Guide to international student-visa

According to the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, there are 12 types and 16 sub-types of ordinary visas in China. Foreigners apply for different visas according to the various needs of working, studying, business, visiting relatives, and other purposes in China. Foreigners are only allowed to engage in activities consistent with staying in China. Today, let's talk about student visa.

Visa for international students

International students usually study in China with common passport and X1 visa or X2 visa.

X1 Visa is issued to international students undertaking long-term study in China (more than 180 days). Students holding an X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days after entry, otherwise it constitutes illegal residence.

X2 Visa is issued to international students who will study for less than 180 days. Staying in China after the valid visa expires constitutes illegal residence.

Residece permit

According to relevant regulations, students must have an X1/X2 visa or a residence permit issued by the Chinese Public Security Authorities when they report to the school. Other types of visas are not acceptable for enrollment procedures.

Students holding an X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering China in order to legally reside in the country for an extended period.Late applications will be fined 500 RMB per day by the Public Security Bureau.

Students with an X2 visa can stay in China for the duration specified on their visa without the need to change it to a residence permit.

Notes:

International students who need to prolong their short-term visa shall apply to the entry-exit bureau within 7 days prescribed in their visa; international students who need to prolong their residence permit certificates shall apply to the entry-exit department within 30 days prescribed in their visa.

According to the different application reasons, international students must submit relevant materials. If the application materials are reasonable and sufficient, the Exit and Entry Administration department will grant the extension of the stay period. If the stay period is not extended, the student should leave the country as scheduled.

The remark for off-campus intership on study residence permits

How to apply the visa legally if you want to do a off-compus intership?

Apply for the remark for off-campus internship on study residence permits:

1.Certification letter (in Chinese) on approval of the off-campus internship by the college or university that the applicant is current studying in, stating that the internship is a part of the teaching program, as well as the full name of the organization or enterprise for internship, term of internship and specific contents.

2.Certification letter (in Chinese) on receiving the applicant in internship or contract of internship, stating the personal information of the international students receiving the internship, name of the college or university that the applicant is current studying in, term of internship and specific contents.

Points for attention

In case of any change in the information written in a foreigner’s residence card such as name, nationality, residence, passport number, university, or accompanying person, the holder of the card shall, within 10 days, register such changes with the public security bureau at the place of his/her residence. If one does not register, he/she will be warned and fined 2,000 yuan at most.

2.The normal processing time for residence permits or extensions is about 10 working days. To ensure legal study in China, all international students must apply for changes or extensions of their visa or residence permit at least 30 days before the expiration date. Overstaying can result in a fine of 500 RMB per day imposed by the Public Security Bureau.

3.International students are not allowed to work, do business, or any other economic activity in China during their studies, including teaching languages to Chinese families, foreign language schools, or any casual work.

4.Foreigners employed illegally may be fined from 5,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB. Those whose offenses are serious shall be detained from 5 to 15 days, and at the same time be fined from 5,000 RMB to 20,000 RMB. 

It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on the local regulations. Always check with the local immigration office or your university's international student office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

If you're interested to work and live in Shanghai, please check our article about China internship or contact our consultant for visa advice. info@gomaxgroup.cn.