CHINESE STUDENT VISA APPLICATION IN VIETNAM: REQUIREMENTS, DOCUMENTS AND PROCESS

Tuesday, 10/11/26

Are you planning to study in China while currently residing in Vietnam? Whether you intend to pursue a university degree, participate in an exchange program, or attend a short-term course, obtaining the appropriate visa is an essential part of preparing for your studies abroad.

To enter China for educational purposes, international students must apply for a Chinese Student Visa that matches the duration of their study program. Depending on the duration of the study program, applicants may need to apply for either an X1 or X2 visa.

In this guide, Visa5s.com walks you through the Chinese Student Visa categories, eligibility conditions, required documents, and application process, along with key information on processing times and fees, helping you better understand what to expect before starting your application.

WHAT IS A CHINESE STUDENT VISA?

Chinese Student Visa is a travel document issued to foreign nationals who intend to enter China for educational purposes. It allows international students to pursue academic programs, participate in exchange programs, or attend other approved study courses at educational institutions in China.

Depending on the duration of the intended study program, China offers two main student visa categories: X1 and X2. Choosing the correct category is important, as each visa is designed for a different period of study.

Visa category	Purpose	General duration
X1 Visa	Long-term study in China	More than 180 days
X2 Visa	Short-term study in China	Up to 180 days

X1 Visa – Long-Term Study

The X1 Visa is intended for international students enrolling in long-term academic programs in China, such as university degrees or other courses lasting more than 180 days. After entering China, X1 Visa holders are generally required to apply for a Residence Permit within the prescribed period to legally continue their stay for study purposes.

X2 Visa – Short-Term Study

The X2 Visa is designed for students attending short-term courses or educational programs in China that last no more than 180 days. It is commonly suitable for short-term language courses, exchange programs, and other temporary study activities. Before applying, students should confirm the appropriate visa category based on their admission details and the duration of their study program. This helps ensure that the visa application matches their intended purpose of stay in China.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A CHINESE STUDENT VISA IN VIETNAM?

Before applying for a Chinese Student Visa, applicants should ensure that they meet the basic eligibility criteria. These generally relate to their admission to an educational institution in China, the purpose and duration of their studies, and their ability to provide valid supporting documents. For those submitting their applications in Vietnam, proof of legal residence is also an important consideration.

Eligibility for Foreign Nationals

To apply for a Chinese Student Visa in Vietnam, applicants should meet the following general eligibility criteria:

Admission to a Chinese educational institution: Applicants must have an admission notice or acceptance letter from a recognized school, university, or educational institution in China.
A valid study purpose: The intended study program must correspond to the appropriate student visa category, either X1 for long-term studies or X2 for short-term studies.
A valid passport: Applicants must hold a valid passport that meets the requirements of the Chinese visa application authority.
Legal residence in Vietnam: Applicants must be able to provide valid documents proving their legal residence or stay in Vietnam when submitting their applications.
Compliance with application requirements: Applicants must prepare the required supporting documents and satisfy any additional conditions applicable to their individual circumstances.

Proof of Legal Residence in Vietnam

Foreign nationals who apply for a Chinese visa outside their country of citizenship are generally required to provide documents proving their legal stay or residence in the country where they submit the application. For applicants in Vietnam, this may include:

A valid Vietnamese Temporary Residence Card (TRC), if applicable.
A valid Vietnamese visa and entry stamp.
A valid Vietnam eVisa, where applicable.
Other official documents confirming their legal residence or stay in Vietnam, if accepted by the relevant visa authority.

CHINESE STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTS

Document Category	Required Documents	Details
Personal Documents	Original Passport	A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages.
	Chinese Visa Application Form	A completed application form with accurate and consistent personal information.
	Passport-sized Photograph	A color portrait (bareheaded, with the face clearly visible) against a white background, taken within the last 6 months. Photo dimensions: 48mm x 33mm; head width: 15mm to 22mm; head height: 28mm to 33mm.
	Previous Chinese Visas (if applicable)	Copies of previously issued Chinese visas or relevant passport pages, if required.
Study Documents	Admission Notice	An official letter issued by the educational institution in China confirming the applicant's admission to a study program.
	JW201 Form	A confirmation document for international students participating in the Chinese Government Scholarship program.
	JW202 Form	A confirmation document used for international students studying in China under self-funded arrangements or scholarship programs other than the Chinese Government Scholarship.
Vietnam Residence Documents	Temporary Residence Card (TRC)/ Vietnam Visa/ Vietnam eVisa	A valid Temporary Residence Card (TRC)/ Vietnam Visa/ Vietnam eVisa. These documents must be valid during the processing of Chinese Student Visa.
Vietnam Residence Documents	Latest entry stamp to Vietnam	This document is to prove that the applicant is in Vietnam when proceeding their X1/X2 Visa.
Other Supporting Documents	Additional Documents	Any other documents requested by the relevant Chinese Visa Application Authority, depending on the applicant's nationality and individual circumstances.

Important Notes:

For an X1 Visa, applicants generally need to submit an Admission Notice together with either a JW201 or JW202 Form, depending on their study program and the educational institution's instructions.
The specific documents required for an X2 Visa should be confirmed with the admitting institution and relevant visa authority.
Applicants should check the latest submission requirements before applying, particularly if their Vietnamese visa or TRC is close to expiration.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CHINESE STUDENT VISA IN VIETNAM

Once you have confirmed your eligibility and prepared the required documents, the next step is to complete and submit your Chinese Student Visa application.

