China’s Student Visas: Step-by-Step Guide
Individuals applying for China’s student visas should follow this step-by-step guide that includes activities such as deciding which visa best meets your purposes for study in China, gathering the required documents, visiting the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate, and paying the application fee.
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Are you getting ready to study abroad in China? Do you need a step-by-step guide that lays out exactly what you need to do to secure your student visa?
This simple, 10-step guide is exactly what you need! We have done all the hard research for you about what you need to do to qualify for a Chinese student visa.
Now all you need to do is follow these simple steps and visit the websites we’ve linked to on this page so you can receive your visa in time to begin your international studies!
We also highly encourage you to learn about the international health insurance options available to students in China so you can secure medical coverage for the duration of your time abroad. Reach out to us if you have questions!
If you’re not sure if the student visa is what you need, read about all of China’s Visa Types to determine which one is right for you.
10 Step Overview to Apply for a Student Visa in China
All you need to do is follow these 10 steps to apply for a student visa in China:
- Get Accepted for International Study or Exchange
- Receive Your JW201 or JW202 Form
- Find the Type of Student Visa You Need in China
- Gather the Documents for China Student Visas
- Visit a Chinese Embassy or Consulate
- Pay the Application Fee for Chinese Visas
- Wait to Hear If Your Application is Accepted
- Collect Your Passport and Visa
- Travel to China
- Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit
Let’s break each step down in more detail!
Step 1: Get Accepted for International Study or Exchange
Before you can begin the China student visa application process, you must first be accepted into one of China’s universities or have a formal invitation from an entity or individual for a foreign student exchange. You can begin an application after you have received a formal letter of acceptance.
Step 2: Receive Your JW201 or JW202 Form
Foreign students accepted into a Chinese university will need to accept the university’s invitation to study. After this, the university will send the student either a JW201 form (if you have received a scholarship) or a JW202 form (if you will fund your studies on your own).
These two forms are important because you will need to submit your respective form with your student visa application.
Step 3: Find the Type of Student Visa You Need in China
There are three types of China visas designated for foreign students entering China for education: Visa F, Visa X1, and Visa X2. Foreign students should make sure they apply for the correct student visa.
There are over 15 types of Chinese Visas, so it’s essential you make sure you are applying for the visa that most closely resembles your purpose for visiting the country.
Visa Category F – Chinese Student Visa
Individuals who plan to visit China for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other activities should apply for the Visa Category F.
Visa Category X1 – Chinese Student Visa Over 180 Days
Foreign students who plan to study in China for over 180 days should apply for the Visa Category X1.
Visa Category X2 – Chinese Student Visa Under 180 Days
Foreign students who plan to study in China for less than 180 days should apply for the Visa Category X2.
Step 4: Gather the Documents for China Student Visas
Documents required for China student visa applications may include the student’s passport, visa application, recent photo, Admission Letter, Admission Notice, information on the applicant, information on the inviting entity or individual, and more.
Every visa application is unique so it is wise to meticulously follow the instructions given for your required visa.
Every country may also have unique requirements, so be sure to check the requirements for your country of residence.
If you currently live in the United States, see the Chinese visa requirements for US residents.
Basic Documents Needed for China Visas
Standard documents required for the application of all China visas, including student visas, are your Passport, Visa Application Form and Photo, Proof of legal stay in China, and a Photocopy of previous Passports or previous Chinese visas.
- Passport: Your original passport. It must remain valid for at least 6 more months and have blank visa pages. You must also submit a photocopy of the passport’s data page and photo page (if they’re separate).
- Visa Application Form and Photo: You must submit your Visa Application Form, along with a recent color passport photo with a light background. The visa application form should be completed online.
- Proof of Legal Stay or Residence Status: If you do not currently reside in your country of citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment, or student status from the relevant authorities of your current country of residence.
