More and more American students are looking to study in China. If you are one of them, it is crucial that you obtain a China student visa. It is the first step towards the pathway of studying in China. This is a complete guide on what a Chinese student visa is, how to apply for one and other related issues.
What Kind of Visa Is a Student Visa in China?
The China student visas are issued to foreigners who have been admitted to a Chinese college. There are 2 types of student visas: X1 and X2. X1 is issued to those who will study in China for over 6 months and it allows multiple entries with a validity of up to 5 years. X2 is issued to those who go to China with the same purpose but will stay for less than 6 months. An X2 visa is only valid for 6 months and only one entry to China is permitted.
Chinese Student Visa X1 vs X2
As an international student, you can choose either a Chinese student visa based on your condition. Here are some comparisons we made between the 2 types of visa for your reference:
Purpose and Duration of Stay
Both X1 and X2 visas serve the same purpose which is to allow foreigners who have been accepted by a Chinese college to study in China for a period of time. X1 holders can study in China for more than 6 months while X2 visa is for short-term study whose holders can only stay within 6 months.
Temporary Residence Permit Requirement
If you hold an X1 visa, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the local exit-entry administration bureau within 30 days of arrival in China. However, this is not required for X2 visa holders.
Entry Types
China X1 student visa allows multiple entries whereas China student visa X2 only allows single entry for each application.
Extension Option
It is not possible to extend an X1 visa, but you can extend an X2 visa for a maximum of 180 days.
Eligibility for Employment & Internships
Both types of student visas are intended for study purposes. You can not work on these visas, but off-campus internships and part-time work can be authorized if you have obtained relevant approvals.
Who Is Eligible for China Student Visa Application
To apply for a China student visa, you must meet the China student visa requirements as follows:
- Accepted by a recognized institution
You must be accepted by a university or institution in China that is recognized by the Chinese government.
- Have a valid passport
You should have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your application date.
- With sufficient financial means
You should provide proof that you have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses in China, such as bank statements, scholarship awards, etc.
- Be in good health
A physical exam may be required to prove that you are in good health condition.
- No criminal record
No criminal record is allowed. A police clearance certificate is required.
- Have intend to return
You should show that you intend to return to the US after you complete your study in China through a statement or an interview.
Required Documents for China Student Visa Application
X1 and X2 visas share similar requirements. Here are the general documents required for a China student visa:
- Passport
- A copy of the passport’s data page is required.
- It should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the length of your visa.
- It has at least 2 blank pages.
- 1 recent China visa photo that meets the requirements by the Chinese Consulate
- Admission Notice or invitation letter
An Admission Notice from the Chinese institution that accepted you is required. The notice or letter should contain the number of entries you need and your full name on your passport.
- Application forms as follows:
- JW202 form (only for X1 visa)
- “Where you stay” form
- China visa service center order form
- Visa application form (completed online)
- Health declaration form
- Proof of address
- It can be a copy of your government ID, driver’s license or utility bill.
- Proof of travel arrangements
- You should present a copy of your itinerary or e-ticket that shows your entry and exit dates for your destination.
- Copy of your previous Chinese visa (if applicable)
How to Get a Student Visa for China
For US citizens, getting a student visa for China is not a difficult task if you have all the required documents. Follow these steps:
Get an Admission Notice from a Chinese University
The first step is to receive an admission letter from a Chinese university, confirming your acceptance.
Complete the COVA forms online
- Go to the website of China online visa application (COVA) and select your city in the US.
- Read the guidelines for COVA forms and click “Start an Application”.
- Fill in all the information required, including personal information, type of visa, photo, etc.
- Click “Save and Next” after you complete each form. After the COVA form is filled out accurately, click “Submit”.
Gather necessary documents
The COVA form needs to be printed out and signed. Also, gather other necessary documents we listed above.
Visit the Embassy of China
There is no need to make appointments with the Embassy of China in the US. Visit the Embassy in person or by agent during office hours and submit all the documents as required.
- Address: 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007
- Office Hours: 9:30 – 14:30 Monday to Friday (Closed on weekends and holidays)
- E-mail: washington_visa@csm.mfa.gov.cn
Pick up the visa
Once your visa is approved, you will receive a notification to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Usually, it takes 4 working days.
How to Convert X1 Visa to a Residence Permit
If you enter China with an X1 visa, it is necessary to convert it into a Residence Permit within 30 days of your arrival. You should go to the local Public Security Bureau Exit and Entry Administration Office and bring the following documents:
- Passport
- Accommodation registration printout from the police
- Physical examination results
- Admission Notice
Once you have submitted proper documents and paid the fee, your residence permit will be processed in at least 14 days. During processing time, your passport is with the Public Security Bureau.
