Your one-stop reference for International families at KIS
Kinabalu International School welcomes families from over 30 nationalities and is committed to supporting parents through every step of the Student Pass and Guardian Pass process. This page provides a clear overview of visa requirements, documents to prepare, and an easy way to request school-issued documents through our Document Request Form.
STUDENT VISA
Who Needs a Student Visa?
International students who are not Malaysian citizens or Permanent Residents must hold a valid Student Pass issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia to study in registered schools.
KIS provides all necessary school-issued documents to support visa applications as part of the admissions process .
STUDENT VISA
What Service Does KIS provide
The Admissions Office supports in applying for foreign student approval from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and preparation of
STUDENT & GUARDIAN VISA
Visa Types Supported by KIS
a. Student Pass
Required for all non-Malaysian students.
b. Guardian Pass
Eligible for both parents of a child between 3-18 years old , subject to Immigration rules.
STUDENT VISA
Who Needs a Student Visa?
International students who are not Malaysian citizens or Permanent Residents must hold a valid Student Pass issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia to study in registered schools.
KIS provides all necessary school-issued documents to support visa applications as part of the admissions process .
STUDENT VISA
When to Begin the Visa Application Process
Begin preparing your visa documents immediately after accepting the Offer of Place.
Early preparation helps avoid delays, especially if your family is entering Malaysia for the first time.
STUDENT & GUARDIAN VISA
Visa Types Supported by KIS
a. Student Pass
Required for all non-Malaysian students.
b. Guardian Pass
Eligible for both parents of a child between 3-18 years old , subject to Immigration rules.
Title
VISA DOCUMENTS
Step-by-Step Application Process
STEP 1 — Accept Offer & Complete Admissions Requirements
Confirm your child’s place and settle fees.
STEP 2 — Submit the Document Request Form
Select the letters and documents you need for your application.
STEP 3 — Prepare Your Personal Documents
Ensure all your documents are complete and translated where required.
STEP 4 — Submit Your Application to Immigration
Applications may be submitted:
• Online (if eligible)
• Through a visa agent
• Directly at the Immigration Department
STEP 5 — Receive Approval & Passport Endorsement
Once approved, the pass will be stamped into the student’s passport.
Title
KIS-Issued Documents for Visa Applications
Upon confirmation of enrolment and payment of fees, families may request:
- Offer Letter / Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
- Support Letter for Student Pass application
- Support Letter for Guardian Pass application
- Verification of enrolment or attendance
- Letters required for visa renewals
- Letter requesting MOE Approval / Renewal Letter (if needed)
These may be requested via our Document Request Form.
Title
VISA DOCUMENTS
Parent-Prepared Documents
Depending on your application type, you may need:
For the Student
- Passport with at least 18 months validity
- Passport-sized photographs
- Birth certificate
- Previous school records (if applicable)
- Immunisation records
- Offer/Confirmation documents (from KIS)
For Parent – Guardian Pass
- Passport (valid)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship to the student
- Proof of income or financial stability
- Additional Immigration-required documents
Title
VISA DOCUMENTS
Step-by-Step Application Process
STEP 1 — Accept Offer & Complete Admissions Requirements
Confirm your child’s place and settle fees.
STEP 2 — Submit the Document Request Form
Select the letters and documents you need for your application.
STEP 3 — Prepare Your Personal Documents
Ensure all your documents are complete and translated where required.
STEP 4 — Submit Your Application to Immigration
Applications may be submitted:
• Online (if eligible)
• Through a visa agent
• Directly at the Immigration Department
STEP 5 — Receive Approval & Passport Endorsement
Once approved, the pass will be stamped into the student’s passport.
Important: Ministry of Education (MOE )Letter for Visa Application/ Periodical Renewal
The Malaysian Immigration Department requires an Approval Letter from the Ministry of Education (MOE) as part of the visa application/ renewal process.
Please take note:
- The MOE application process takes between 2- 2.5 months from application to approval. Families are advised to keep this timeline in mind when planning enrolment dates/ holidays etc.
- The MOE letter is valid for 12 months only and will require renewal once it expires. Keep note of the expiry date and apply for renewal through the school 3 months before.
- Immigration-issued visas (student/ guardian) ALWAYS expire on 31 December, no matter when in the year they were first applied for.
- This means families should check both:
a) the expiry date of the visa, and
b) the validity period of the MOE letter
to ensure they remain aligned
It is the responsibility of parents/ guardians to ensure all visa – related documentations and processes are checked and applied in time to ensure compliance with the authorities.