Chinese Visa Application Guide

Click "Start my application" and select your region and the city where you wish to apply. Each Consulate General of China only accepts applications from foreign nationals who reside within its consular district — click here to check which Consulate you should apply to based on where you reside.

Create an account and log in to start your application. You may save your draft at any point via the "Personal Centre" button in the dropdown menu under your email (top right corner). Drafts are kept in the system for 30 days.

In addition to completing all other relevant sections of the application form, please take special note of the following fields:

Log into your Consulate website account to check your status. If supplementary documents or corrections are required, the system will notify you with messages such as "Supplementary Materials to be provided" or "Rejected and to be modified."

Log in periodically and check "Track the status of my application" to upload additional documents or amend information as required.

When the status changes to "Passport to be Submitted," submit the following physical documents in person (no appointment needed), through a visa agency, by entrusting someone to submit on your behalf, or by post.

Many short-term visa applicants are currently exempt from fingerprint collection through December 31, 2026, but applicants should confirm the current process with the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center serving their jurisdiction. If submitting by post, check with your Consulate regarding any in-person requirements.

• Printed barcode page from the application system.
• Your actual passport (expiration date must not be within six months of the final day in China).

• GXNU's signed and stamped invitation letter (original copy).
• Admissions notice and JW201 or JW202 form from Guangxi Normal University (original copies).
• Proof of payment — your deposit or tuition payment receipt or confirmation.

• Old passport containing a previous Chinese visa or residence permit still within validity.
• If you were of Chinese nationality, the latest Chinese passport is required.

When the status changes to "Passport to be Collected," bring the Pick-up Receipt (issued when submitting documents) to pay the fee and retrieve your passport. No appointment is needed.

Unlike the X2 visa, your X1 visa is only valid for 30 days after entering China. Within those 30 days, you are required by law to apply for a Residence Permit at the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau. CLI will guide you through every step of this process after you arrive.

The Residence Permit replaces your X1 visa and grants you multiple-entry privileges for the duration of your studies, meaning you can leave and re-enter China freely (e.g., for holidays) without needing a new visa.

Here is what the process involves so you know what to expect. CLI will coordinate the timing and walk you through each item:

• Police registration — you must register with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. If you live in a hotel, the hotel handles this; otherwise, CLI will help you register in person.
• Health examination — China requires a health examination after arrival, even if you completed the Foreigner Physical Examination Form before departure. CLI will help coordinate this. Bring your original pre-departure exam records to expedite the process.
• Residence Permit application — CLI will help you submit your passport (with valid X1 visa), admissions notice, JW201 or JW202 form, health certificate, registration form, and passport-sized photos (white background) to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.

Processing typically takes 7–15 business days. During this time, the Bureau will keep your passport and issue you a receipt, which you can use for hotel check-in and domestic travel within China. We strongly recommend arriving no more than 2–3 days before your program start date so you have the full 30-day window to complete this process.