Q1: What type of visa do I need to study in Shanghai?

A1: If the study duration is over 180 days, apply for Visa X1. For less than 180 days, apply for Visa X2.

Q2: Where do I apply for the visa?

A2: Apply at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Provide the school’s Admission Notice and JW202/JW201 Form.

Q3: How do I apply for a Residence Permit?

A3: Visa X1 holders should apply for the Residence Permit within 30 days of entry. A Health Certificate is required. Registration of temporary residence is mandatory within 24 hours of entering China.

Q4: Do Visa X2 holders need to apply for the Residence Permit?

A4: Yes, if the study duration exceeds one semester. Registration of temporary residence is required.

Q5: What documents are required for the Residence Permit application?

A5:

1. Valid passport

2. School Admission Notice

3. JW202/JW201 Form

4. Health Certificate

5. Registration Form of Temporary Residence

6. Application Forms from International Students Office

7. Foreigner Visa and Residence Permit Application Form

8. Application fee of 400 yuan (for Residence Permit with 1-year validity)

Q6: How long is the Residence Permit valid for?

A6:

1. Scholarship students: One year

2. Others: Duration depends on paid tuition

3. The Residence Permit should not exceed the length of study or passport validity.

Q7: How much are the fees to apply for the Residence Permit?

A7:

400 yuan ($56) for Residence Permit valid for less than 1 year（365 days）

800-1,000 yuan for Residence Permit valid for 1 year or longer

Q8: How long does it take to process the Residence Permit application?

A8: Approximately 7 working days

Q9: How do I report changes in residence or personal details?

A9: Report changes to the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau within 10 days. Required documents include passport, Residence Permit, Registration Form of Temporary Residence, and application forms.

Q10: What should I do if I lose my passport?

A10:

If a passport is misplaced or lost, visit the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau to report the loss, providing proof of identity, such as copies of the passport, identity certificate with photo, driver's licence, etc, as well as original and copy of the Registration Form of Temporary Residence, to obtain the “lost” certificate; Second, the student should report to ISO. Third, he/she should go to his/her country’s embassy or the consulate in China to apply for a new passport. Last, the student should obtain an application letter from the ISO when the new passport is received and go to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau to apply for a new Residence Permit or other visa.

Q11: Which family members of international students are eligible to apply for a Private Affairs Class Residence Permit?

A11: Family members, including spouses, parents, parents-in-law, and children under 18, can apply for a Private Affairs Class Residence Permit.

Q12: What documents are required for a family member residence permit?

A12:

1. Valid passport and Residence Permit of the international student

2. Foreigner Visa and Residence Permit Application Form

3. Registration Form of Temporary Residence

4. Application Form for International Students

5. Relationship certificate

Q13: Can family members extend their stay past the visa expiration?

A13: Family members can apply for an extension at the Shanghai Exit-entry Administration Bureau. The total stay should not exceed 6 months.

Q14: Is there a random inspection for visas and Residence Permits?

A14: Yes, international students and family members over 16 must carry their Visa/Residence Permit for random inspections by foreign affairs police officers.

Source: iso.usst.edu.cn