Visas and Registration

There are two types of visas used by students in China. The first is called an F-visa; this is for students on short-term programs studying less than six months. The other is an X-visa: this is for long-term students studying for more than 6 months. There are distinct application processes for each type, so be sure you understand what you need to do for your particular visa.

For visas other than tourist visas, it’s best to apply early; if you don’t have enough time, you can pay visa agencies a fee to get your visa done faster. You have three months to enter China before your visa becomes invalid, so make sure you plan ahead when you will enter China. Also make sure that you pay attention to the number of entries on your visa. Some visas allow one entry into China, others allow two and some allow unlimited entries.

The relevant documents should be presented in person to your country’s Chinese embassy or consulate. If you can’t make a trip to the embassy or consulate, entrust a qualified and reputable visa agency to deliver the documents for you. It is not necessary to make an appointment when you submit your documents. It will take about a week for the visa to be processed.


F-visa application

To obtain an F-visa, you will need the following documents:

-    A completed application form (this can be found here).

-    A 2”x2” passport photo. This should be a picture of your face with a white or off-white background. Professional photo shops can arrange this for you.

-    A passport that is valid for at least 12 months longer than the length of your stay. Make sure there is a blank visa page in your passport.

-    Proof of a hotel reservation or other accommodation in China.

-    An invitation letter (your school will provide you with this).

-    The appropriate government visa application fee (the exact fee depends on your nationality or the nationality of the passport being used).


X-visa application

To obtain an X-visa, you will need the documents below. Note that once you arrive in China with an X-visa, you will need to change it into a Residence Permit.

-    A completed application form (this can be found here).

-    A 2”x2” passport photo. This should be a picture of your face with a white or off-white background. Professional photo shops can arrange this for you.

-    A passport that is valid for at least 12 months longer than the length of your stay. Make sure there is a blank visa page in your passport.

-    An admission letter from your school (your school will provide you with this)

-    A completed JW201 or JW202 form (your school will provide you with this)

-    The appropriate government visa application fee (the exact fee depends on your nationality or the nationality of the passport being used).


Residence Permits

After entering China on an X-visa you have 30 days to convert their visa into a Residence Permit. The Residence Permit (not the X-visa) is what allows you to live in China on a long-term basis. A Residence Permit requires certain documentation that you school will provide. If you live off-campus, you must register with the local police and get a Temporary Residence Certificate. You must also have a health examination certificate at a Chinese hospital. Your school will have information about how to get a health examination as well as where to submit your paperwork in China for a Residence Permit.


Registering with the police and getting a Temporary Residence Certificate

To apply for a Residence Permit, renew any visa or change your visa type while in China, you must submit a Temporary Residence Certificate along with your paperwork. To get a Temporary Residence Certificate, you must prepare the following documents:

-    Your valid passport and visa

-    Both copies of your rental contract (yours and your landlord's)

-    A copy of your landlord's deed to the apartment (the first time you register at any given residence, your landlord must come along and bring the original deed)

Once you get your Temporary Residence Certificate, keep it safe; you’ll need it the next time you apply for or renew a visa or Residence Permit. You are required to register with the police within 10 days of each time you change residences. Not registering with the police can get your fined; repeated violations will result in deportation.
 

You must re-register with the police each time you change residences, get a new visa or renew an old visa.

If you’re staying on campus or in a hotel, the school or the staff can help you obtain a Temporary Residence Certificate and will register with the police for you.