China’s remarkable growth and development have made it a global hotspot for education and innovation. Indian students are increasingly drawn to China’s educational opportunities. However, securing a student visa for China can be a complex process. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the process of obtaining a China student visa from India.

What is a China Student Visa?

The China Student Visa, also known as an ‘X’ visa, is designed for international students who wish to study in China. There are two subcategories of the student visa:

It’s important to note that the validity and duration of the visa are often confused. Regardless of the duration, the applicant must enter China within 90 days from the date the visa is granted. Failure to do so will result in the visa expiring.

China Student Visa Medical Test

The Chinese government recommends a medical test for students applying for the X1 visa, which is for long-term study programs. This medical test may include X-rays, blood tests, and other check-ups. It can be conducted either upon your arrival in China or in your home country, as required.

How to Apply for a China Student Visa?

The application process for a China student visa is conducted offline, and there is no provision for online applications by the Chinese government. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a China student visa:

1. Application Form: Fill out the China student visa application form offline. Ensure that all details are accurate and free from major errors.

2. Document Collection: Gather all the required documents specified by the Chinese government for student visa applications.

3. Submission: Submit the application form along with the required documents to the China embassy or consulate. To minimize errors, consider seeking assistance from visa experts or consultancies, such as Simplify Visas, which specialize in providing visa services.

4. No Email Submissions: Keep in mind that documents are not accepted via email.

5. Document Verification: Thoroughly check all your documents before submitting them for embassy verification. This step is crucial to avoid delays in the visa processing.

6. Processing Time: The processing time for a China student visa is typically at least 4 working days after submission.

7. JW201 and JW202 Forms: International students must acquire either the JW201 form (for those funded by Chinese Government scholarships) or the JW202 form (for self-sponsored students) from the school they plan to enroll in.

Eligibility for China Student Visa

Before applying for a China student visa, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria established by the Chinese government. Here’s what you need to know:

• Indian nationals with Indian passports are eligible to apply for a China student visa.
• If you have been invited by an authorized educational institution in China, you must provide the invitation letter with your application.
• Your Indian passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of travel to China.
• If you wish to extend the duration of your visa, you will need to exit China and reapply for the visa from your home country.

When You Have This Visa

Once you obtain a China student visa, you can engage in educational activities in China, including research and studying at Chinese universities. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Before Traveling:

• Your passport is a mandatory document for obtaining the visa, and it must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of travel to China.
• The duration of your stay in China is determined by the Chinese government, ranging from 1 month to 1 year, depending on your program.

After Entering China:

• Carry photocopies of your passport with you at all times while in China.
• Be prepared to present your passport photocopy and other identification documents, such as a PAN card, when requested by Chinese immigration officials.

Documents Required for China Student Visa

Accurate and complete document submission is crucial to prevent delays in the visa application process. Ensure you submit the following documents along with your application form:

• Original passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in China.
• Two color photographs with a white background, matte finish, sized between 33mm x 48mm, with your face covering 70-80% of the photo.
• A covering letter detailing your travel plans.
• Original personal bank statements for the last 6 months, showing sufficient funds.
• Original approved foreign student form.
• Confirmed air ticket.
• Travel itinerary.
• Original admission notice from the university or college in China.

China Student Visa Photo Specifications

Ensure your photos meet the following specifications:

• Size: Between 33mm width and 48mm length.
• Color: Submitted in color with natural skin tones.
• Head size and position: Width between 15mm and 22mm, length from 28mm to 33mm.
• Recent: The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
• Background: Plain white.
• Expression: Neutral.
• Eyes & Ears: Eyes wide open, with both ears fully visible.
• Glasses: Only thin-rimmed eyewear is allowed; sunglasses are not permitted.
• Headgear: Not allowed, except for religious purposes.
• Attire: Clothing should not match the background.
• Beard: Optional.
• Quantity: Two photos are required for the application.

China Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a China student visa depends on document verification. To expedite the process, it’s crucial to self-verify your documents before submission. Here are the estimated processing times:

• Normal Processing: At least 4 working days.
• Express Service: The Chinese government offers an express service option, which typically takes a minimum of 2 working days.

China Student Visa Fees

The total cost of a China student visa varies based on factors such as visa validity, number of entries, and expedited processing charges. The embassy provides a fee structure. Here’s a summary of fees for different types of entries:

After Submission

Before submitting your documents to the embassy, make sure to self-verify them according to embassy requirements. After thorough verification, present the documents along with the application form. Once the documents are submitted, you may have to wait for embassy verification. Avoid conducting transactions from the bank account mentioned in the application form.

How to Check Visa Status

To track the status of your visa, you can use the following documents:

• Passport number.
• Application ID.

You can visit the China Embassy in India’s website and enter your application number to check your visa status. Alternatively, several online portals allow you to track your China student visa by providing your name, birth date, passport number, and application number. If you’ve used a visa consultancy or service provider, you may also track your application status by submitting your passport number to them.