For international students, holding a valid study visa or residence permit is essential, as these documents are the foundation for both academic and daily life in China.

This guide outlines how to apply for a residence permit for study, including required documents, application procedures, and instructions for extension.

 

Applying for study residence permit after entry

International students with an ordinary passport and an X1 or X2 study visa are eligible to study in China. If the visa specifies that a residence permit is required after entry, the application must be submitted to the local exit and entry bureau within 30 days of arrival.

Note: Students entering China under a visa exemption policy are not eligible to directly apply for a study visa or residence permit. They must first leave the country and re-enter with an X1 or X2 visa before applying for the permit.

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

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

Required materials

1. A valid passport or other international travel document with the original visa.

2. A completed Visa/ Stay Permit/ Residence Permit Application Form.

3. A recent photo that meets the requirements specified by the National Immigration Administration.

For the Guidelines for Exit and Entry Documents Photographs, please refer to:

https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741445/n763221/index.html

4. Students entering China with an X1 visa should submit the original letter from their school confirming the period of study, along with the original admission notice or enrollment certificate. Those entering with other types of visas must also provide extra supporting materials issued by the relevant authorities.

The exit and entry bureau may issue a residence permit with a validity period that matches the term of study indicated by the school.

5. Other required formalities and supporting materials, such as the Registration Form of Temporary Residence for Foreigners, must be completed and submitted. Original documents  must be presented for verification, while photocopies should be submitted for filing.

6. For residence permits with a validity period of more than one year, a health certificate issued by a local health and quarantine authority or a health and medical institution at or above the county level is required.

Application process

All materials must be submitted in person to the local exit and entry bureau for processing.

Eligible applicants will receive an acceptance receipt, and the decision will be made within the receipt's validity period.

If any formalities or materials are incomplete, the exit and entry bureau will inform applicants of all additional requirements at once.

Notes

In general, universities in China issue documents such as an enrollment certificate only after registration. Arriving too early may result in insufficient time to complete the residence permit application.

During the period when your passport or other international travel document is held for residence permit processing, you may legally stay in China with the acceptance receipt.

Extension of residence permit

After obtaining your residence permit, check the expiration date to avoid overstaying. If you plan to continue your studies in China, you can apply to extend your period of residence.

Submit your application along with the relevant materials and reasons for the extension to the local exit and entry bureau at or above the county level at least 30 days before your permit expires.

Applications will be accepted if the reasons for extension are deemed reasonable and sufficient.

Fees for extensions are the same as first-time applications.

 

Adding an 'Internship' remark on your residence permit

According to the guidelines issued by the NIA, students holding a residence permit for study who intend to work part-time or undertake an internship outside the school must submit approval documents from their school and internship institution to the local exit and entry bureau. The permit will then be annotated to indicate the location and duration of the part-time job or internship.

Students whose permits do not include this remark are not permitted to work or intern outside the school.

For detailed instructions on applying for the study residence permit, see details at:

https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147423/n147478/n147715/c158270/content.html

Applying for stay permit

International students who have graduated or completed their programs but remain in China before their study residence permit expires should apply for a stay permit.

X2 visa holders who need to extend their stay for legitimate reasons, such as further studies, without changing the visa type, may apply for an extension of their visa's stay period.

Applications, along with supporting documents, must be submitted to the exit and entry bureau at or above the county level at least seven days before the expiration of your stay period indicated by your visa.

Required materials

1. A valid passport or other international travel documents.

2. Fill out a Visa/Stay Permit/Residence Permit Application Form and submit a photo that complies with the Guidelines for Exit-Entry Documents Photographs.

3. Supporting documents related to the purpose of the application.

4. Other formalities and supporting materials as required.

Application process

All formalities must be completed in person at the exit and entry bureau.

Eligible applications will receive an acceptance receipt, and a decision on their stay permit will be made within the validity period of the acceptance receipt.

Notes

In certain circumstances, applications may be submitted by inviting entity or individual, a relative of the applicant, or an authorized service agency.

Foreigners holding a stay permit who are unable to leave China before the permit expires due to objective reasons may apply for a replacement using the same requirements and materials.

For detailed information on applying for a stay permit, please visit:

https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147423/n147478/n147715/c158223/content.html

 

We hope this guide helps you navigate residence-related procedures smoothly and ensures a successful stay in China.

For other questions, please contact your university's international student office or consult the local exit and entry bureau.

 

Sources: Official WeChat account of China Scholarship Council at "gh_afaa09c3e5f3", National Immigration Administration