| Studying abroad is not just a valuable educational | | | | need to provide evidence that you will actually be a |
| opportunity, it is an exciting adventure unlike anything | | | | student. This includes proof of enrollment from the |
| else. China is a popular student destination; both for | | | | educational institution you will be attending, receipt of |
| people of Chinese descent who want to explore their | | | | payment for your classes, and a guarantee of |
| ancestry and for others who want to experience one | | | | accommodation from the university or other residence. |
| of the oldest cultures on Earth. Before you leave, you'll | | | | You will have to provide proof that you have financial |
| have to get a visa to China so you can enter the | | | | support during your stay, which will include bank |
| country. | | | | documents and evidence of scholarships or other |
| Types of Student Visas | | | | assets. If you will be staying for more than a year you |
| There is more than one type of visa to China and you'll | | | | will need a physical examination certificate to prove |
| need to be sure you apply for the correct one. There | | | | your good health. Plus, of course, you will need a valid |
| are two types of student visas: the X and the F. The | | | | passport at least six months from expiration. |
| X visa is the more common one and is for students | | | | Don't Try This Alone |
| who will be studying in China for more than six months. | | | | Getting a visa to China can be a frustrating |
| For shorter visits, say for a brief course of study or | | | | bureaucratic process. Having your trip delayed |
| internship, you would apply for the F visa, which is also | | | | because you submitted the wrong form or checked |
| the business visa. | | | | the wrong box can send your entire educational plan |
| If study is not your primary reason for visiting the | | | | into chaos. |
| country, you might need to apply for a different visa to | | | | Most students choose to use a visa agency to help |
| China such as the L Visa for tourists or the Z visa for | | | | them navigate the maze of immigration regulations. |
| employment. | | | | Assistance from someone already familiar with |
| What Documents Are Needed to Obtain a Student | | | | Chinese visas will save you hours of time. Do yourself |
| Visa? | | | | a favor and get some help with the process. |
| There is a lot of paperwork to be correctly completed | | | | In theory, it can take as little as a week to get your |
| before your visa to China will be issued. An incomplete | | | | China visa. In reality it can take a bit longer so students |
| or inaccurate submission can cause you to have to | | | | are advised to start the process a couple of months |
| start the whole process over again. | | | | before their departure date. Better to get the visa |
| Because you are applying for a student visa you will | | | | early than late. |