- Photocopy of Previous Passports or Previous Chinese Visas: If you are a foreign citizen who used to be a Chinese citizen, you must provide your previous Chinese passport. If you have gotten a Chinese visa in the past, you must present a photocopy of your previous passport’s data page and photo page and the previous Chinese visa page.
Supporting Documents for Student Visas in China
Foreign exchange students and international students attending schools in China will need additional supporting documents for their visa applications. These documents may include information about the foreign exchange student and their inviting individual and an Admission Letter from their school.
Visa F
Foreign exchange students and visitors applying for F-Visa in China need these additional documents:
- Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
- Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, where you’ll visit, how you know the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, etc.)
- Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact phone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
Visa X1
International students applying for X1-Visa in China need these additional documents:
- Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.
- Original and photocopy of “Visa Application for Study in China” (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
Holders of X1 visas will need to apply within 30 days of their arrival in China to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments for a foreigner’s residence permit.
Visa X2
International students applying for X2-Visa in China need these additional documents:
- Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.
Additional Information About China Visa Applications
If an invitation letter is required for a China visa application, the letter may be in the form of a fax, photocopy, or printout, but the consular officer may require the original invitation letter. The consular office may ask for unlisted documents as well, and they may require an interview.
For further details or specific questions, visit the website of your relevant Chinese Embassy or Consulate General.
Step 5: Visit a Chinese Embassy or Consulate
Foreign students applying for a Chinese visa should visit their closest Chinese Embassy or Consulate to complete their application. You will likely need to create an appointment so you can submit your application form and required documents in person.
If you are currently living in the United States, you should visit one of these locations:
- Chinese Embassy in the United States: Washington, D.C.
- Consulate General of China in New York
- Consulate General of China in Chicago
- Consulate General of China in San Francisco
- Consulate General of China in Los Angeles
- Consulate General of China in Houston (temporarily hosted in Washington, D.C.)
Be sure to check their website to learn their local office hours, address, and process for accepting visa applications.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee for Chinese Visas
China student visa applications require an application fee. Students applying for these visas will need to provide payment at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate they visit. Fees can be paid by credit card (Mastercard or Visa card only) or cash check (Money Order or Cashier’s Check).
Application fees for U.S. citizens will likely be either $140 or $171. This does not include the service fee and tax that will also be charged.
Step 7: Wait to Hear If Your Application is Accepted
It typically takes a Chinese Embassy or Consulate 4 or 5 working days to process a visa application. During this time, international students waiting for a student visa to China will need to wait patiently. After you’ve been approved, the Embassy or Consulate will contact you by phone or email.
You shouldn’t need to contact the Embassy or Consulate after you’ve applied. If there are special circumstances, you can contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate by phone to get an update on your application.
Step 8: Collect Your Passport and Visa
After being accepted, foreign students will need to return to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate to pick up their visa, passport, and application materials. It should ordinarily take about 4 working days for your application to be processed before you can pick it up.
Step 9: Travel to China
You’ll be all set to travel to China after receiving your visa! You can embark on an exciting journey or education and adventure!
Step 10: Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit
International students in China who have an X1-Visa are required to apply for a temporary residence permit after arriving in China. Within 30 days of entering China, you must go to the Public Security Bureau Exit and Entry Administration Office to apply for a temporary residence permit.
This is required so you can legally remain in the country for the full duration of your stay (if it’s over 180 days). Once this is accomplished, you have completed all necessary steps to securing a student visa in China!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a U.S. citizen to get a Chinese student visa?
On average it will take 4 to 5 work days for a Chinese student visa application to be received and processed. This is subject to change based on the local circumstances of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate you visit. Expedited visas can be completed in 3 days.
Conclusion
You now know the 10 steps you need to complete to receive your China student visa. After completing these steps, you’ll be ready to go!
If you found value in this article, you will also want to read our posts Applying for Business Visas in China and China Work Visas: Decoding the Process.
To compare insurance quotes for international student plans, try out our free insurance quote generator that lists dozens of insurance plans side by side from the top insurance providers in China.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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