Who can apply

Study visa (X-visa) is issued to those intending to study in the Chinese mainland.

How to apply

Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website to fill in your application form and make an appointment for the visa application online.

Documents required

• Passport
• One Visa Application Form completed online and signed by hand
• A recently-taken within 6 months, colour passport photo
• Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

Click to see the checklist for applying for a X1 (long-term study) visa or X2 (short-term study) visa.

How to extend your visa 

If you are in Shanghai and want to extend your X visa, you can apply to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau. 

Address: No 1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area

Open: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

You can make an appointment at the website of Government Online-Offline Shanghai. 

Documents required

• The applicant's original, valid passport and visa
• A completed Visa and Residence Permit Application Form for Foreigners, and then go to the exit-entry administration of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau in person to take a free photograph
• An application letter submitted by the educational or training institution
• A certificate of admission, certificate of enrollment, or certificate of student status issued by the educational or training institution.

Click here for more information about applying for a X-visa extension.

Service hotline

If you have issues with your visa application, call 021-12367, the service hotline of the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.