How to Apply for China Student Visa
Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity and two blank visa pages.
Chinese visa application form: Complete the application on your computer, print it out, and sign it. Do not fill out this application by hand. Do not use digital signatures. All fields must be completed. If a section does not apply to you, type in “None” or “N/A.” Once the form is completed, do not click on continue. Click on Save and provide us with the application number and passport number. Your application form must be reviewed by us.
- Link to form: cova.mfa.gov.cn
Passport-type photograph: 1 (taken within 6 months)
Itinerary. Copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip (Applicant’s name must be on itinerary).
Enrollment Letter. Original enrollment letter from the school in China signed by both the applicant and the school.
Form JW201 or JW202. Original and photocopy of the approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form (JW201 or JW202) issued by the relevant Chinese school. The Foreign Student Visa Application Form must be signed by both the applicant and the school.
Additional requirements for applicants born in China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan
- Chinese name. The applicant’s name written in Chinese characters.
- Proof of name change. If the applicant’s name has changed since birth, please provide a copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the name change.
- Previous visa. Copy of a previously issued Chinese visa or copy of the information page from your Chinese, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwanese passport.
NOTE: If your old passport has not been canceled, you will be required to submit the original passport with your application.
Visa type and validity depend on the length of stay requested in the admission letter.
- Applicants studying for less than 6 months will be issued Type X2 visas valid for up to 6 months.
- Applicants studying for longer than 6 months will be issued a single entry Type X1 visa valid for 3 months. Once arriving at the school, these applicants will apply for a residency permit.
Information for persons of Tibetan origin
You must make a personal appearance at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to process your visa if you are a person of Tibetan origin. The Visa Application Service Center will require additional documents in order to process your visa and CEV is unable to assist in these procedures.
Maximum stay in China: 365 days