Malaysia permitting you to study in Malaysia. You must have a valid VAL before entering the country.

  • How to apply: Submit your application online through EMGS.
  • Processing time: Normally 3–8 weeks. Apply early to avoid delays.
  • Documents required: Passport data page, UTM offer/acceptance letter, academic records, health declaration, passport photo, and proof of English competency (if required).
  • Additional requirements: Some nationalities may need extra documents (e.g., vaccination certificates, NOC, LOE, NOL).

Tip: Apply as early as possible. Incomplete or missing documents will delay your approval.

2. Declaration of Health Status

Complete the Declaration of Health Status Form as part of your VAL application.

  • After arrival in Malaysia, you must undergo a post-arrival medical screening at an EMGS/UTM-approved clinic.
  • Keep a copy of your health declaration and book your medical screening immediately after arrival to avoid delays in Student Pass endorsement.

3. Single Entry Visa (SEV)

After receiving your VAL, students from visa-required countries must obtain a Single Entry Visa (SEV) at the nearest Mission (Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate General).

  • The SEV is normally valid for 3 months.
  • If there is no Malaysian mission in your country, you may apply for an eVisa, a Visa on Arrival for Students (VOAS), or apply through a mission in a neighbouring country.

Tip: Ensure your travel plans fall within SEV validity and align with UTM’s official registration dates.

4. Arrival in Malaysia

Travel only after receiving both your VAL and SEV/eVisa.

  • Plan to arrive 2–3 days before the official registration date.
    Note that weekends and public holidays in Malaysia are Saturday and Sunday
  • At entry at the airport, Immigration will stamp your passport (and issue a Special Pass if required).
  • Next, get to UTM immidiately to complete your post-arrival processes

Tip: Carry printed copies of all key documents in your hand luggage during travel — VAL, SEV/eVisa, UTM offer letter, and insurance policy.

5. Student Pass Endorsement

Your Student Pass is issued as a sticker in your passport by the Immigration Department.

  • Within seven (7) days of arriving in Malaysia, you must complete the following post-arrival procedures:
  • Document Verification – Present all original documents to UTM International for verification. You will also receive guidance on the post-arrival process and a checklist to ensure all requirements are met.
  • Registration – Register for your studies and collect your student matric card at the Admission Unit.
  • Medical Screening – Complete your medical and health screening at the UTM Clinic.
  • Passport Submission – Return to UTM International and submit your passport for the final visa endorsement process.UTM International will forward your passport to the Immigration Department of Malaysia for verification and for your Student Pass sticker to be endorsed in your passport.
    Processing time: At least 22 working days after complete submission.
    ⚠️ Important: Students must remain in Malaysia during this period. Travelling abroad before endorsement will cancel your VAL/SEV.

Checklist of documents to submit:

  • Passport (with Malaysia entry stamp)
  • Visa Approval Letter (VAL) and SEV/eVisa
  • EMGS approval/supporting letter (if applicable)
  • UTM offer/acceptance letter
  • Post-arrival medical screening result (approved clinic)
  • Insurance certificate/policy page (valid & active)
  • Passport-sized photographs (as per specification)
  • Proof of required payments/fees

6. Special Pass (If Required)

A Special Pass may be issued by Immigration if your Student Pass endorsement is not completed within your SEV validity. It is normally valid for 30 days and may be extended if needed.

⚠️ Important: Do not overstay your Special Pass validity. Overstaying is an offence under Malaysian law and may result in fines, blacklisting, or cancellation of your studies.

7. Important Notes

  • Only book flight tickets once your VAL and SEV are approved.
  • Students without valid VAL/SEV will not be allowed to register at UTM.
  • Transfers from other Malaysian institutions require a new VAL.
  • Accommodation is available only from the official reception date and subject to availability.
  • Postgraduate students: Married students must first enter Malaysia alone; dependents may only apply after the Student Pass is issued.

8. Pre-Departure Guide

  • Travel: Book flights only after receiving VAL and SEV/eVisa. Advisable arrive 2–3 days before your registration date.
  • Bring along: Passport, VAL, SEV/eVisa, UTM offer/acceptance letter, insurance documents, and any additional approvals (LOE/NOC/NOL).
  • On arrival: You may be issued a Special Pass if endorsement cannot be completed immediately.
  • Accommodation: Available only from the official reception date.

9. Compliance & Responsibilities

  • Overstay: Overstaying is a serious offence under Malaysian law. Penalties include fines, detention, deportation, blacklisting, and university penalty charges. Always renew your Student Pass at least 90 days before expiry.
  • Insurance: Active insurance is compulsory under EMGS regulations. Your i-Kad remains valid only if your insurance is active. For further information, go to page Insurance & I-KAD Renewal
  • Personal Bond: Immigration requires a refundable security deposit. Refunds are processed only after proper Student Pass cancellation following graduation, withdrawal, or termination. For further information, go to page Personal Bond

10. Additional Requirements (Certain Countries)

  • Iran: Letter of Eligibility (LOE) from Ministry of Science, Research & Technology.
  • Sudan: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Ministry of Higher Education.
  • Oman: No Objection Letter (NOL) from Ministry of Higher Education.

Applications without these documents will not be processed by EMGS or Immigration.

11. Visa on Arrival for Students (VOAS)

Available only for students from selected countries without a Malaysian Embassy/Consulate.

  • Issued at designated entry points in Malaysia.
  • Students must confirm their eligibility with the Immigration Department of Malaysia before travelling.

12. Student Support (ISS)

UTM has established International Student Societies (ISS) to support international students with arrival, integration, and student life.

  • New students can seek help from seniors registered as ISS representatives, who provide peer guidance.
  • ISS helps you connect with peers from your country or region, adjust to UTM’s academic environment and Malaysian culture, join cultural and social activities, and access practical assistance with arrival and university services.
  • To view the list of ISS, go to page List of ISS

13. Open & Distance Learning (ODL) – Application & Visa Information

UTM’s Open & Distance Learning (ODL) programmes are delivered fully online and can be accessed from anywhere. Because there is no physical attendance in Malaysia, ODL students are not required to apply for a Student Pass.

However, after receiving your UTM offer letter, international students must obtain an “Approval to Study” letter from EMGS as official authorization. This letter is applied and processed via the Institutions

  • Application submission: ODL (fully online) students do not apply for a Student Pass on the EMGS portal. After receiving your UTM ODL offer, email your application and supporting documents for EMGS Approval to Study to upu@utm.my. No visa is required for ODL programmes.
  • Required document: Offer letter from UTM is compulsory before applying.

For further details about ODL programmes, please visit odl.utm.my

14. Contact Information

New Student Pass Application
International Student & Scholar Services (I3S), UTM International, UTM
Email: visa@utm.my
WhatsApp (Visa Unit ISC JB): +60 12-641 0056

15. Download Forms and Letters

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16. Further Information