Before enter China, international students must obtain a visa that conform to the stated purpose. They are required to bring their passport, admission permission to Chinese Embassy or Consulate to obtain a visa. If they enter China with another class of visa, they should change their status to student status.
Entry Visa
After admitted by a Chinese university, international students may apply to the Chinese Embassy (or a consulate) in their own country for an X visa with documents including Admission Notice, Visa Application Form for Foreign Students (Form JW201 or JW202), and Physical Examination Form for Foreigners. Physical Examination should be taken at public hospital or facility. Certificate from private facility is not acceptable. If the period of staying is 6 months or less, students may also apply for an F visa. The physical examination is not required for this type of visa.
Residence Permit
Within 30 days after arriving in China, international students should apply for the Residence Permit from the International Office of Public Security Bureau. For those who hold an F visa, their study time is shorter than the validity of the visa (should be counted from the day you enter China), so they do not have to apply the residence permit.
Documents Necessary for Residence Permit
In order to apply for the Residence Permit, international students need to provide the following documents:
1. An official letter from the International College, “Admission Notice”, JW202 Form or JW201 Form;
2. A valid passport and visa (copy included);
3. Registration receipt of temporary lodging from hotel or local police station (copy included);
4. A recently taken 2-inch full-face color photo with WHITE BACKGROUND;
5. New students of degree program or people who apply for the first time for residence permit longer than one year should submit Certificate for Health by the local Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (applicants under 18 are exempt);
6. Visa or Residence Permit Application Form;
7. Other documents if necessary