How to Obtain a Student Visa for China

Obtaining a student visa for China is one of the most important steps students need to take after receiving admission from their chosen university in China and before entering the country. In general, the requirements for obtaining a student visa in China are not as strict as in some other countries, and the visa is issued within a short time. In fact, due to the friendly relations between Iran and China, studying at universities in China can guarantee individuals’ career prospects. To learn more about this topic and the cost of a Chinese student visa, stay with us until the end of this article from Elm Vira.

Obtaining a Student Visa for China

As you may know, one of the most reliable ways to obtain residency in China is by acquiring a student visa. Chinese universities generally offer modern and advanced facilities and are ranked highly on a global scale. According to official statistics, about five hundred thousand international students are currently studying in China at its universities.

1. Moreover, besides the ease of obtaining a student visa for China, some of the reasons that encourage international students to apply for this visa include the low tuition fees at Chinese universities and the affordable living costs in the country. Additionally, the Chinese government allocates a significant annual budget for scholarships for international students, which serves as a convincing reason for applying for a Chinese student visa and pursuing higher education in the country.

Types of Student Visas for China

As mentioned earlier, after receiving admission from a Chinese university, the applicant must apply for a student visa to China. It’s important to note that the X visa comes in two types, which are explained below:

X1 Visa: Issued for study programs lasting more than 6 months. X2 Visa: Issued for study programs lasting 6 months or less.

To obtain a student visa for China, the first step is to download and complete the visa application form from the Chinese embassy’s website. Be careful not to book your flight before the visa is issued, as the processing time for a Chinese student visa is unpredictable and may take several days.

Once the student visa is issued, you can confidently purchase your flight ticket. Additionally, considering the complexities and uncertainties of student immigration, it is recommended not to leave China during the term and to plan any trips for the holidays between semesters. This helps avoid additional costs related to visa issuance.

1. X1 Visa for China

As mentioned earlier, obtaining a student visa for China is one of the requirements for students. One of the types of student visas is the X1 visa. It is worth noting that the X1 visa is a long-term student visa. If your study duration exceeds 6 months, you must apply for this type of visa.

The validity of this visa is five years, and students with an X1 visa can enter and exit China multiple times. In general, after arriving in China, the student must visit the Public Security Bureau within 30 days to register their entry and exit.

1. With a temporary residence permit, you can move in and out of China freely without paying any fees. However, after graduation, you must visit the Foreign Affairs Office to cancel this permit and apply for a 30-day tourist visa to avoid potential issues.

2. X2 Visa for China

Another type of student visa for China is the X2 visa. The X2 student visa is a short-term visa issued for attending educational courses or internships lasting less than 6 months. It’s important to note that with an X2 visa, you will not be allowed multiple entries and exits. Additionally, this visa cannot be used for long-term university education programs.

Furthermore, the X2 visa is extendable, and you can apply for an extension one month before it expires. It is also worth mentioning that individuals holding an X2 visa do not need a temporary residence permit and can stay in China with this visa.

Conditions for Obtaining a Chinese Student Visa

In general, the requirements for obtaining a Chinese student visa are not overly strict. Typically, students between the ages of 18 and 27 can apply for undergraduate studies, while those aged between 24 and 30 can apply for graduate programs. Moreover, if you improve your Chinese language skills, you may be eligible for scholarships and free education in the country.

To obtain a student visa for China, you will need a strong resume and must complete the relevant forms. Overall, the process of obtaining a student visa can take some time, so it’s best to begin preparing the necessary documents as soon as possible to ensure timely visa issuance and legal processing.

