China

Students traveling to China for study will need a visa, though a special student visa (an X visa) is normally granted for those wishing to study in China for more than six months. The Embassy will base their visa-type decision on the documents submitted by each applicant. The application process is simple, though allow enough time for processing to avoid rush charges required for expedited service.

Students need to apply for visas from Chinese diplomatic missions, consular posts or other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such as Chinese Embassies or Consulates. Each Embassy or consulate has its own consular districts, and usually, require applicants to apply for visas at their local mission. (Visit the map at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t84229.htm for your consular district.) Applicants who reside or travel away from the country of his or her nationality can apply for a visa at a local Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Aliens who are already in China can apply for an extension of duration at a local county level Public Security Bureau.
“How to Apply for Chinese Visas” Peoples Republic of China NY Consulate. 11 Mar. 2008

A Document Checklist:

Your original, signed passport, which must have 6 months validity remaining post departure from China and at least two blank visa pages. (First time applicants who were previously Chinese citizens must also submit a photocopy of their Chinese passports.)
Visa Application Form: The application can be found at: Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007) (.pdf)
Photograph: One recent passport style photo (2x2) showing entire face and without a hat on. Please affix the photo to the application form.
A visa application form for international students (JW-202) issued by the Ministry of Education of China, and notification of admission from the receiving school with the seal of the said ministry are required.
Letter of Admission: A photocopy of your Letter of Admission from a Chinese school. You can keep the original for your record.
A Physical Examination Record for Foreigner (Q-2) (.pdf) filled out and signed by a doctor.
An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or last foreign passport.
A child of Chinese descent and born in a foreign country who applies for a Chinese visa for the first time is required to submit his or her Birth Certificate and foreign passport or foreign permanent resident permit (e.g. Green Card) of one of his or her parents.
Visa Fee: See link as amounts vary depending on length of stay, and number of entries. visa fees

Helpful Hints:

No visa application can be done through mail, email, internet, or any express delivery service such as UPS, FedEx, etc. Visa applications should be submitted and picked up by the applicant or someone else entrusted.
Aliens holding X-visas shall, within 30 days of entry into China, obtain aliens' residence permission from the Public Security Bureau at the place of their residence. Otherwise, aliens may be fined, detained or even ordered to leave the country within a specific time period.

The information above is not comprehensive and may not reflect recent policy changes. For the most current and complete visa information please contact the embassy of the country to which you are traveling. Please contact a study abroad advisor with any questions or for a letter of support from the home institution verifying payment and ensuring that the student will return to the U.S. to complete his degree.