Foreign students who reside in China must comply with relevant Chinese laws; and foreign students must have a valid Visa or a valid residence permit to stay in China. In order to avoid violating Chinese laws, please read the details about the student Visa and residence permit carefully.

 

1.Visa and Residence Permit Types

 

a)  X1 Visa Type

Students with X1 Visa will have 30 days after their first-time entry in China. Student must go to the International Student Office to apply for a residence permit within 30 days after entering China. This type of Visa cannot change to any other Visa type. Before applying for a resident permit, students also need to visit the Beijing Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to obtain a health certificate.

 

b)  X2 Visa Type

X2 Visa is for short-term study. The Visa holders are allowed to stay in China after their first-time entry, and the duration of each stay and the number of entries will be shown on the Visa page. For example, if the Visa holder enters China on September 5th, 2020 and the Visa is valid for 90 days, the Visa holder would stay in China no later than December 3rd, 2020.

The number of entries allowed will also be shown on the Visa page; the Visa holder may be able to enter China several times during the valid duration days. For example, with a 90-day two-entry Visa, the holder can use this Visa to enter china twice within 90 days. If the Visa is updated, the new validity period and number of entries will be shown on the new Visa.

 

Residence Permit

Students who study in China over one year will need to apply for Residence Permit. The duration will be shown on the Residence Permit. Multiple entries will be permitted with Residence Permit.

  

2.  Visas and Residence Permit Procedure

 

Procedures for applying student Visa and residence permit are different from other types of Visa and permits. According to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration Office, students need to apply through International Student Office first, and then the ISO will submit the application to the PSB online and give the student a Visa application form.

Then the student can choose either to submit this application form with other relevant documentation（Detailed documentation is provided at the end of the article）to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration Office by themselves or to let an agent to handle the application on behalf of them (agent fee is RMB150 per application).

It usually takes 7 working days for Visa application procedure and 15 working days for the residence permit. Students should apply for new Visa and residence permit in advance to avoid unnecessary trouble due to not being able to use the passport during the application period. The passport will be taken by the PSB for processing during the application time.

 

First-Time Residence Permit and Visa Application:

 

Extension of Residence Permit and Visa Application:

Students must apply for an extension at ISO at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration of their Visa or Residence Permit. Self-supported students should pay for their tuition fee and insurance fee before they apply, and the validity period of the new Visa will be based on the tuition they have paid, i.e. if paying for one semester, the Visa will be extended for one semester; if paying for one year, the Visa will be extended for one academic year.

 

3.  Off-Campus Residence

Look for an apartment only at legal real estate agencies. Sign a standard contract.

Students need to register at the local police station with their landlord within 24 hours after residing in the apartment and obtain a “Registration Form of Temporary Residence” (bringing your passport, landlord’s ID, residence booklet, House Property Certificate, and contract). See a sample of “Registration Form of Temporary Residence” below:

Students need to bring the “Registration Form of Temporary Residence” to register at ISO for the record and leave their mobile phone number.

Students need to register again at the local police station immediately after changing a new passport, obtaining a new Visa, or moving into another apartment, and again bring it to ISO for the record.

If a student’s families or friends come to pay a short visit and reside in his/her apartment, they need to register for temporary residence at the local police station as well.

Students need to abide by Chinese laws and do not disturb their neighbors or engage in any illegal activities in the apartment.

Students need to guard their own safety and enhance self-protection. Always close the door behind you, lock the door when you go out, and shut the windows at night. Be cautious with the application of fire, electricity, and gas. Take precautions against gas leak or fire. Take good care of your valuable belongings.

Keep your contact phone number reachable for ISO. In case of illness or emergency, you may contact your class supervisor. 

 

4.  Passport renewal

Students should apply for a new passport within the passport’s validity period. They should go through the accommodation registration procedure again and apply for a new Visa or transfer the old Visa at International Student Office (ISO) within 10 days since the new passport is issued.

 

5.  Lose and reapply passport and Visa

When you lose your passport, you need to follow the procedures below to reapply for your passport and Visa as quickly as possible to prevent unnecessary trouble:

Go to the local police office to report your loss and obtain a loss report of your passport

Obtain the relevant proof document of the university from International Student Office.

After receiving the 2 reports above, you should go to the District Public Security Bureau to get the loss certificate of your passport.

Take the loss certificate of passport to the embassy of your home country to apply for a new passport.

Go to the International Students Division with your new passport within 10 days to apply for a new Visa or residence permit. After receiving your Visa, go to the local police station to renew your accommodation registration status.

  

Please be sure to carefully read the above instructions before proceeding your Visa application. If you have any questions, you can also find help at the International Student Office at 010-68902025.