What is the Best Time to Arrive?
We recommend that you try to arrive two weeks before the semester starts to allow time to settle in, and to attend the Welcome events for new students. You must notify the International Student Unit via e-mail or fax, seven (7) working days prior to departing from your country. Representative of AIU will meet you at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)/ LCCT/ Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar or Penang International Airport and take you to the University.
The Immigration Requirements.
Everyone arriving in Malaysia has to pass through the Immigration Control. The rules and conditions regarding entry are strictly enforced by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Please make sure you bring along the necessary documents such as the ‘Approval Letter’ issued by the Malaysia Immigration Department and Admission Offer Letter from AIU prior to entry into Malaysia.
Most of you will have entered Malaysia for the sole purpose of education and will require a valid Student Pass in your passport throughout your stay at the University. The International Student Unit will help you in getting your students pass and will continue to help you during your time at the University.
Entering Malaysia with a ‘Single Entry Visa’ applied for by using an ‘Approval Letter'
For certain countries, students will have to apply for a ‘Single Entry Visa’ at the nearest Malaysian Embassy or Consulate Office after receiving the ‘Approval Letter’ from the Malaysian Immigration Department. Please check the following for information on this before leaving your country:
http://www.imi.gov.my/eng/perkhidmatan/im_ PasPelajar.asp Please note that the ‘Approval Letter’ is valid for only three (3) months. You are required to submit your passport to the International Student Unit within two (2) weeks of arrival to obtain the Student Pass Sticker from the State Immigration Office.
Entering Malaysia without an Entry Visa
You will be charged a ‘Journey- Performed Visa’ fee (cost between RM6.00 to RM50.00 depending on your country of origin). Please take note that this is not a Multiple Entry Visa. This usually applies to Nationals from Indonesia and Bangladesh but is not applicable to holders of passports from most Commonwealth Countries.
Entering Malaysia with a Social Visit Visa
The Social Visit Visa can be transferred to the Student Pass. The International Student Unit will make the application on your behalf. You will be charged a ‘Journey- Performed Visa’ fee (cost between RM6.00 to RM50.00 depending on your country of origin) and in certain cases a ‘Special Pass’ will be required. ‘Special Pass’ is a temporary pass issued at the discretion of the Immigration Department of Malaysia due to a pending decision on student pass application. It is valid for a maximum of one (1) month.
Extension of Student Pass/Multiple Entry Visa
You will only be granted a Student Pass for a year or part of a year. You are personally responsible for the timely submission of the documents for renewal of your Student Pass. You must submit your passport and other documents to the International Student Unit two (2) months before the expiry date of your Student Pass. There will be a separate charge for the extension of the Student Pass and Multiple Entry Visa. Students will bear the compound for late submission of documents or overstay.
Overstay
•You are required to write a letter to the Immigration Department explaining why you did not renew the student pass as scheduled.
•You are required to apply for a ‘Special Pass’ and be present at the Immigration Office with Representative of AIU to submit the application
•The Immigration Department may detain a student for more than a week and the student would need to pay a penalty of RM30 per day.
Note: Please be aware that for a second offence, a fine of up to RM10, 000 plus a jail term may be imposed and students will be liable for any other penalties that may be imposed.
Change/Renewal of Passport
If you change/renew your passport, please bring both your old and new passport to the ISO for Immigration process. The transfer of visa needs to be done during this process. Your student pass will not be valid in the old passport.
Loss of Passport
Should you lose your passport, please make sure you lodge a police report within 24 to 48 hours of the incident. You will need to submit a copy of the Police Report to your country’s Embassy/Consulate Office in Malaysia as part of the new passport application. Please submit a copy of the police report to the International Student Unit. The International Student Unit will apply for the transfer endorsement of the Student Pass to your new passport at the State Immigration Office. You are strongly advised to have certified photocopies of your passport.
Carry your passport at all times
The Malaysian Police and Immigration Department of Malaysia conduct random checks at public places. You are expected to carry either your passport or your ‘green card’, if you have been issued with this new student card. Please make sure you carry a certified true copy of your passport and your student ID Card if you decide not to carry your original passport with you.
Withdrawal Deferment from Programme
Students who wish to withdraw or defer semester at AIU must inform both the Admissions Unit as well as the International Student Unit and must complete necessary procedures set by the University. Failure to do so will be regarded as an offence and may lead to dismissal from the University.
Enquiries
For further enquiries please contact:
Ms. Zaima Azman at +604-7747 313 or email:zaima@aiu.edu.my
Mr. Hafiz Harun at +604-7747 314 or email:hafiz@aiu.edu.my