Step-by-Step Student Visa Application Guide for Malaysia

Getting your student visa is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Overview of the Process

The Malaysian student visa process involves several stages:

1. University application and offer letter
2. EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) application
3. eVAL (electronic Visa Approval Letter) receipt
4. Single Entry Visa (SEV) application
5. Entry to Malaysia
6. Student Pass collection

Total timeline: 8-14 weeks

Stage 1: University Offer Letter (Week 1-4)

Requirements

• Completed application form
• Academic documents (transcripts, certificates)
• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Passport copy
• Photographs
• Personal statement
• Recommendation letters (for postgraduate)

Timeline

• Application submission: 1-2 weeks (with ZEDEX assistance)
• University offer letter: 2-4 weeks

ZEDEX Support: We handle your university application completely free!

Stage 2: EMGS Application (Week 5-10)

What is EMGS?

EMGS is the official body managing international student passes for Malaysia. All visa applications must go through EMGS.

Required Documents

1. Passport

• Valid for at least 18 months
• Clear color scan of bio page
• Must have at least 2 blank pages

1. Photographs

• Passport-sized (35mm x 50mm)
• White background
• Recent (taken within last 3 months)
• Digital and physical copies

1. Academic Documents

• All certificates and transcripts
• Notarized copies
• Authenticated by Malaysian Embassy (if required)

1. Medical Report

• Must be from EMGS-approved clinic
• Includes chest X-ray, blood tests
• Valid for 3 months
• Cost: USD 100-200

1. Financial Proof

• Bank statement (last 3 months)
• Shows RM 15,000+ balance
• In your name or sponsor's name
• Recent (less than 1 month old)

1. Personal Bond

• RM 1,000 (refundable)
• Bank draft format
• Payable to "Institusi Pengirusan EMGS Sdn. Bhd."

1. Offer Letter

• Official university offer
• Verified by university

EMGS Fees

• Application fee: USD 180-300 (varies by institution)
• Express service: Additional USD 500-700 (faster processing)
• Payment: Via credit card or bank transfer

Application Process

Step 1: University submits your application to EMGS Step 2: EMGS reviews documents (5-7 working days) Step 3: Immigration Department approval (15-30 working days) Step 4: eVAL issued (5-7 working days)

Total: 4-8 weeks

Track Your Application

• Use EMGS application number
• Check status at: emgs.com.my
• Regular email updates
• ZEDEX tracks your application for you

Stage 3: eVAL Receipt (Week 11)

What is eVAL?

Electronic Visa Approval Letter - your permission to apply for entry visa

After Receiving eVAL

• Download and print (color)
• Valid for 3 months from issue date
• Use this to apply for Single Entry Visa
• Keep digital and printed copies

Stage 4: Single Entry Visa (Week 11-13)

Apply at Malaysian Embassy/Consulate

Required Documents:

• Passport (original)
• eVAL (printed)
• Offer letter
• Photographs (2 copies)
• Visa application form
• Processing fee (varies by country, usually USD 50-100)

Processing Time

• Normal: 7-14 working days
• Express (if available): 2-3 working days

Types of Visas

• Social Visit Pass: If applying for short course
• Student Pass (SEV): For degree programs

Important Notes

• Apply at embassy in your home country
• Book appointment in advance
• All documents in English or with certified translation
• Some nationalities may need interview

Stage 5: Travel to Malaysia (Week 13-14)

Before Departure

• Book flight (after receiving SEV)
• Inform university of arrival date
• Arrange accommodation
• Pack essentials
• Get travel insurance

At Malaysian Immigration

Documents to Present:

• Passport with SEV
• eVAL (printed)
• Offer letter
• Accommodation proof
• Return ticket or proof of funds

Immigration will:

• Stamp your passport
• Give you 30-day entry pass
• Provide instructions for Student Pass collection

Stage 6: Collect Student Pass (Week 15-16)

After Arrival in Malaysia

Within 7 days:

1. Register at your university
2. Complete medical screening (FOMEMA)
3. Submit documents to university international office
4. University will arrange EMGS appointment

Medical Screening:

• Cost: RM 200-250
• Includes: Chest X-ray, blood tests, urine test
• Clinics: Near most universities
• Results: 1-3 working days

Student Pass Collection:

• At EMGS office or through university
• Bring passport and eVAL
• Collect within 30 days of arrival
• Valid for duration of your studies

Student Pass Sticker

• Affixed in your passport
• Multi-entry visa
• Valid for 1 year (renewable annually)
• Allows re-entry to Malaysia

Renewal Process

Annual Renewal

• Start process 3 months before expiry
• University handles renewal
• Required documents:
• Passport
• Current Student Pass
• Updated offer letter/confirmation of enrollment
• Proof of fee payment
• Latest results transcript

Renewal Cost

• Similar to initial application
• Usually smoother process
• Takes 4-6 weeks

Common Issues & Solutions

Delayed Processing

Causes: Incomplete documents, errors, high volume Solution: Use ZEDEX's document checking service, apply early

Medical Failure

Causes: TB positive, other health issues Solution: Follow doctor's advice, reapply after treatment

Financial Proof Issues

Causes: Insufficient funds, old statements Solution: Ensure recent statements with sufficient balance

Document Authenticity

Causes: Doubts about certificates Solution: Proper notarization and authentication

Tips for Successful Application

1. Start Early

• Apply 4-6 months before course start
• Don't underestimate processing time

1. Complete Documentation

• Double-check all documents
• Ensure all copies are clear and legible
• Have extras just in case

1. Financial Preparation

• Maintain healthy bank balance
• Keep statements updated
• Have extra funds for unexpected costs

1. Follow Instructions Exactly

• EMGS is strict about requirements
• Don't assume anything
• Ask if unsure

1. Keep Copies

• Make copies of everything
• Digital and physical
• Keep organized in folder

1. Communication

• Respond promptly to emails
• Check application status regularly
• Keep phone accessible

1. Use ZEDEX Services

• We handle the entire process
• FREE for our students
• Track your application
• Expert guidance

Cost Summary

Important Reminders

✅ eVAL is NOT the visa - you still need to apply at embassy ✅ Medical exam must be from EMGS-approved clinic ✅ Financial proof must be recent (less than 1 month old) ✅ Passport must be valid for 18 months minimum ✅ Collect Student Pass within 30 days of arrival ✅ Report any address changes to Immigration

ZEDEX Visa Support Services (FREE)

We provide complete visa assistance:

• Document preparation and checking
• EMGS application submission
• Application tracking
• Embassy appointment booking
• Post-arrival support
• Renewal assistance

Contact ZEDEX for Help

Having trouble with your visa application? Our experienced team is here to help!

📧 Email: visa@zedex.my 📱 WhatsApp: +960 9902788 🏢 Office: Walk-in consultations available

With proper preparation and ZEDEX's support, your visa application will be smooth and stress-free!