Foreign students studying or exchanging in China must apply for a visa through the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. The types of visas are as follows:

X1 personnel who study in China for a long period (more than 180 days)

X2 Personnel who are studying in China for a short period (no more than 180 days)

Personnel who go to China for exchanges, visits, investigations and other activities

People traveling to China or participating in summer (winter) camps


For applicants coming to study in China, it is essential to apply for a study visa (X visa) to study in China. Among them, the X1 visa is a long-term convertible visa and must be converted into a residence permit within 30 days of entry. The X2 visa is a short-term non-convertible visa. Students holding this visa can only enter and exit China once and stay in China for a maximum of 180 days. Therefore, if your study period in China exceeds 180 days, you need to apply for an X1 visa (residence permit). If the duration does not exceed 180 days, an X2 visa application is required.


Source: Study in China



Study visa to China


International students need to apply for a study visa to China at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad with a valid passport, the original admission notice, the visa application form for Foreign Students to study in China (JW201 or JW202), and the physical examination certificate before coming to study at the school.



When you have obtained your entry visa and retrieved your passport, please make sure to collect the original admission notice, the original JW201/JW202 form and the original medical examination certificate from the Chinese embassy or consulate (those holding an X2 visa do not need a medical examination during the validity period of the visa after coming to China), so that you can apply for a residence permit after coming to China. Those who study in China for less than six months can apply for a "Study Visa X2" to enter the country. Students who study in China for more than six months must enter the country with a "Study Visa X1".



Note: The validity period of the "Study Visa X1" after entering the Chinese mainland is 30 days. Holders of X1 study visas must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry before they can legally stay in China. Therefore, the school suggests that students do not enter the country too early, as you are only eligible to apply for a residence permit after reporting to the school.





Temporary accommodation registration


Foreigners residing in China shall, in accordance with the law, register for temporary accommodation. Within 24 hours of arriving in China, the resident, the institution or the person themselves shall, with the resident's passport and the resident's household register, go to the local public security organ to report and fill out the temporary accommodation registration form. If you live in a dormitory or expert apartment on the campus of Shantou University, please bring your passport to the International Exchange and Cooperation Office to handle it. If you live off campus, you must promptly go to the local police station of your residence to handle the temporary accommodation registration form. You need to go there together with your landlord, carrying relevant certificates and the contract.



Note: If international students change their passports, visas or address, they must re-register for accommodation within 24 hours; otherwise, they will be regarded as illegally residing.





Application and extension of residence permit



The first application for a residence permit

New international students must apply for a "Foreigner's Residence Permit" within 30 days after entering the country with an X1 visa. The International Exchange and Cooperation Office and the International College of Shantou University will assist students in applying for residence permits. The following materials need to be prepared by the students themselves

Admission Notice

Valid passport and valid visa

-X1 visa

One 2-inch blue-background photo and a photo receipt

Photos can be taken at Dongmen Photo Studio. The photo receipt will show "Digital Photo Collection Receipt for Foreigner Visa of Guangdong Province"

The original health certificate issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China

The address of the Physical Examination Center of Shantou Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau is: Building 1, East District, Danxia Village, Longhu District, Shantou City. Students whose physical examination results are not up to standard will be refused admission by the school

A payment certificate for tuition and accommodation fees issued by the school's finance department




Extension of residence permit

Before the expiration of the residence permit, the International Exchange and Cooperation Office and the International College organize international students to go to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau to handle the procedures for extending the residence permit. Students need to submit the materials 30 days in advance, determine the date for extending the residence permit and prepare the following materials:

Valid passport and residence permit;

One 2-inch blue-background photo and a photo receipt;

Photos can be taken at Dongmen Photo Studio. The photo receipt will show "Digital Photo Collection Receipt for Foreigner Visa of Guangdong Province"

A payment certificate for tuition and accommodation fees issued by the school's finance department