China Student Visa

Chinese student visas are categorized into two main types for international students, including Indians, wishing to pursue educational opportunities in China. Understanding the correct visa type and its requirements is crucial for a successful application.

• X1 Visa:
  

• Duration: More than 180 days
  
  
• Purpose: For degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, etc.), research, or long-term language studies
  
  
• Residence Permit: Must be applied for within 30 days of entry into China
  
  

• X2 Visa:
  

• Duration: Less than 180 days
  
  
• Purpose: For short-term studies, language courses, or exchange programs
  
  
• Residence Permit: Not required

• Age: Generally, 18-40 years for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Some universities may have different age criteria.
  
  
• Academic Qualifications: Meet the entry requirements of the chosen Chinese university.
  
  
• Language Proficiency: Depending on the program, proficiency in Chinese (HSK for Chinese-taught programs) or English (for English-taught programs) may be required.
  
  
• Health and Background: Pass a medical examination and, in some cases, provide a police clearance certificate.

Common Requirements for Both X1 and X2 Visas:

• Valid Indian Passport

• Validity: At least six months beyond the intended stay in China.
• Blank Pages: At least two for visa stickers.
  
  

• Admission Letter

• Source: Issued by the Chinese university or the Ministry of Education of China.
• Details: Should include student’s information, program details, and duration.
  
  

• Visa Application Form (V.2019)

• Source: Download from the Chinese embassy/consulate website.
• Completion: Fill online, print, and sign.
• Photo: One recent, passport-sized, color photo with a white background.
  
  

• Polio Certificate

• Requirement: For all travelers from India, including students, due to India being a polio-endemic country.
  
  

Additional Requirements for X1 Visa (Long-term Study):

• Physical Examination Record for Foreigner

• Option 1: Obtain from a hospital designated by the Chinese embassy/consulate in India.
• Option 2: If done in India, ensure it is authenticated by the Chinese embassy/consulate.
  
  

• Proof of Financial Support

• Bank Statement: Showing sufficient funds (approximately CNY 40,000 to CNY 60,000 per year).
• Scholarship Award Letter: If applicable.
  
  

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

• Requirement: May be asked for by some universities or Chinese authorities.

• Size must be scaled between 33mm width and 48mm length
  
  
• Colour: Photo must be submitted in color with natural skin tones.
  
  
• Head size and position: The head must be between 15mm and 22mm wide. Length is 28mm to 33mm.
  
  
• Must be recently taken - within the last 6 months
  
  
• Background: Plain white.
  
  
• Smile: Neutral expression.
  
  
• Eyes & Ears: eyes wide open and also both the ears must be visible.
  
  
• Glasses: Thin rimmed eyewear only. No sunglasses allowed.
  
• Headgear: Not allowed until used for religious purposes.
  
  
• Attire, clothing, dress code: The dress should not match the background. 
  
  
• Beard: Optional.
  
  
• Quantity needed in application: 2

1. Prepare Documents: Ensure All Required Documents Are Ready

• Checklist:

• Valid Indian Passport

• Admission Letter from the Chinese University

• Visa Application Form (V.2019) - (To be filled online, printed, and signed after this step)

• Recent Passport Photo

• Polio Certificate

• For X1 Visa Only:

• Physical Examination Record for Foreigner

• Proof of Financial Support (Bank Statement or Scholarship Award Letter)

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), if required

• Verification:

• Ensure all documents are original and genuine.

• Check for any specific requirements mentioned by the Chinese university or the CVASC/embassy/consulate.

• Make photocopies of all documents for your records.

2. Fill Visa Application Form (V.2019) - Online, Then Print and Sign

• Access:

• Visit the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in India or the Chinese embassy/consulate website.

• Navigate to the "Visa Application Form" or "V.2019 Form" section.

• Filling the Form:

• Select Language: Choose English or Chinese.

• Application Type: Select "Student" (X1 for long-term, X2 for short-term).

• Personal Details: Fill in your name, date of birth, gender, nationality, etc., exactly as in your passport.

• Travel Plans: Enter your intended date of entry, length of stay, and address in China (usually your university’s address).

• University Information: Provide details as per your admission letter.

• Previous Visits to China: If applicable, provide information about your previous visits.

• Signature: Electronically sign the form (if the system allows) or sign manually after printing.

• Printing:

• Print the completed form on A4-sized paper.

• Ensure the printout is clear and all information is visible.
  
  

3. Schedule an Appointment (If Required)

• Check Requirement:

• Visit the CVASC or Chinese embassy/consulate website to see if an appointment is mandatory.

