student visa in china

The decision to study abroad is an exciting one, but it also comes with a few worries. The first among them is whether your academic and other credentials will be accepted by the university in question. When looking for study visa to China , most students worry about their eligibility, the documents needed and the visa process itself. This article attempts to demystify the student visa process.

China is developing into one of the world’s leading education powers in the 21st century. It is a highly competitive country when comparing fees and quality. This guide reveals everything you need to know about a student visa to study in China.

As a student in the UK, you have studied hard and perhaps been awarded some prizes and academic scholarships along the way. Your results are now in and you’re off to university, a dream long-held. However, two years later, this has not gone as smoothly as you had hoped. You’re concerned about your student visa for china as well as your prospects for work experience and future job opportunities. The reality is that it takes more than just good grades to experience China like a local or balance work with play. It takes a great deal of research, planning and organization – a challenge for any international student leaving home for the first time.

China is a beautiful country, with rich history and culture. A lot of people dream of visiting China and studying there.

But what is the process to get a student visa in China? How do you apply? What are the requirements? In this article, we will answer these questions.

First of all, you need to know that there are different types of visas for students in China: X1, X2 and X3. If you want to study in China, your visa should be one of these three types.

A X1 visa is for those who plan on studying at schools or universities for more than 6 months (the length of this kind of visa varies depending on how long your program lasts). You can get this type if you’re enrolled as an undergraduate student or postgraduate student at a university or college in China and have been accepted by one of these institutions; You must also have proof that you can pay for all your expenses during your stay in China (you’ll need bank statements showing that you have enough money).

An X2 visa allows students from other countries to take part in short-term training programs provided by Chinese schools, but not longer than 6 months; This kind of visa doesn’t require proof that the student can afford their living expenses

If you are a student seeking to study in China, you must have a valid student visa. The procedure for obtaining a student visa differs depending on the type of school you will be attending.

First, determine whether your school requires that you apply for a student visa or if it is sufficient to simply carry your passport with an entry stamp from the Chinese embassy in your home country. If the latter is true, then you should apply for an entry visa at the embassy and then make sure that there is an official stamp in your passport indicating that you have entered China legally.

If your school requires that you obtain a student visa before entering China, then follow these steps:

1. Find out if the school has a website where they list their requirements for foreign students and the documents required to prove eligibility for such status. If not, contact them directly via email or phone call and ask about what documents are required by law.
2. Make sure you have all necessary documents ready before applying for any kind of visa; this way there will be no delays in processing due to missing information needed during processing time frames (which can take up to four months).

Student Visa (X-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for the purpose of study for a period of six or more months. A foreign citizen who is to study in China for less than six months should apply for a business visa (F-visa).

1. Checklist of documents required for application

(1) Original passport remaining to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application and with sufficient blank visa pages.

(2) One completed visa application form with a recently-taken passport photo; all the items on the application form should be completed neatly with genuine information; if the applicant has a Chinese name, the Chinese name should be filled in; false or incomplete information and illegible characters may lead to refusal of a visa.

(3) Visa Application for Study in China (Form JW-201 or Form JW-202, original and copy).

(4) Admission Notice from the University (original and copy).

2. Application procedure and processing time

(1) Application procedure

Book online appointment at the website of Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) and then submit application to CVASC. Application without appointment will not be accepted. For more information, please visit www.visaforchina.org.uk . CVASC accepts postal application.

(2) Processing time

Regular visa processing time is normally 4 working days. For example, applicants lodging applications on Monday will collect the visas on Thursday. Express visa processing time is normally 3 working days. Applicants requesting the express service must lodge visa applications at the CVASC counter before 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday.

3. Important notes

(1) X-visa issued is usually with a single entry, valid for 3 months and with no duration of stay(that is 000 day of stay). Holders of student visa should go through the procedure for a residence permit at a local public security bureau within 30 days after entry into China to avoid illegal stay in China. The period of validity of the residence permit is its holder’s duration of stay in China.

(2) Consular officers may request an applicant to provide additional supporting documents. The applicant should provide this as soon as possible.

(3) Whether a visa is to be issued or not, and what type of visa to be issued shall be decided by Consular officers in the light of China’s relevant laws and regulations. Application may be refused without detailed explanation.

(4) The applicant should check all the information of the issued visa upon collection and if necessary raise queries at the same time. If there is no immediate query relating to the issued visa, the applicant is held responsible under any circumstances thereafter.

(5) The visa application form should be fully completed and signed by the applicant upon completion (application for an applicant under 18 years of age should be signed by one of his or her parents). Items which are not applicable should be filled in with N/A.

(6) Please be advised to apply for a visa about one month in advance of the intended date of entry into China. The applicant is held responsible for any consequences resulting from the failure to submit visa application at an appropriate time, which may lead to either the issued visa becoming expired or it would be too late to get a visa before the intended entry date.

(7) Consular officers decide on the visa’s period of validity, duration of stay and number of entry in the light of China’s laws and regulations.

4. Fees

(1) Please pay on collection.

(2) Chinese Visa Application Service Centre accepts cash or debit card for payment.

