Updated: 2011/07/08   

2009/09/24: If your JW201/202 indicates a duration less than 180 days, you will only get a single entry visa. Mulitple entry visa is only issued for those whose JW201/202 has a duration over 180 days.

Student Visa (X) is issued to an alien who comes to China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months.

An alien who comes to China to study, short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of less than 6 months shall apply for a business (F) Visa.

Documents to be included with application:

1. Your valid and actual passport. The passport must have at least six (6) months validity left before expiration and at least one blank page left in it.
2. One completed Chinese Visa Application Form (both main form and supplemental form) with one color passport photo.
3. An approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form (JW201 or JW202) issued by the authorized Chinese unit, and an enrollment letter from the Chinese school.
4. The applicant who will study in China for more than one year shall also provide a Physical Examination Certificate for Foreign Citizen.
5. If you were born in mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan, and your current foreign passport does not have an old Chinese visa, please submit the original AND a copy of your old Chinese passport (pages with your name, photo and passport extension), or a copy of old Chinese visa on your last foreign passport. Also supply your name in Chinese characters.
6. Non-US passport holder must provide original AND copy of green card, or original I-94 and a copy of US immigration document (e.g. H1B, I-20). Please read detailed information and country specific visa requirements.

How to apply

• please follow the "step by step procedures" at the bottom of the main page.

Visa fee and processing time

[For details on fees please see table here] The regular processing time at the Consulate is 4 working days. Additional fees are required for same day or 2-3 working days processing.

Additional information

Generally, (X) visa is valid for one entry, three months. American citizens may apply multiple entry ( X ) visas valid for 12 months. The holder of a (X) visa must go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.

Any person suffering from mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.