• Some centers may offer walk-in services or have specific days for students.
  
  

• Booking an Appointment:

• Online Booking System: If available, use the online system to select a date and time slot.

• Phone or Email: If online booking is not available, contact the CVASC or embassy/consulate via phone or email to schedule an appointment.

• Confirmation: Receive and keep the appointment confirmation for your records.
  
  

4. Submit Application

• In Person: At the CVASC or Chinese Embassy/Consulate

• Location: Find the nearest CVASC or the Chinese embassy/consulate.

• Time: Go at the scheduled appointment time, if booked, or during walk-in hours.

• Documents:

• Bring all original documents and a set of photocopies.

• Ensure the visa application form is signed.
  
  

• Process:

• Queue and Submission: Wait in line, then submit your application to the officer.

• Verification: The officer will check your documents.

• Payment: Pay the application fee (see Step 5 for details).
  
  

• Through a Trusted Friend/Relative: With Authorization

• • Authorization Letter: Write a letter authorizing your friend/relative to submit the application on your behalf.

  • ID Proof of the Authorized Person: They must carry a valid government-issued ID.

  • Process: Similar to in-person submission, with the addition of presenting the authorization letter.
    

• Via a Visa Agency (Additional Charges Apply)

• • Legitimacy Check: Ensure the agency is authorized by the CVASC or Chinese embassy/consulate.

  • Service Agreement: Understand the services provided and the additional charges.

  • Document Submission: Give all required documents to the agency.

  • Agency’s Role: They will submit the application on your behalf and may offer to pick up the visa.
    
    

5. Pay Application Fee: According to the Service Type Chosen

• Fees (Approximate and Subject to Change):

• Regular Service (4 Working Days): INR 1,300

• Express Service (1 Working Day, Additional): INR 1,800

• Postal Service (If Available, Additional): Varies

• Payment Methods: Typically, cash, credit/debit cards, or bank drafts are accepted. Confirm with the CVASC or embassy/consulate.

• Receipt: Obtain a receipt for your payment, which may be required for visa collection.
  
  

6. Collect Your Visa

• In Person: If Submitted in Person

• Collection Time: After the specified processing time (e.g., 4 working days for regular service).

• Required Documents:

• Payment receipt

• Passport

• Process: Collect your passport with the visa from the submission counter.

• Through Authorized Person: If Submitted Through a Friend/Relative

• Authorization (Again): The same authorized person with the ID proof can collect the visa.

• Documents: Payment receipt and a government-issued ID of the authorized person.

• Postal Service (If Available): Additional Charges Apply

• Tracking: You will be provided with a tracking number to monitor the delivery of your passport with the visa.

• Delivery Time: Varies based on the postal service chosen, typically within 3-5 working days after visa processing.

• Register with Local Authorities: Within 24 hours of arrival.
  
  
• Apply for a Residence Permit:
  
  
• Timeline: Within 30 days of entry.
  
  
• Assistance: Your university will typically guide you through this process.
  
  
• Location: Local Public Security Bureau (PSB).
  
  
• Outcome: Replaces your X1 visa as the primary document for your stay.

• Verify University Accreditation: Ensure your university is recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
  
  
• Check for Scholarships: Many universities and the Chinese government offer scholarships.
  
  
• Learn Basic Chinese: Enhances your experience and interaction with locals.
  
• Cultural Preparation: Understand and respect Chinese customs and norms.
  
  
• Stay Connected: Inform your family/friends about your safe arrival and regularly update them.

• Official Website of the Chinese Embassy in India: http://in.china-embassy.org/eng/
  
  
  
• Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in India:
  
  
  
• Delhi: http://www.visaforchina.org/DEL2_EN/
  
  
• Mumbai: http://www.visaforchina.org/BOM_EN/
  
  
• Kolkata: http://www.visaforchina.org/CAL_EN/
  
  
• Chennai: http://www.visaforchina.org/MAA_EN/
  
  
• Bangalore: http://www.visaforchina.org/BLR_EN/
  
  

Phone Numbers and Email Addresses:

• Vary by location; check the respective CVASC website for contact information.
  
  

Note: The information provided is subject to change as per the Chinese government's policies. Always verify with the official sources for the latest updates.

Need more clarity on the Chinese visa? Check out helpful resources below

Chinese Visa Requirement
Chinese Tourist Visa Requirement
Chinese Business Visa Requirement
Chinese Work Visa Requirement
Chinese Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection