Students coming to China will require a visa. The type of visa will be dependant on the length of your stay in China:

 
1. Students studying in China for less than 6 months require an F   visa this is also known as a business visa.
      
 
2. Students studying in China for more than 6 months require an X   visa also known as a student visa, as well as a physical examination.  Click  here for more information on   physical examination

Students who don’t have time or are unable to apply for and F or X visa, may apply for an L

Application in Person

Go to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country and apply for a visa to enter the People's Republic of China. You must have the following items with you:

1. Visa application form (obtained from the Chinese embassy or consulate, some individual countries consulate have a downloadable version of the form on their website.)
2. "JW201" or "JW202" form issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education ( You will receive this from CSA, once full program fees are paid and enrollment completed.)
3. Enrollment or Invitation letter from the receiving university in China (You will receive this from CSA once full program fees are paid and enrollment completed.)
4. Valid passport or travel document in lieu of passport
5. Two recent passport photo (2x2 inch full-faced headshot)
6. Physical examination records (for X Visa applicants only)
7. Visa application fee

Applicants should come in person or through a third party (e.g. Travel Agent or Tour Operator) to apply for the Chinese visa during office hours 9 -12 am in Chinese Embassy Chinese Consulates-General in the country you live. Usually, the processing time is about 5- 7 working days. It may be possible to obtain a visa more quickly using an express or same day service, at some extra cost, however we suggest obtaining your visa well in time of your travel date.

Application by Mail

There are numerous services available and who advertise on the internet. To find one simply google "China visa service". It typically takes 2 weeks to process the application (no same day or express day service). It is advised that your passport(s) should be sent by registered mail for security and proof of posting. You need to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope together with your application and appropriate fee.

Tourist Visa

Traveling in China requires a tourism visa (L). L Visas are sub-divided into two kinds: group visa and individual visa. If you are a part of a group, the tour operator will often obtain it. Group visas will usually be issued for groups with at least 5 members, and the guide accompanying your group will keep the visas.

An Individual traveler can apply for a tourist visa at any Chinese embassy or consulate. The procedure is usually straightforward. China has embassies and consulates in nearly every country. You can either get an application form in person at the embassy/consulate or download one by visiting the website of the Chinese embassy in your country.

After fully and accurately completing your application, submit it to the nearest Chinese consulate or embassy, either in person or by mail. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days. For an additional fee, rush processing with same-day or next-day service is also available at most embassies/consulates.

When applying for a tourism visa, some extra documents are sometimes, though rarely, required in addition to the general requirements listed above. These include:

1. For individual tourism visa, a letter of confirmation made by a travel agency in China or a letter of reservation from a hotel in China.
   
2. For group tourist visas, a confirmation letter from a provincial tourist bureau or a government-authorized Chinese travel agency; a name list of the whole group in triplicate and one copy of the information page of each passport.

Foreigners from countries which have visa agreements with China are treated in accordance with these agreements.

Foreigners requesting to visit Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen and other Special Economic Zones may apply directly to visa authorities in these zones for tourist visas. Foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong for a 72-hour visit to the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone are exempt from entry visas.

Tourist visas are usually valid for three months, but can be extended for an extra month at the Foreigners Section of the Public Security Bureau. Passports must be valid for at least six months before you travel to China.

Business Hours for Visa Applications

Generally from Monday - Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm, with visa pickup available in the afternoon.

For your convenience, CSA has compiled addresses and phone numbers of Chinese Embassies and Consulates around the world. However, before going please check the accuracy of the information for any recent changes of address. Chinese Embassies and Consulates