China student visa (X visa) application, requirements, price, and processing time

China student visa (X visa)(China study visa)

Do you wish to study in China in the nearest future? You will need to obtain a China student visa or an X visa if you wish to. China has a thriving educational industry with many tertiary institutions majoring in different disciplines. This has created academic opportunities for foreigners who want to study outside their country.

This post contains valuable information about the China study visa and the application requirements. Read it until the end to learn more.

China Student Visa

The China student visa is a special visa issued to international students coming to China for advanced study in any of the tertiary institutions or fieldwork. X visas are sub divided into

• X1 visas long term study above 6 months

• X2 visas for short term study below 6 months days.

The government of China introduced both categories to create opportunities for international students who may wish to apply for short or long term courses. The X visa for both courses is valid for 90 days, each counting from the issue date but the number of days the holder can stay varies depending on the applicant's needs. X1 applicants can remain in China for up to a year or more until they complete their course, while X2 visa holders cannot stay for more than 6 months.

If you are an international student, you first need to apply for an accredited course offered by any Chinese institution and get admission before you can apply for a Chinese visa because you need the admission letter to apply for it.

The government of China introduced both categories to create opportunities for international students who may wish to apply for short or long term courses. The X visa for both courses is valid for 90 days, each counting from the issue date but the number of days the holder can stay varies depending on the needs of the applicant. X1 applicants can remain in China for up to a year or more until they complete their course, while X2 visa holders cannot stay for more than 6 months.

China Student Visa Documents & Requirements

Here is a list of documents you need to organize when applying for a China study visa.

Valid Passport

You need an original passport issued by your home government through its immigration agency. The passport must be valid for at least six months and have blank visa pages.

Application Form

An application form dutifully completed showing accurate details for every section. Make sure you take time when filling out the application form because wrong entries may lead to rejection. The information you provide must reflect what you have in your documents.

Recent Photo

A recent passport style colored photo taken not later than six months to the day. Photo must show your full face in a frontal view on a white background. You must not wear hats, glasses, or any facial covering.

Admission Notice

A copy of the admission notice or letter issued by the Chinese institution of learning.

JW201/JW202 Form

X1 visa applicants must provide an original and photocopy of their JW201/JW202 student visa application form. The JW201 form will be issued by the school that has given you the admission and is dispatched by the Chinese government while you sponsor JW202.

How To Apply For A China Study Visa?

If you want to apply for a China X visa, you should do the following

• Submit your application to the Chinese embassy or consular office in your country

• Or better still, you can entrust an agent or family visits to act on your behalf if you can't present yourself. The embassy does not accept mailed application forms

• Most Chinese Foreign missions do not request appointments with applicants, but some do. You must present yourself if it is required.

How Long Will It Take To Process My Application

Once you submit your application, it will take about 4 working days to get feedback. If your documents and information are in order, there shouldn't be any delays. We advise applicants to submit their applications at least 2 weeks before their planned date for their trip to make up for unforeseen delays.

Applicants should also note that visa fees may differ from other visa fees, so they should do their findings before they commence the application process.

Applicants should also know that they are entitled to a temporary residence permit issued by the local entry and exit administration within the first 30 days after they enter China. This permit has a validity of 5 years; to apply for one, they need to submit their passport, letter of admission, registration for accommodation, and a passport style photo on a white background.

Lastly, holders of China student visas are not allowed to engage in any paid work unless they obtain a work visa.