I want to study in China, which student visa in China shall I get, what should I prepare for applying the visa, and where shall I apply for the visa?
1. Applicants
X1 Visa, for those applicants which need long-term (more than 180 days) study in China.
For example, if you need a degree study (bachelor, master or Ph.D), then you will need the X1 Visa.
X2 Visa, for those applicants which need short-term (less than 180 days) study in China.
If you just need like 3 months or 4 months of exchange study in China, then the X2 Visa will be suitable for you.
2. Basic application materials
a. Passport: the original passport valid for more than 6 months with blank visa page and 1 photocopy of passport photo information page.
b. Visa application form and photo: 1 visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China and 1 recent, front, color (light background), bareheaded and passport photo pasted on the application form.
c. Proof of legal stay or residence (applicable to those who apply for visa in a country other than the country of nationality): If you apply for visa in a country other than the country of nationality, you need to provide the valid certificate of legal stay, residence, work or study in the country or the original and copy of the valid visa.
d. Original Chinese passport or Original Chinese visa (applicable to those who once had Chinese nationality but later became a foreign nationality): If you apply for a Chinese visa for the first time, you must provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of the passport photo information page; If you have a Chinese visa and apply for a new foreign passport, you must provide the photo page of the original foreign passport and a copy of the Chinese visa you obtained (if the name in the new passport is different from the name in the original passport, you must also provide the relevant official proof of the change of name).
3. Supporting application materials
X1 Visa:
(1) The original and photocopy of the admission letter issued by the enrollment institutions in China;
(2) Original and photocopy of Visa Application Form for Foreigners to Study in China (JW201 or JW202).
(3) medical results / physical examination results
The physical examinations should cover all the items listed in the Foreigner Physical Examination Form. Incomplete forms or forms without the signature of the attending physician, or the official stamp of the hospital, or a sealed photograph of the applicant are considered as invalid.
Please carefully plan your physical examination schedule as the result is valid for only 6 months.
Pleases keep the original copy of the Form for school registration.
Please note:
The holder shall apply for a residence permit to the exit/entry administration authority of the public security organ under the local people’s government at or above the county level in the place of his/her intended residence within 30 days after entering China.
X2 Visa:
The original and photocopy of the admission letter issued by the institutions in China.
4. Where to apply the student visa in China
Try to find the embassies and consulates of China near around you.
Chinese embassies and consulates abroad
In addition to the above methods, you can also obtain some information about applying for Chinese Universities from Chinese embassies and consulates abroad. Chinese embassies and consulates abroad are the acceptance agencies for some scholarship programs. You can obtain information about studying in China by visiting the corresponding Chinese embassies and consulates abroad in your country.
Related: Chinese Embassies Around the World
Related: 8 Questions about Student Visa of Study in China
Related: Ultimate Guide to Apply for China Universities in 4 Steps