Steps to Obtain a Student Visa for China

Generally, the process of obtaining a Chinese student visa is not complicated, and you can typically receive your visa within a week after submitting your application. The following are the steps to obtain a student visa for China:

• Select a Recognized University: First, you need to choose a reputable university and review the admission requirements.
• Obtain an Admission Letter: Next, apply to your chosen university to receive an acceptance letter.
• Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents for your student visa application.
• Complete the Online Visa Application Form: Fill out the online student visa application form for China carefully and send it to the Chinese consulate.
• Receive an Appointment Code: After submission, you will receive a code indicating the date of your visa appointment at the embassy.
• Interview Appointment: In some cases, the embassy may request an in-person interview and provide an interview date.
• Wait for Visa Processing: After completing these steps, you will need to wait for the embassy to review your application. They will inform you of the date when your student visa is ready for pickup.
• Obtain a Residence Permit: Finally, once you arrive in China, you must visit the local Public Security Bureau to obtain a residence permit for your stay.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Student Visa for China

Typically, after receiving a Chinese student visa, the student has 90 days to enter China and complete the necessary steps to obtain a residence permit. It’s important to note that for those using a Chinese government scholarship, the JW201 form is used, while those paying their university tuition fees use the JW202 form.

Applicants for a Chinese student visa are not allowed full-time employment. However, with the proper permit, they may work part-time, such as teaching English or doing internships. Otherwise, there may be a risk of expulsion from the university. The following are the required documents for obtaining a student visa for China:

• Proof of Financial Ability: This certificate demonstrates the student’s ability to cover tuition and living expenses in China.
• Parental or Guardian Guarantee Letter: A signed guarantee letter from the student’s parents or guardian, ensuring the student’s compliance with the university’s and China’s laws.
• Official Translation of Birth Certificate and National ID Card: These documents must be translated into English.
• JW201 or JW202 Form: This form is for X1 visa applicants.
• Health Certificate: A health certificate certified by Chinese authorities.
• Notarized Copy of the Passport: A certified copy of the applicant’s passport.
• University Admission Letter: The official acceptance letter from the chosen university.
• Passport-Sized Photo: A passport-sized photo of the applicant.
• Criminal Record Certificate: A certificate confirming the applicant has no criminal record.
• Document Review Fee: Payment for document review processing.
• Valid Language Certificate: A recognized language proficiency certificate.

Processing Time for a Chinese Student Visa

Generally, the processing time for reviewing and issuing a Chinese student visa is about four to five business days. However, if you wish to expedite the process, you can opt for express and rush services by paying an additional fee. The express service costs around $20 and processes the student visa within about two to three business days.

Applicants using the rush service will need to pay approximately $30 extra to reduce the processing time to just one business day. It is advisable to apply for a student visa one to three months before your planned arrival in China, considering that the processing time can vary.

Work Permission with a Chinese Student Visa

As you may know, China has made it easier for students to work while studying. With a student visa, you can engage in part-time work such as photography, working in a café or restaurant, graphic design, translation, and more. The conditions for working while holding a student visa in China include:

• You must be over 18 years old and have no criminal record.
• Proficiency in the Chinese language is required.
• You need to obtain the necessary permits from your university and immigration authorities.
• You must secure approval from the university and the company you wish to work for.
• It’s advisable to have a strong resume and related qualifications.
• You can work part-time or as an intern.
• Remember to visit the police station and have your part-time work permission stamped in your passport.

Cost of Obtaining a Chinese Student Visa

1. The cost of obtaining a Chinese student visa depends on factors such as the number of entries requested, the applicant’s nationality, residence, and whether express or rush services are used. Generally, students should expect to pay between $30 and $90 for a student visa. This fee is typically collected when the applicant visits the Chinese embassy or consulate and is non-refundable. Generally, the more entries requested, the higher the visa cost.

Benefits of Obtaining a Chinese Student Visa

As previously mentioned, the Chinese government offers a variety of scholarships to international students studying at universities in the country. Additionally, Chinese universities are globally recognized and maintain high academic standards. Therefore, obtaining a student visa for China and pursuing education there can be a significant advantage for international students. Every year, a large number of international applicants apply for admission to Chinese universities.

If you’re not proficient in Chinese, there’s no need to worry. Many universities in China offer courses in English. Moreover, graduates may be eligible for residency in China, although obtaining residency requires meeting specific conditions.

Conclusion

While the process of obtaining a student visa for China may seem challenging at first, it can actually be smooth and straightforward with the proper information and preparation.

1. In other words, ensure you meet all the requirements, gather the necessary documents, and carefully follow the instructions to avoid any delays or rejections. If you’re considering studying in China, you can contact the experts at Elm Vira Immigration Institute for more information and free consultation on the costs of a student visa for China. Our team will do their best to guide you through the process.