Dear students,

Congratulations! Receiving your admission letter means you are now one step closer to your dream school. Along with the excitement, it is important to prepare the necessary documents before entering China.

A study visa is essential for legal entry into, and residence in, China, ensuring a smooth registration and a fulfilling campus life.

Here's a guide to help you through the study visa application process.

What type of visa should you apply for to study in China?

In China, study visas are issued in two types:

X1 visa: for long-term study in China, more than 180 days.

X2 visa: for short-term study in China, up to 180 days.

What are the basic application materials for a study visa?

1. Passport

An original passport valid for at least six months, with at least one blank visa page, and one photocopy of the passport information page.

2. Visa application form and photo

One completed Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China.

One recent color passport photo, bareheaded and full-faced, against a light background, attached to the application form.

Note: Most applicants need to make an online appointment via the Appointment for Visa Application Submission (AVAS) website. The appointment must comply with the requirements of the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate. If no appointment is required, you may submit the paper form directly. The website is open 24 hours and free to use.

Website: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

3. Proof of legal stay or residence

For applicants not applying in their home country, an original and photocopy of your valid documents proving legal stay, residence, work, or study in the current country, or a valid visa are required.

What other supporting documents are required?

1. A certificate of the admission notice issued by your admitting institution in China.

2. Visa Application for Study in China Form (JW201/JW202) for X1 visas.

Visa Application for Study in China Form (DQ) for X2 visas.

Note: Forms JW201,JW202, and DQ are issued electronically. Applicants can visit www.studyinchina.edu.cn to find, download, and print the corresponding forms.

Key tips

1. When necessary, consular officials may require applicants to provide additional documents or attend an interview.

2. For an expedited service, inform the visa officials when submitting your application. Reasonable requests will normally be answered, with extra fees ranging from 170 to 250 yuan ($23.67 to 34.81) payable upon visa collection.

3. Holders of an X1 visa must apply for a residence permit at the local entry-exit administration of the public security bureau within 30 days of entering China.

We hope these guidelines can help you successfully navigate your study visa application. Looking forward to seeing you in China!

Source: Official WeChat account of China Scholarship Council at "gh_afaa09c3e5f3"