With the rising international influence of China’s higher education, more and more international students choose to study in China. To help you complete entry preparations in compliance with regulations and start your academic journey smoothly, this article integrates the latest 2026 study entry policies, focusing on three core links: student visa application, enrollment document verification, and residence permit application, providing comprehensive practical guidelines to ensure a worry-free study trip.
I. Application Process for Student Visas (X1/X2 Visas)
China’s student visas are divided into X1 visas (for long-term study with a stay of more than 180 days) and X2 visas (for short-term study with a stay of no more than 180 days). Applications must be completed through the online China Visa Application System (English URL: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/), following the process of online filling, document review, offline submission and visa collection. Material requirements vary slightly between the two visa types.
General core application materials include: original passport with a remaining validity of more than 6 months and at least 4 blank visa pages, plus a copy of the data page; one completed “People’s Republic of China Visa Application Form” and one recent color passport photo with a light background, front-facing and bare-headed; if applying for a visa outside your country of nationality, provide the original and copy of valid proof of legal stay, residence or visa locally.
For those who once held Chinese nationality and later acquired foreign nationality, the original Chinese passport and a copy of its data page must be provided for the first application; if the name on the new passport is inconsistent with the old one, an official name change document must be supplemented. For special materials, X1 visa applicants need to provide additional original and copy of the admission notice issued by the Chinese recruiting institution, and original and copy of the “Visa Application Form for Foreign Students Studying in China” (Form JW201 or JW202); X2 visa applicants only need to provide the original and copy of the admission notice issued by the recruiting institution. After passing the online review, applicants must submit all original materials to the designated China Visa Application Service Center. The visa review period is usually 3-7 working days, and you can choose to collect the visa in person or by mail, with fees paid according to the standards of the corresponding consular district.
II. Standards and Precautions for Enrollment Document Verification
After entering China and registering at the university, international students must go through dual verification processes: customs verification and university verification. The completeness of materials directly affects the handling of entry and enrollment procedures, so preparations should be made in advance to ensure information consistency. Customs verification focuses on visa application materials, mainly checking the original passport, student visa and admission notice. In some cases, Form JW201/JW202 may be required. It is recommended to carry original and copies of all materials separately for quick verification.
University registration verification is more detailed. Core materials include: copy of passport and visa, original admission notice, Form JW201/JW202 (essential for long-term students), notarized and translated copies of academic certificates (notarized by a Chinese embassy/consulate abroad or a local notary public), and medical examination certificate (required for residence permits with a validity of more than 1 year, valid for 6 months from the date of issuance). Some universities also require proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the study period in China, with the specific amount subject to university notification.
It should be emphasized that all materials must be true and consistent. Key information such as name, date of birth and passport number must match the passport exactly, and translations must be issued and sealed by a formal translation agency. Missing materials, inconsistent information or forged documents will result in failure to complete registration procedures and may even affect legal residence status. It is recommended to confirm the material list with the admission office before arriving at the university to avoid omissions.
III. Process and Norms for Study Residence Permit Application
Long-term international students entering China with an X1 visa must apply for a study-related residence permit at the entry-exit administration of the local public security organ at or above the county level within 30 days of entry. This is a core certificate for legal study and life in China. Failure to apply on time will be deemed illegal residence, resulting in fines, entry restrictions and other penalties. Short-term international students with an X2 visa do not need to apply for a residence permit if their stay does not exceed 180 days, and must depart China before the visa expires.
Materials for residence permit application include: original valid passport and visa, completed “Foreigners’ Visa and Document Application Form”, one recent bare-headed photo meeting specifications, a letter specifying the study period and enrollment certificate issued by the university, and a medical examination certificate (essential for residence permits with a validity of more than 1 year). Applications must be submitted in person. The entry-exit administration will make a decision within 15 working days. After approval, the applicant must collect the document in person with the acceptance receipt.
The validity period of the residence permit is consistent with the study period. An extension application must be submitted in advance before expiration, with basically the same materials as the initial application, plus a certificate of enrollment issued by the university. If you need to change your university, major or study period during your studies, you must promptly apply to the entry-exit administration to update the residence permit information. If you need to take part-time jobs or internships off-campus, you must first obtain a consent letter from the university and the internship unit, then apply for an annotation on the residence permit from the entry-exit administration. Paid labor is not allowed without permission.
During your study in China, keep the residence permit properly and cooperate with identity verification by public security organs. If the document is lost or damaged, apply for a replacement immediately. Familiarizing yourself with residence permit regulations in advance and completing all procedures on time is an important prerequisite for a smooth academic journey. May every international student study at ease and gain growth in China.
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