How Much Is a Student Visa to China
China student visa cost is charged by the Embassy of China and it depends on the service you request. Here is a table:
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
| Regular service | USD140 | 4 working days |
| Express service | USD165 | 3 working days |
Both X1 and X2 visas cost the same, but if you are urgent, you can pay an additional USD25.00 for an express service.
How Long Will I Get the China Student Visa
Usually, the China student visa processing time is 4 working days. For example, if you submit your application on Monday, you can pick up your passport on Thursday. For an express service, the processing time is 3 working days. If you haven’t been notified to pick up your passport after 4 working days, check your email or contact the Embassy. They may need you to provide additional documents.
How to Make China Student Visa Photo Online for Free
For the passport-sized photo you need, you can simply take a photo at home and resize it online, using free photo makers. Here are the steps:
Understand China Visa Photo Requirements
Here are the general requirements for your photo:
- The photo should be in color and taken within 6 months before application.
- Photo size: 48 mm (height) x 33 mm (width)
- Dimension for digital photo: between 354 pixels (width) x 472 pixels (height) and 420 pixels (width) x 560 pixels (height)
- Background: white
- You should wear daily clothes in a color contrast to the background, such as red and blue.
- Your image should be in the center and you should face the front with your eyes open and mouth closed.
Take the Photo Using Cellphone
Taking a photo with your smartphone is easy, but there are things you should prepare and pay attention to:
- Prepare a tripod. You can take the photo by yourself by fixing your phone on the tripod.
- Choose a place with good natural light, such as a space near a window during day time.
- Remove all the unnecessary stuff in the background. Use a white cloth as a background, if you have one.
- Take a dozen photos so that you have options.
Resize Your Photo to China Visa Photo Online
After you have taken a photo at home, you can generate a compliant digital photo for a China visa online, using a visa photo maker – AiPassportPhotos. Here are the steps:
- Go to the website of AiPassportPhotos.
- Click the blue button and then click “Open Image” to upload a photo you are satisfied with.
- Your photo will be processed in 15 seconds. It will be automatically resized and its background will be changed. The tool makes sure your photo-generated is compliant with the standards of China student visas.
Download China Visa Photo Free
Click “FreeDownload” on the top right. Both the digital photo and the printing template are available for downloading. It is completely free.
Benefits of Getting a China Student Visa
- Provide educational opportunity
The China student visa gives an opportunity for US citizens to study or pursue advanced studies in China.
- Allow both long-term and short-term studies
The China student visa is divided into 2 types. The X1 visa is for long-term studies while the X2 is for short-term studies. You can choose based on the courses or training you enroll in.
- Allow internships
Although the China student visa is for study purposes, you are allowed to get internships or part-time jobs if you have obtained relevant approvals.
- Quick process
The processing time for a China student visa is very quick. The regular process only takes 4 working days. You don’t need to apply far in advance.
- Multiple entries
If you hold an X1 student visa, you can enter China multiple times.
FAQ
Can you work on a student visa in China?
No. You can not work on a student visa in China.
Can I bring my family to China with a student visa?
No. If you are an international student and want to bring your family to China, you need to apply for a dependent visa.
Do I need to know how to speak Chinese to apply for a Chinese student visa?
No. It is not required for China student visa applicants to speak Chinese.
How long can I stay in China after my student visa expires?
You can not stay in China after your student visa expires. Overstaying in China is against the law. You may be fined or even deported.
Can I switch from an X2 Visa to an X1 Visa?
No, you can not switch from an X2 visa to an X1 visa.
Can I study in China without a student visa?
No. You must obtain a student visa if you want to enter China for study purposes.
What should I do after arriving in China on an X1 Visa?
X1 visa holders should apply for a residence permit at the local Exit and Entry Administration within 30 days upon arrival in China.
Can X2 Visa holders apply for a residence permit?
No. X2 visa holders can not apply for a residence permit.
Can I switch my student visa to a work visa?
Yes. You can switch your student visa to a work visa if you meet relevant requirements and go through the application.
Are X Visa holders allowed to travel outside and return to China?
It depends on the visa type you are holding. X1 visa holders are allowed to enter China multiple times whereas X2 visa only allows single entry.
Conclusion
The China student visa, also called the X visa, allows foreign students to study in China legally for a period of time. We have delved into the 2 types of student visas, which are the X1 visa and the X2 visa. If you are planning to study in China, you can decide which one you apply for based on the time you need to stay, the number of entries you want and other related factors we have mentioned in this guide. Good luck with your application.
Dolores Xiao