How to Get Student Visa for China (Requirements)

China’s impressive economic performance in recent years has secured its place as a home for the world’s 3rd biggest international student population. Its globally respected schools and universities have been continuously making a mark in terms of academic excellence. Thus, statistics do not lie when every year it shows an increase of students trying to get accepted into Chinese universities. Aside from a guaranteed quality education, China can provide an enhancing cultural experience as students get accustomed to the nation’s language and traditions. As you begin planning for your study abroad venture in China, allow us to help you in one of the most critical steps in your journey. In this article, you will be guided on your visa application, which you need to do as soon as you get an admission letter from your chosen university.

Table of Contents

1. Types of Student Visas in China
2. What are the requirements for visa application?
3. Steps in Applying for a Student Visa (X1)
4. Applying for a China Residence Permit
5. Is it possible to have part-time work in China?

Types of Student Visas in China

All international students who wish to enter China solely for educational purposes should obtain a student visa or X visa. There are 2 types of X visa, which you can apply for depending on the duration of your study program. Below is information on the types of visa for international students coming to China.

X1 Visa
The X1 Visa, a long-term study visa, is for international students whose study program lasts for more than 6 months. This will apply if you are someone who wishes to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program in China, as such programs typically take years to complete. The X1 visa is valid for 5 years. Likewise, it also serves as a multiple entry visa allowing the holder an entry to any point in China. When an X1 visa holder enters China, he should register with a local Exit and Entry Administration bureau to apply for a China Temporary Residence Permit. This step should be made within 30 days upon arrival in the country. The residence permit serves as a registration of your residence in the country for the duration of your study program.

X2 Visa
The X2 Visa, a short-term study visa, is for international students whose study program only lasts for a 6 months or less. This applies to those who intend to take a language program, a short-training course, or some required fieldwork. The X2 visa is valid for a maximum of 6 months. Unlike the X1 visa which is a multiple entry visa, the X2 visa only serves as a single entry visa. However, X2 visa holders may be granted an extension of the visa’s validity when circumstances demand it. In this case, the visa holder should apply for an extension a month before the 180-day mark.

What are the requirements for visa application?

So you have decided what visa type applies for your intended studies in China. The next step then is to secure the requirements needed for your visa application. Below is a checklist of requirements (forms, certificates, and letters) you should expect to submit together with your application for an X (X1 or X2) visa.

Document Requirements

Passport and Photographs
You have to submit your actual passport, which should be valid for up to 6 months from the date of application. A photocopy of the name page must be attached. It should also contain at least a single blank page for the visa stamp. Likewise, you have to submit a recent passport-style photograph.
Application Form
Fill out the China Student Visa Application Form with all the required details. You may download the form from the Embassy of China.
Letter of Admission
Once a university in China approves your admission application, it will send you an acceptance letter which you will need in your visa application. Take note that the Chinese Embassy looks for a university seal on the letter of admission.
JW201 or JW202 Form
The JW201 or JW202 Form is known as the Foreign Student Visa Application Form, issued by the State Education Ministry of China. Your host university may provide you a copy of these forms, too. The JW201 is for applicants who have a scholarship funded by the Chinese government. Meanwhile, the JW202 is for applicants who will independently fund their studies in China.
Proof of Payment
Visa applications are made for a fee, which is at around $66. You have to include the receipt of the payment in your application.
Travel and Accommodation Arrangements
You have to show your travel tickets to and from China. This is to ensure that you will leave the country once your study program ends. Moreover, you have to settle accommodation arrangements in China because the interviewing visa officer might look for them.
Physical Examination Record*
International students who are 19 years old and above are required to undergo a physical examination and provide a record of it to the embassy.

*This is for X1 visa applicants only.

Language Requirements
A language proficiency test score is not needed for your student visa application. However, universities in China ask for a proof of proficiency when you apply for admission. The certification can either be in Mandarin or in English, depending on the language of instruction to be used in your study program. Nonetheless, you have to be prepared to take a language proficiency exam before going through the whole admission and visa application processes.

Steps in Applying for a Student Visa (X1)

1. 1. Look for an accredited university in China. Check if it has a program for international students like you. Likewise, review their study programs, and select one that interests you. For English-taught programs, check if the university requires a language proficiency test score.If so, check for the types of proficiency tests they accept and the required scores. You can do the same for Mandarin-taught courses. In case you need a language exam, make sure to take it ahead of the admission application schedule. After which, apply for a slot in your selected institution. Remember to apply several months before your intended start of getting an education in China.
   2. Secure your admission notice or letter of acceptance from the university. Make sure you have the original notice and a photocopy. Also, if your university has sent you the letter, check if you have also received a JW201 or JW202 form.
   3. Look for scholarships in China. The Chinese government provides several scholarship awards to international students. If you successfully acquired a scholarship grant, fill out the JW201 form. Otherwise, fill out the JW202 form.
   4. Secure all the documents you need. Make sure you have original copies and good quality photocopies.
   5. Submit your application together with the required documents. You can do this through the nearest China Visa Application Service Center or CVASC (for applicants from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and European Union countries) or the nearest Chinese Embassy in your home country. You may also send your application through mail (although most embassies and CVASCs do not entertain mailed applications).
   6. Wait for the results. Usually, visa processing only takes 1 week. However, it is better to submit your application at least 3 months before you intend to travel to China.
   7. *Upon arrival in China, you have to visit a local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration office to apply for a residence permit. This should be made within 30 days of arrival into the Chinese soil.

Applying for a China Residence Permit

Your X1 visa will guarantee your stay in China for 30 days. Beyond 30 days, you have to have a China Residence Permit which shall replace your X1 visa. This will be processed by a local PSB Exit and Entry Administration office. Here are the things you should understand about the residence permit:

• The residence permit will be valid for the same length of time stamped in your X1 visa. In essence, it is valid for the whole duration of your study program in China.
• Residence permit holders should report to a local police station whenever one of the following happens:

1. A family member or relative comes to China to visit the permit holder
2. The permit holder drops out of the university
3. The permit holder quits the university

• Once a student stays in China with an expired residence permit, he will be charged with $72 to $1,440 and 5 to 15 days detention.

Is it possible to have part-time work in China?

International students in China are allowed to have a part-time job while studying at a university. They can do this by obtaining a Consent Letter from the institution where they are enrolled and a Certification from the company where they will be employed. After which, they have to go to the local police station, and have their visa or permit marked with “Part-time work”. One important thing to remember is that China does not allow someone to change part-time jobs every now and then. The employer which issued the certification should be the one to provide the job while the employee is in China.

See also: Best Student Cities for International Students in China