Step Order	Detailed Procedure
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents	Review the applicable visa requirements. Gather the required supporting documents, including your passport, Admission Notice, JW201/JW202 Form (if applicable), and proof of legal residence in Vietnam. Check that all documents are valid, complete, and consistent.
Step 2: Complete and Submit the Online Visa Application	Complete the online Chinese Visa Application Form. Provide accurate personal information and details of your study program. Review the application carefully and follow the instructions regarding appointments and document submission. 📌 Important Note: Double-check all information and uploaded documents before submitting the application. Additional document requests or further review may result in longer processing times
Step 3: Submit original documents at Chinese Visa Application Service Center	Upon completion of the online review, the application status will be updated to “Online review completed”, and a confirmation email will be sent to the applicant. Print the confirmation email and present it at the Chinese Visa Application Center along with the original supporting documents. The applicant is required to pay the applicable visa application service fee when submitting the documents at the Center. Keep your application receipt or reference number for status tracking.
Step 4: Receive the passport and visa result	After the visa is approved, the applicant can receive their passport with the issued visa on the designated collection date. Pay visa fee in USD. Carefully review all visa details, including the applicant’s personal information, visa category, validity period, number of permitted entries, and duration of stay.

CHINESE STUDENT VISA PROCESSING TIME AND FEES

Chinese Visa Processing Time

Processing Stage	Estimated Processing Time
Online Application Review	08–10 working days
Original Document Processing	06–08 working days

Note:

The processing time may vary depending on the circumstances of each application, requests for additional documents, public holidays, and the processing procedures of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
Applicants must complete the online review process before submitting their passports and supporting documents at the Visa Application Center. The Center recommends starting the online application at least 30 days before the intended travel date.

Chinese Visa Fees and Other Charges

The table fee below applies until December 31, 2026 according to the announcement of the China Embassy/Consulate and Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Vietnam.

Nationality	Number of entries	Authority Visa Fee (USD)	Visa Application Service Fee (VND)
Nationality	Number of entries	Regular	Regular
Most other nationalities*	Single Entry	23	760,000
	Double Entries	34
	6-Month Multiple	45
	12-Month Multiple	68
United States	Single, Double, Multiple	139
Canada	Single, Double, Multiple	60
Brazil	Single, Double, Multiple	105
Agrentina	Single, Double, Multiple	113

Note:

Visa applicants are required to pay the total fees, including the Visa Fee and the Visa Application Service Fee charged by the Visa Application Center.
The Visa Application Service Fee is collected by the Visa Application Center in Vietnamese Dong (VND) at the time of application submission. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the visa application result.
The Visa Fee is collected by the Visa Application Center on behalf of the Embassy/ Consulate General. Applicants are required to pay this fee in US Dollars (USD) when collecting their application results. The actual visa fee payable depends on the decision of the authority.
Express and urgent services are subject to approval by the Consulate.

COMMON APPLICATION MISTAKES TO AVOID

Applicants should avoid the following common mistakes when applying for a Chinese Student Visa:

Submitting Incomplete or Inconsistent Documents: Missing documents or inconsistent information may delay the application or result in requests for additional documents. Carefully review the checklist and ensure all information is consistent before submission.
Providing Incorrect Information in the Visa Application Form: Errors in personal details, passport information, or study plans may affect the application review. Double-check all information and ensure it matches the supporting documents.
Using an Invalid or Nearly Expired Passport: An invalid passport or insufficient blank pages may prevent the application from being accepted. Check your passport validity and available pages before applying.
Failing to Provide Valid Proof of Legal Residence in Vietnam: Expired or insufficient residence documents may affect your eligibility to apply in Vietnam. Ensure your Vietnamese visa, TRC, or other proof of legal stay is valid at the time of submission.
Not Checking the Latest Submission Requirements: Outdated information about required documents, or procedures may lead to unnecessary delays or additional costs. Always check the latest instructions from the relevant Chinese Visa Application Service Center before applying.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can foreigners apply for a Chinese Student Visa in Vietnam?
Yes. Foreign nationals may apply for a Chinese Student Visa in Vietnam if they meet the applicable requirements and can provide valid proof of their legal residence or stay in Vietnam. They must also have an admission notice from a Chinese educational institution and prepare the supporting documents required for their X1 or X2 visa application. Acceptance of applications may depend on nationality and individual circumstances.

2. Can I apply if my Vietnamese residence visa is expiring?
It depends on the validity of your residence documents and the requirements of the Chinese visa application authority. If your Vietnamese visa or Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is close to expiration, you should check whether it will remain valid at the time of application and whether alternative proof of legal stay is accepted. Contact the Visa Application Center before submitting your application.

3. What documents should I prepare before contacting a visa consultant?
You should prepare a copy of your passport, current Vietnamese visa or TRC, admission notice from the Chinese educational institution, and JW201 or JW202 Form, if applicable. You should also provide your intended travel date, study duration, and nationality. These details help the consultant assess your eligibility and identify the documents required for your specific application.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR CHINESE STUDENT VISA APPLICATION?

Applying for a Chinese Student Visa while residing in Vietnam can involve different requirements depending on your nationality and residence status. Visa5s.com provides support throughout the application preparation process, including:

Eligibility Assessment: Preliminary assessment of your eligibility to apply in Vietnam.
Document Consultation: Guidance on required documents and application preparation.
Application Support: Assistance with completing application information and preparing supporting documents.
Submission Guidance: Instructions on the applicable submission procedures.
Application Follow-up: Support with tracking your application status during processing.

👉 Contact Visa5s.com today for consultation and assistance with your Chinese Student Visa application in Vietnam. Our team is ready to help you prepare your application with greater clarity and confidence.

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