Bureaucracy in China

This information is for orientation only. Immigration rules and procedures vary by city, province, and university. Always verify with the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country, the local exit-entry office, and your school’s international office before you travel or submit applications.

Bureaucracy roadmap

Admission → JW201/JW202 → COVA + visa → Entry → 24 h registration → Residence permit (X1, 30 days) → Annual renewal → After graduation

China clearly separates the entry visa (stamped in your passport) from the residence permit (居留许可) for long-term study stays.

Student checklist — where are you now?

• Before the visa: admission letter, JW201 (scholarship) or JW202 (self-funded) form, completed COVA, medical check if required for X1, passport with sufficient validity.
• Before your flight: purchase mandatory health insurance (often from the day of entry) — see the Healthcare guide.
• Day 0: immigration check at the airport; keep entry stamp and university documents.
• Within 24 hours: temporary accommodation registration (campus, hotel, or apartment).
• Week 1–2: medical check in China if required, university enrolment, documents for the residence permit.
• Within 30 days of entry (X1): apply for a study residence permit at the exit-entry office.
• Every academic year: permit renewal + insurance + tuition fees up to date.
• Before paid work: school authorisation + possible endorsement on your permit — see the Work guide.

Visa and permit types relevant to students

Last updated: May 2026 — Beijing.gov.cn — Student visas; National Immigration Administration (EN)

Before travel: JW201, JW202, and COVA

JW201 vs JW202

• JW201: students with a Chinese government scholarship (e.g. CSC programme).
• JW202: self-funded students or other scholarships managed by the university.
• Both are issued by the university through the education system — you do not complete them alone.
• Keep originals and copies; you need them for the visa, permit, and renewals.

Online visa application (COVA) and appointment

Visa and permit fees (indicative, 2026)

After entry: 24-hour registration and X1 permit

Temporary accommodation registration (mandatory)

• General rule: within 24 hours of staying at a new address, register your stay with local police or via online procedure where available.
• Campus: the international office or dormitory often handles registration — ask for the receipt (住宿登记).
• Hotel: reception usually registers you.
• Private apartment: the landlord or agency must cooperate; without a receipt you cannot complete the permit package.

Study residence permit (X1)

Renewal, address change, and deadlines

• Annual renewal: usually requires active enrolment, valid insurance, attendance/transcript, tuition receipts.
• Moving apartment: new 24 h registration + update details with university and exit-entry if required.
• Stopping studies: the study residence permit is no longer valid — you need a new status or leave the country.
• Passport expiring: renew your passport before the permit; permit validity cannot exceed passport validity.

University life — what to ask the international office

• Permit calendar: official dates for document collection, group medical checks, accompaniment to exit-entry.
• Insurance: mandatory plan (often 800 CNY/year or 400 CNY/semester) — procedure on lxbx.net.
• On vs off campus: how to obtain registration receipt if you leave the dormitory.
• Letters for bank and SIM: student certificate templates for account and phone.
• Internship/work permit: if the university authorises off-campus work, an endorsement on the permit is required — see Work.

After graduation: permits and transitions

A study permit does not automatically become a work permit. After graduation, universities and exit-entry offices require you to close or change status within stated deadlines (often within 10 days of a status change such as graduation).

• Job offer in China: typical path is employer work permit + Z visa + work residence permit — employer and HR guide the process.
• No immediate offer: in some cities (e.g. Shanghai) you may apply for a temporary residence permit or entrepreneurship/innovation routes — eligibility verified on the ground.
• Short stay permit: in some cases a stay permit of up to about 30 days while you plan next steps — not guaranteed.
• STEM talent (K visa, from 2025): new category for qualified profiles — requirements and conversion to a permit are evolving; check NIA and your consulate.

Last updated: May 2026 — Shanghai — Post-graduation FAQ

Official links