Visa FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about passports and visas. Please look through these answers and if you still can't find what you're looking for, we'd be happy to talk to you!
Do I need a passport?
YES!!!! Please visit the U.S. State Department travel pages for the most up-to-date information regarding passport application and fees. If you don't have a passport, you should apply for one immediately when you begin to think about studying abroad.
What is a visa and what kind of visa do I need to participate on an Alliance program in China?
In addition to a valid passport, you are also required to secure a visa to enter China. A visa is an official document/seal that is glued into your passport that permits you to enter the country.
The amount of time you spend on an Alliance program will determine the type of visa you require.
Single term student visas: If you are planning to study for one term (summer, fall, or spring) then you should apply for an "F" visa. Summer term students should apply for a 90-day visa. Fall and spring term students should apply for visas that allow you to stay in China up to 180 days. Shanghai's SUFE program students should carefully follow special instructions when applying for the "F" visa. These instructions will be forwarded to SUFE students after admission to the program. A physical examination is NOT required of those applying for an "F" visa.
Multiple term student visas: If you have already applied and been accepted by the Alliance as a multiple term student (e.g., summer and fall; fall and spring; spring and summer, etc.), and only then, should you apply for an "X" visa, as an "X" visa is only issued to students who are planning to study in China for more than 180 days. The "X" visa is a permit to enter the country for 30 days. Alliance staff in China will assist students along each step of this visa process.
"X" visa students -- those studying on Alliance programs longer than 180 days -- should follow those procedures after arrival in China. Upon arrival, those with "X" visas must undergo an extensive physical examination. Results of the physical examination are available after 5 business days. The paperwork for the Resident Permit can be submitted only upon receipt of the physical examination results (usually 5 business days after the exam). Physical examination forms are also available from the People's Republic of China Consulate in the United States. You may choose to complete the physical examination process in the United States. While awaiting the physical examination results, Alliance staff will assist students prepare paperwork for a Resident Permit. Upon receipt of the physical examination results and all paperwork is submitted, the Resident Permit will be processed in approximately 5 business days. The Resident Permit allows unlimited entries to China during the course of the Permit's validity. Again, this process is only required of multiple term Alliance students.
Where do I go to get a visa?
Any consular authority of the PeopleÕs Republic of China (Embassies and Consulates in the United States and abroad) can issue a visa. You must appear in person at the Embassy or Consulate in your district. You may also entrust a family member or friend to submit your application and passport. Please visit the website of the Chinese Embassy in the United States for more information.
What happens if I live too far away from the nearest Embassy or Consulate?
This is the case for many students. If you are not able to appear in person, then you should use a visa service agent. A visa agent will appear at the Embassy or Consulate on your behalf. Below are three agents former participants have used in the past.
- http://www.oasischinavisa.com/
- http://www.traveldocs.com/cn/index.htm
- http://www.visamailservice.com
When should I secure my visa?
You first need a valid passport. You can't apply for your visa until you receive two important documents from your Chinese host university. These documents include a JW 202 form and an Admission Notice. These visa documents are mailed to students from the Alliance as follows:
- Fall term students - early July
- Spring term students - early December
- Summer term students - mid-April
This mailing will also include detailed instructions on how to apply for your visa.
Should I make copies of my visa documents?
YES. Please make a copy of all visa-related paperwork (JW202 form and Admission Notice) and only submit those copies with your visa application. Unless otherwise instructed by a consular official, please retain original documents in your possession and bring them with you to China. If you are instructed to submit original documents, ask whether originals can be returned to you. If not, please bring the photocopies with you to China and keep them in your personal records for the duration of your stay.
Is it possible to extend my visa so I can travel around China at the conclusion of my program?
Although visa rules can change without notice, past participants have been able to extend their visa for a short time after the program ends if your visa was issued outside China. Speak to your Alliance Resident Director about extending your visa. The current cost to extend your visa is approximately $50. Keep in mind that if you want to stay in China longer than 180 days, you are required to get a physical.
Is it possible to travel to other countries at the conclusion of the Alliance program and then return to Beijing or Shanghai to fly back home?
This depends on the number of 'entries' your visa contains. All Alliance summer students are instructed to apply for a single entry visa. This means you can enter China only once with your visa. Alliance semester students attending BLCU and Fudan are also instructed to apply for a single entry visa. Semester students attending SUFE must secure a double entry visa because students travel to Hong Kong on the field study trip and must re-enter mainland China at the conclusion of the trip.
It is possible to change your single or double entry visa after arriving in China?
Your Alliance Resident Director can advise you on this process.
