China Residence Permit for Students
Your X1 visa (the visa for study of more than 180 days) only gets you into China. Within 30 days of arrival you must apply for a residence permit for study (the card that lets you live in China). You apply in person at the local exit and entry office.
ChinaCHINA RESIDENCE PERMIT
Type: Student
ID#: Example
ID: Example
Status: Student
Example: Master's Programme
Example: Zhejiang University
Example card. Your residence permit for study lets you live in China for your term of study.
What Is the Residence Permit for Study?
The residence permit for study is the paper that lets you live in China during your course. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) sets the rules. The exit and entry office of the local public security bureau (PSB) takes your papers and issues the permit.
Visa or Permit?
A sticker in your passport
Gets you into China
After you enter, you must apply for a residence permit
Issued in China by the exit and entry office
Lets you live in China for your term of study
Can carry a note for part-time work or an internship
Key Papers
Residence permit
Lets you live in China for your term of study.
Acceptance receipt
Lets you stay legally while the office holds your passport.
Registration Form of Temporary Residence
Proof that you registered your address. You need it for the permit.
If You Miss the Rules
What You Must Do
Apply within 30 days
Apply within 30 days after you enter China on an X1 visa.
Apply in person
Hand in your papers yourself at the exit and entry office.
Carry your papers
Anyone aged 16 or over must carry a passport or residence permit and show it to the police if asked.
Register your address
Within 24 hours of moving in anywhere other than a hotel, register your address with the local police.
Extend on time
Apply at least 30 days before your permit ends.
Get a note before you work
Off-campus work or internships need a note on your permit.
Visa and Permit Types for Students
You enter on a study visa. After you arrive, you apply for a residence permit for study.
Key Time Limits
Enter China on your X1 visa
Day 1
Register your address
Within 24 hours
Enrol at your university
After arrival
Apply for the permit
Within 30 days of entry
Application Types
X1 Visa (Long-term Study)
For study of more than 180 days. After you enter China, you must apply for a residence permit.
Key Requirements:
- Admission letter from your Chinese university
- JW201 or JW202 form (the study visa form your university gives you)
- Passport valid for more than 6 months
Residence Permit for Study
The permit that lets you live in China while you study. It can match your term of study.
Key Requirements:
- Passport with your X1 visa
- Visa/Stay Permit/Residence Permit Application Form
- Photo that meets National Immigration Administration (NIA) rules
- Letter from your university with the term of study, and your admission letter or enrolment paper
- Health certificate if the permit is for more than 1 year
Permit Extension
If your course goes on after your permit ends, apply to extend it. The fee is the same as a first permit.
Key Requirements:
- Passport and current permit
- Papers from your university about your studies
Stay Permit
If you finish your course and want to stay in China, apply for a stay permit (a permit to stay in China after your course) before your study permit ends.
Key Requirements:
- Passport
- Application form and photo
- Papers that show why you are staying
Your First 30 Days
Enter China on your X1 visa
Your 30 days for the permit start on the day you enter.
Duration: Day 1
Register your address
Register your address and get the Registration Form of Temporary Residence (the paper that shows your address).
Duration: Within 24 hours
Enrol at your university
Universities give the enrolment papers you need only after you register with them.
Duration: After arrival
Apply for the permit
Hand in your papers in person at the local exit and entry office.
Duration: Within 30 days of entry
How to Apply for the Residence Permit
You apply in person, in the city where you will live.
Main Steps
Get your papers ready
Passport, form, photo, university letter and admission or enrolment paper.
Add the Registration Form of Temporary Residence and, for permits over 1 year, a health certificate.
Go to the exit and entry office
Hand in your papers in person within 30 days of entry.
If papers are missing, the office tells you everything you need at one time.
Get your acceptance receipt
It lets you stay legally.
Pay the fee
CNY 400 for up to 1 year, CNY 800 for 1 to 3 years, CNY 1,000 for 3 to 5 years.
Collect your permit
Collect it in person with your acceptance receipt.
Extending Your Permit
Check the end date
Look at the end date on your permit.
Apply 30 days early
Apply at least 30 days before the permit ends, with papers that show why you need more time.
Pay the fee
The fee is the same as for a first permit.
After You Graduate
| From Status | To Status | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence permit for study | Stay permit | You have finished your course and want to stay in China. Apply before your study permit ends. | Apply at the exit and entry office. |
Papers for the Residence Permit for Study
Bring originals to show and photocopies to hand in.
Residence Permit for Study (First Time)
Passport with your X1 visa
Your valid passport with the original visa in it.
Application form
The Visa/Stay Permit/Residence Permit Application Form.
Photo
A recent photo that meets the National Immigration Administration (NIA) photo rules.
University letter and admission letter
A letter from your university that shows your term of study, and your admission letter or the enrolment paper your university gives you after you register.
Registration Form of Temporary Residence
From registering your address.
Health certificate
Only if the permit is for more than 1 year. It comes from a local health office or a hospital run by the county or by a higher level of government.
Permit Processing Time
The office decides by the date on your acceptance receipt.
Step by Step
Before you travel
Get your X1 visa with your admission letter and JW201 or JW202 form.
Key Activities:
- Plan your arrival close to your university's registration date.
First day
Register your address.
Key Activities:
- On campus, your university's dormitory office may help.
- Off campus, go to the local police station or register online.
Apply
Hand in your papers at the exit and entry office.
Key Activities:
- You get an acceptance receipt.
Collect
Collect your permit in person with your acceptance receipt.
Time Limit
Typical Cases
Keeping Your Permit Valid
Your permit stays valid only if you follow the rules.
Good Habits
Carry your permit
If you are 16 or older, carry your passport or permit at all times.
Common Mistakes
Common China Residence Permit Questions
Short answers about the residence permit for study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful links
Shanghai: study residence permit guide
A city guide with the papers and the steps for students.
Learn MoreNeed More Help?
Your university's international student office helps new students with the permit. You can also call the National Immigration Administration (NIA) hotline 12367.
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We help you plan your first 30 days in China: registering your address, the health certificate (if your permit is for more than 1 year) and your residence permit papers.
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