(3)Schedule of visa Fees and Service Fees (Unit: British Pound):

As an international student planning on studying in China, you’ll need to apply for a student visa at least one month before you arrive. The type of visa you apply for will depend on the duration of your studies.

X1 visas are designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students whose study abroad programs last between six months and five years. X2 visas offer a short-term option for those who’ve enrolled in courses lasting fewer than six months.

The cost of a Chinese student visa differs depending on your nationality. As a rough benchmark, US students can expect to pay $140, whereas UK students will be charged £151.

The student visa process in China

1. Accept a place at your university: You might need to pay a deposit to secure your place before receiving a formal admissions letter.
2. Receive your JW201 or JW202 form: After your acceptance, your university will send you a JW201 or JW202 form, also known as the foreign student visa application form. The JW201 is for students who’ve gained a scholarship, whereas the JW202 for self-funded students.
3. Complete the JW201 or JW202 form: Ensure you’ve filled in every section on the form and have signed it.
4. Gather documentation: You’ll need to submit a range of supporting documents (see list below).
5. Submit your application: Citizens of the UK, EU, Canada, and Australia can submit their application through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). If your country doesn’t have a CVASC, you can apply through your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
6. Receive the result: The turnaround for applications is usually less than a week, so you won’t have long to wait.
7. Register with the exit and entry administration bureau: Within 30 days of arriving, you must apply for a temporary residence permit. This effectively replaces your student visa and allows you to remain in the country for the duration of your studies.
8. Have a medical examination: To convert your visa into a temporary residence permit, you must have a physical examination costing roughly RMB 622 or $88. Citizens of some countries must have this physical examination before they arrive in China.

Family visa requirements

Your family members will be allowed to visit you during your time studying abroad, but they’ll need to apply for their own visas.

An S1 visa entitles your loved ones to visit for more than 180 days, but they must have a physical examination and apply for a residence permit. An S2 visa limits family members to a stay of fewer than 180 days with no need for a medical assessment or residence permit.

Required documents

Submitting all of the documents requested by the Chinese authorities is the most important part of the entire visa application process. Double-check that the documents are complete, accurate, and legitimate.

Here’s a list of the compulsory documentation you’ll need:

• A valid passport with an expiry date at least six months away from the date of application
• A formal acceptance letter on headed paper with a university seal
• A completed JW201 or JW202 form
• A passport-style color photograph that captures the whole of your face
• Receipt of payment for your visa application
• Details of your flight numbers, dates and times, including your return ticket
• Details of your accommodation arrangements
• Evidence of your physical examination test (if required)

China student visa processing time

Chinese embassies are usually quite quick at processing visa applications, and it can take as little as four days to get a response. Typically you should allow at least a week to get your visa after submitting your documents.

It’s worth getting your application in early in case of any unexpected delays. It’s recommended to apply at least a month before your arrival in China, but not more than three months in advance.

Working while studying in China

Taking on some part-time work to support your studies is sometimes allowed, but you’ll first need to seek permission from your university and the Chinese immigration authorities. You must also visit a police station and ask them to stamp your visa with ‘part-time work’.

Changing jobs regularly in China is frowned upon and could land you in trouble. So only commit to a job if you’re sure it’s right for you.

What to do if your visa is rejected

China has notoriously strict visa policies and relatively low acceptance rates, so don’t be disheartened if your first application isn’t successful.

Although visa rejection is frustrating, it’s possible to appeal the decision or reapply. If you do choose to reapply, don’t just submit the same application again. Without making some changes, further refusal is almost guaranteed.

The Chinese authorities aren’t obliged to explain why your application was denied, but common reasons include:

• Mistakes in the form
• Absent documentation
• Limited financial resources
• Insufficient proof that you’ll be returning home after your stay

Eliminating these issues in your second attempt will give you the best chance of approval.

Conclusion

Make sure months before your arrival to gather and prepare all the necessary documents. Ask your university for additional guidance and information and also contact the nearest Chinese Embassy in your home country for any questions. By doing so, you will avoid delays that might occur due to bureaucratic reasons. In relation to the Chinese Visa Requirements, keep in mind that European nationals or students from the UK, Canada and Australia, can apply for a student visa through CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center). Otherwise, you can apply to your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate office. Remember that if applying through CVASC, you need to book an appointment online through their official website.

You will need the following documents for your Chinese Visa application: 

• Visa application for your studies in China (JW201 or JW202 document) by your local Chinese Embassy or the university you are enrolled at. Remember to bring the original document in China.
• A valid passport which should have at least six months of remaining validity.
• Recent passport-sized photos. 
• Your admissions notice from the university. 
• The Physical Examination Form.

The application fees for your Chinese Visa vary depending on the country you come from, but the price ranges around 140 USD. Normally the processing time for your visa application is fast and takes about a week. 

As for the physical examination form, don’t forget that Chinese visa requirements require that after your arrival in China as an international student, you are required to go to the Health Quarantine Bureau to confirm your physical examination form as soon as possible. If you fail to provide your physical examination form or record, then you must be examined at the local health bureau.