China Visa Requirements
One of the biggest worries students have regarding working and studying in China is their China VISA requirements. Without a doubt, China is strict about VISAs. However, it can be quite easy to obtain your visa if you follow the right processes and understand the details involved.
"For students planning a future in China, it is imperative to make sure you start on the right foot by following the laws around getting the right Chinese Visa."
GoAbroadChina has an experienced team here to guide you through the China Visa Application process. Here are some more details to help you understand the details around getting a visa for China.
Which Visa would you be applying for?
The Student Visa (X-Visa)
The X-Visa is intended for people who are coming to China to study, complete advanced studies or to do fieldwork (or internships). This is the ideal visa for those who are coming to China to learn Chinese, take part in Internships or complete other studies in China.
The grey areas for visa use regarding internships was removed in early 2016 and the law is now very clear on the fact that the X-Visa is the approved visa for internships in China.
The Chinese Student Visa Application Process
You’ll need to wait before applying for your visa to China as you’ll need documents from us to help with your application. Once you’ve gained acceptance into our program and paid, we’ll send you the supporting documents you need to apply for your visa.
Step 1: Contact your closest China visa center, Chinese Embassy or Consulate to inquire about their Visa application process.
Step 2: Supply us with a copy of the passport you’ll be using to travel to China so we can issue documents with the correct name and Passport number on them. We will supply you with a letter of invitation as well as other supporting documents as needed for the relevant visa. You must submit original documents for your visa application. Remember, if you have dual citizenship, you need to apply for your visa with the passport you intend traveling on. You’ll need to use the same passport as identification for university application in China.
Step 3: Download and complete the Visa Application form from your nearest Chinese Visa Office, Consulate or Embassy’s website. We can help you fill in the form and make sure it’s correct before you submit it.
Step 4: Confirm whether you need to book an appointment for submission as you’ll need to submit your documents in person (if necessary, you can entrust someone else (without a Power of Attorney) to act on your behalf.
What documents are required for the Student Visa Application?
In addition to the visa-specific documents listed above, you will usually, under normal circumstances, also need the following documents for a successful visa application:
- A completed visa application form (you can obtain this form from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your area)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- A valid passport that will not expire within the next six months
- Certified Physical examination record (for those applying for an X visa)
- The visa application fee.
Tips for Successful Visa Application
Here are some helpful tips for a successful visa application:
| Only submit original documents for valid visa application | Check with your nearest Chinese Consulate before applying as it can be harder to get a visa to China, or one for the right length of stay if you are coming from some countries. In some instances organizing a double-entry visa may be a solution. |
|---|---|
| Your internship company can only supply the invitation letter. | Ensure you’re applying for the right visa type. You don’t need a Z-Visa, for instance, unless you’re coming to China for permanent full-time work. The Z-Visa requires you to have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of proven experience. |
| Your education institution must be an accredited institution and will only supply you with an original application letter and, for the X1 Visa a JW 201 or JW 202 form. | The regulations around visa applications are constantly changing, make sure you confirm requirements for your visa type. |
| You do not need a copy of an ID card for a Chinese Citizen for a study or business visa. | |
Great news for those coming to study and intern in Shanghai, the Ministry for Public Security announced earlier in 2018 that they are lowering the exit and entry threshold to make it easier for overseas talent to come and study and work in the city.
Visa Support
Go Abroad China is here to help with every step of the visa application process. Should the need arise, we can help to extend or convert the visa type, once you have arrived in China, to obtain a more suitable visa according to your program length.