Welcome to Malaysia! Here's what you need to do in your first week to keep your student visa on track.
The 7-Day Countdown
Your most urgent priority is to complete your university registration and EMGS post-arrival medical screening within 7 working days of arrival. Meeting this deadline keeps your student visa application active and valid.
University Registration
On your first working day, go to your university's International Student Office to:
- Complete physical registration and document verification
- Submit copies of your entry stamp and Single Entry Visa (SEV), if applicable
- Confirm your EMGS medical screening appointment and get the details
The EMGS Medical Screening
You'll visit an authorized EMGS panel clinic or your university's health center for mandatory health checks:
- Blood & Urine Tests: Screening for infectious conditions, general health indicators and illicit substances
- Chest X-Ray: Checking for active Tuberculosis (TB)
- Physical Examination: Height, weight, blood pressure and vision
Pro Tip: Check your application progress daily on the EMGS Mobile App or the EMGS portal. Once your medical results clear, your status percentage will move toward endorsement.
EMGS-listed clinics in KL:
- The KL Clinic (UBN Tower): Near KLCC, Jalan P. Ramlee
- Klinik Medic City: Brickfields (KL Sentral area), with in-house X-ray
- Klinik Mediviron (Quill City Mall): Jalan Sultan Ismail, central KL
- Klinik Asia (Jalan Raja Laut): Near Chow Kit
- Klinik Oceana (Bukit Jalil): On-site at APU, Technology Park Malaysia
Passport Submission & Visa Endorsement
When your international office notifies you, submit your physical passport to the university for Student Pass endorsement.
- Processing usually takes 10 to 14 working days, depending on your region and institution
- Important: You won't have your original passport during this time, so always carry a certified copy and keep a digital scan on your phone
Opening a Local Bank Account
A local bank account makes it easier to pay rent and manage daily expenses.
- Request an official Bank Support Letter from your university's visa department
- Bring your passport, offer letter and student ID to a local bank branch such as Maybank, CIMB or RHB
Reaching 100% EMGS Status & i-Kad Collection
Once your Student Pass sticker is endorsed, your EMGS status will reach 100%. Eligible students will then receive an i-Kad, the official biometric ID card for international students in Malaysia. Collect it from your university's international office when it's ready.
Practical Survival Tips
- Download essential apps early: Set up Grab or inDrive for transport and Touch 'n Go eWallet for cashless payments before you hand over your passport
- Avoid international travel: Don't book flights outside Malaysia while your passport is being processed
- Keep funds handy: Carry some MYR cash or an active international debit/credit card until your bank account is ready
- Explore your area: Find nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, laundromats and LRT/MRT stations around your residence