Visa

1. Contact Your Educational Institution: Inform your school’s international student office about your visa situation as soon as possible. They can provide guidance, assistance, and sometimes even liaise with immigration authorities on your behalf.
2. Visa Extension: In many cases, you can apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for an extension related to your studies.
3. Temporary Stay Permit: If your visa is about to expire, and you need more time to finish your studies, you might be able to apply for a Temporary Stay Permit. This permit can allow you to stay in China legally for a certain period while you complete your studies or make necessary arrangements.
4. Exit and Re-entry: If your visa is expiring and you need more time to sort out your situation, you could consider leaving China and then re-entering with a new visa. However, this approach might not be feasible for everyone due to travel restrictions and costs.
5. Consult Local Authorities: Visit the local Exit and Entry Administration Bureau or Public Security Bureau in your city for guidance on how to proceed. They can provide specific information about visa extensions and other legal options.
6. Seek Legal Advice: If you’re unsure about the best course of action, consider consulting legal experts who specialize in immigration matters. They can provide you with personalized advice based on your circumstances.
7. Prepare Required Documents: Depending on the route you choose, you’ll likely need to gather necessary documents such as proof of enrollment, a letter from your educational institution, a valid passport, and any other relevant paperwork. Make sure to have these documents ready for your application.
8. Apply Early: It’s important to start the visa extension or permit application process well in advance of your visa’s expiration date. This will give you ample time to deal with any potential delays or issues that may arise. This also applies when you are trying to apply for study programs. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can get admitted and JW202.
9. Comply with Regulations: While your visa situation is being resolved, ensure that you comply with Chinese laws and regulations. Avoid any activities that could jeopardize your legal status.

Remember that each situation can be unique, and the options available may depend on factors such as your nationality, the type of visa you hold, and the current immigration policies. Always seek guidance from official sources and trusted experts to ensure you’re making informed decisions regarding your visa status in China. Do handle your visa expiration issue quick and fast, in case of the arrival of the worst situation to come.

International students who want to pursue long-term study in China need to apply for a study visa, also known as X visa. To obtain a study visa to China, you need to first get admitted into a university or college in China. After receiving the admission letter, you can apply for a study visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.

The required documents for a study visa application include:

1. Original passport and one photocopy: Your passport must be at least 6 months before expiration and contain blank pages.

2. Admission letter of the Chinese university: This is the most important document to prove you have been accepted into a study program in China.

3. Visa application form: You need to fill out the application form with a photo attached. The form needs to be filled out in Chinese or English with accurate information.

4. Proof of financial support: You need to provide an official bank statement proving you have sufficient fund to support your study and living expenses in China, around $15,000 a year. For master’s or PhD applicants, a proof of scholarship or funding is required.

5. Other supporting documents: This includes a health checkup report, a statement of purpose, a certificate of no criminal record, etc. The specific requirements may vary for different embassy or consulate offices.

Once you have submitted the required documents, the visa officer will review your application. If approved, you will be asked to pay the visa fee which usually takes 3 to 5 business days to be processed. The X visa issued is usually for a stay of 6 to 12 months. Within 30 days of entering China, you must apply for a residence permit at your university to cover your study period.

The X visa allows multiple entries during your study in China. You can exit and re-enter China as needed. After graduation, you can apply for options such as working visa, start-up visa or tourist visa to continue staying in China. If there are major changes to your study plan or personal information, you must update them with the relevant Chinese authorities to keep your legal status of stay.

Studying in China can be a rewarding experience. By preparing a strong study visa application with the necessary documents, you have taken the first important step to embark on your new journey of education and cultural discovery in China. Make the most out of your study abroad experience and all the best with your pursuit of knowledge at a Chinese university! 

The first one applies to students who plan to study in China for more than six months, while the second to students who plan to study or have an internship in the country for less than six months.

Note that as an international student you have 30 days after your arrival in China to apply for a residence permit that will enable you to study in China without any obstacles. The application for the residence permit should be submitted at the division of exit-entry administration of the local public security bureau.

Chinese Visa Requirements for Students: How to Proceed

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.