Student Visa for China
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Whether you'll be exploring Shanghai or discovering all the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has to offer. China awaits! But before you begin your adventure, let’s make sure you can enter China with the proper documentation.
While this may be the first time you apply for a student visa, this isn't our first go round. Every year our team of visa specialists support each of our students studying abroad in China to have the proper documents to enter the country. Let's get started!
The Chinese government, not IES Abroad, determines Chinese visa processes and requirements. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on Chinese consulate websites. This page was last updated November 12, 2019.
What is a Chinese Student Visa?
A student visa for China is a legal document adhered to one of the inside pages of your passport that you must have before entering China. The visa serves as approval from the Chinese government for you to legally remain in China for the duration of your study abroad program.
3 Ways to Apply for Your Visa for China
There are five Chinese consulates and one embassy in the United States. Each consulate serves a specific geographic region called a "jurisdiction". The consulate that serves your jurisdiction is where you will apply for your Chinese visa. Determine which consulate you will apply to, using our Chinese Consulate Contact Sheet.
If you are a Hong Kong Summer - Internship student, you will submit your application materials to IES Internships who will then send your visa to be processed. You will not need to apply to a consulate in the United States. Learn more about applying for a training visa for Hong Kong.
As a non-U.S. citizen, check with the Chinese consulate that serves your jurisdiction to determine your visa application process.
Submit your application in-person
Appear at your local Chinese consulate in-person to submit your application.
Have a friend or family member submit your application
Have a friend or family member submit your application to your consulate on your behalf.
Use a visa processing agency to submit your application
With a visa processing agency, you will submit all of your materials to them, with a payment for the service and for the consulate's fee. The agency will apply for your visa on your behalf. There are a lot of agencies out there, but we have received good feedback from students on A Briggs, Allied Passport, and Travisa.
How to Apply for a X1 or X2 Visa for China
Once you are accepted to your IES Abroad program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for a China X1 or X2 visa in your myIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the X1 and X2 visa application process will look like as a U.S. citizen.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you may likely be able to follow a similar process as outlined below. However, you should confirm your visa process with the Chinese consulate that serves your country of citizenship. Contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
HOW
Once we receive your JW202 from the Chinese government, we will confirm your mailing address with you. You will receive your JW202 through FedEx and someone will need to be available to sign for your delivery.
With your JW202 and other materials required by your consulate, you can apply for your visa using one of the three options outlined above.
If you will be in China for a semester, you should receive an X2 visa.
If you will be in China for an academic year, you should receive an X1 visa. With an X1 visa, you will need to switch to a temporary residence permit after arriving in China. IES Abroad Shanghai staff will be able to aid you in this process.
More details and a list of required application materials are available in your myIESabroad account after you have been accepted to your study abroad program.
WHEN
You will receive your JW202 at least 2-4 weeks before your program start date, if not earlier.
Once you submit your application, the consulate usually takes about four business days to process your visa. Some consulates offer express and same-day services at an additional fee.
COST
The Chinese student visa fee for U.S. citizens may change depending on the current conversion rate and is typically $140. This is a price determined by the consulate and paid directly to the consulate that serves your jurisdiction.
There will be an additional fee if you choose express or same-day processing for your visa (avaible at select consulates).
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa for China
Once you are accepted to your IES Abroad program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for a tourist visa in your myIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the Chinese tourist visa application process will look like.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, this process may look slightly different. Contact your IES Abroad Advisor with further questions.
HOW
You can apply for your visa using one of the three options outlined above. Each consulate determines which application materials and documents you will be required to submit.
More details and a list of required application materials are available in your myIESabroad account after you have been accepted to your study abroad program.
If you are on an IES Internships program, you will enter China with a tourist visa. The IES Abroad Shanghai staff will aid you in switching to an internship visa after you arrive.
WHEN
Once you submit your application, the consulate usually takes about four business days to process your visa. Some consulates offer express and same-day services at an additional fee.
COST
The Chinese touris visa fee for U.S. citizens may change depending on the current conversion rate and is typically $140. This is a price determined by the consulate and paid directly to the consulate that serves your jurisdiction.
There will be an additional fee if you choose express or same-day processing for your visa (avaible at select consulates).
How to Apply for a Training Visa for Hong Kong
Once you are accepted to your IES Internships Hong Kong program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for a training visa in your myIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the Hong Kong training visa application process will look like.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, this process may look slightly different. Contact your IES Internships Advisor with further questions.
HOW
To apply for your Hong Kong training visa, you will fill out the visa application form and obtain a bank statement. If you will be submitting your parent's bank statement, you will also need to submit a financial letter of support from your parent and a copy of your birth certificate.
Once you've collected your required documents, you will submit them through your myIESabroad account online forms. Additionally, you will mail the original hard copy of your application to the IES Abroad Chicago office. IES Internships will submit your training visa application and materials to the Hong Kong Immigration Department on your behalf.
You will enter Hong Kong on a tourist visa and then travel to Macao to receive your training visa.
WHEN
Normally, the Hong Kong Immigration department will issue your training visa 4-6 weeks after they receive all required materials.
Keep in mind that IES Internships will be submitting visa applications of the entire group at the same time.
COST
The fee for your Hong Kong visa is included in the cost of the Hong Kong Summer - Internship program.
Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your myIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.
