I. Scope of Application and Contact Information

This Guide applies to international students studying at Beijing Foreign Studies University. It is intended to explain the service procedures, application requirements, administrative rules, and important notes related to international student visas and residence permits for study.

After graduation or completion of study, students shall handle departure from China and follow-up document matters in accordance with the University’s departure procedures and the relevant requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities. In cases of suspension of study, transfer, withdrawal, cancellation of admission qualification, cancellation of student status, or other changes in student status, students shall handle relevant matters in accordance with the requirements of the University and the exit and entry administration authorities.

To help students maintain a lawful status in China and carry out their study and life smoothly, students are requested to read this Guide carefully and comply with its requirements.

For the purposes of this Guide, “visa affairs staff” refers to the staff members of the Overseas Students Affairs Office responsible for international student visas and related document affairs; hereinafter referred to as “visa affairs personnel”.

After adding the visa affairs personnel on WeChat, please send the following information at the same time: passport name, Chinese name, passport number, nationality, Chinese mobile phone number, and expected date of arrival in China or actual date of entry.

Please submit personal information only through the University’s designated WeChat account, designated email address, or University information system. Do not send passport, visa, residence permit, or other document information through WeChat Moments, group chats, public comment sections, or personal accounts of non-visa affairs personnel.

II. Basic Principles, Scope of Services, and Responsibility Statement

Students shall take the initiative to understand and comply with China’s exit and entry administration regulations, as well as the University’s requirements for international student registration, visas, and residence permits. Students shall submit relevant materials in a timely, truthful, and complete manner; complete payment, accommodation registration, physical examination and verification, document verification, document application, extension, change, and filing procedures as required; and keep their phone, WeChat, email, and other contact channels accessible.

(I) Study Visas, Residence Permits, and Scope of University Services

“Study visas and residence permits” mainly include:

1. X1 visa;

2. X2 visa;

3. Residence permit for study.

Among them, X1/X2 visas are issued by Chinese embassies or consulates abroad; residence permits for study are issued by exit and entry administration authorities within China.

During their study at the University, international students shall hold a study visa or residence permit for study that corresponds to their student status at the University. Based on students’ registration, study status, student status, and document application requirements, the University may issue or stamp relevant application materials for study visas and residence permits for study.

Where a student no longer continues study as a registered student due to suspension, withdrawal, transfer, cancellation of admission qualification, cancellation of student status, or other reasons, and needs to apply for a stay permit, the University may, based on the actual circumstances and the requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities, issue or stamp relevant materials required for the application for a stay permit.

Except for study visas, residence permits for study, and relevant materials for stay permits under the special circumstances described above, other types of visas or residence permits, or other document matters arising from students’ personal reasons, are in principle outside the scope of services handled by the University. Students shall consult and handle such matters with the exit and entry administration authorities or relevant institutions according to their actual purposes; the University may provide necessary explanations within the scope of its responsibilities.

(II) Documents Recognized by the University for Registration

The University only accepts the following documents as valid document bases for international students to complete registration:

1. X1 visa obtained with BFSU materials;

2. X2 visa obtained with BFSU materials;

3. Residence permit for study obtained with BFSU materials;

4. Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.

“BFSU materials” refer to the admission notice, DQ form, JW201/JW202 form, visa application-related certification materials, and other documents issued or confirmed by Beijing Foreign Studies University.

The above-mentioned students shall contact the visa affairs personnel immediately and submit information including their current passport, visa/residence permit, entry stamp, and admission materials. The University will, based on the student’s document type, date of entry, study duration, and the requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities, inform the student whether they need to leave China and reapply for a study visa, whether a change application may be possible, or whether other procedures need to be completed. The final handling method shall be subject to the requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities.

(III) Admission, Registration, and Student Status

Obtaining an admission notice means that an international student is qualified to complete registration procedures in accordance with University requirements. It does not mean that the student has completed registration, nor does it mean that the student has formally obtained registered student status at the University. A student shall be deemed to have completed registration only after completing the required registration procedures in accordance with University regulations.

Relevant registration procedures include verification of admission qualification, personal information registration, insurance enrollment, accommodation arrangement or accommodation information registration, payment or confirmation of payment status, confirmation of scholarship or exchange program status, document verification, and visa/residence permit-related procedures.

A student who has only obtained an admission notice, arrived on campus, contacted the school or department, or entered part of the registration process shall not be deemed to have completed registration. If a student fails to complete the required registration procedures, or if the University determines upon review that the student does not yet meet the requirements for visa or residence permit processing, the University may suspend the relevant procedures until the student meets the requirements for registration and related document processing. Relevant matters shall be handled in accordance with Section II of this Guide and the requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities.

(IV) Submission of Materials, Internal Review, and Acceptance by the Exit and Entry Administration Authorities

A student’s submission of materials to the visa affairs personnel, sending of electronic materials, inquiry about application methods, expression of intent to apply, or entry into the University’s internal review process does not mean that an application has been submitted to the exit and entry administration authorities, nor does it mean that the application has been accepted by the exit and entry administration authorities.

Whether an application has been submitted on time shall be determined by the actual acceptance by the exit and entry administration authorities or the University’s unified submission arrangement. Students shall allow sufficient time for University review, payment verification, material preparation, appointment booking, material supplementation, and approval by the exit and entry administration authorities.

The University generally starts review after all materials are complete and the payment status has been confirmed as correct. The actual processing time may be extended due to material supplementation, payment verification, centralized processing arrangements, holidays, limited appointment slots at the exit and entry administration authorities, or other reasons.

(V) Validity Periods of Visas and Residence Permits

When an international student applies for a visa, stay permit, or residence permit, the Overseas Students Affairs Office will review the application and provide an application opinion based on factors such as the student’s study duration, payment period, student status, performance at the University, attendance, accommodation registration, visa history, and University administrative requirements.

The University’s application opinion is not the final approval result. The visa type, number of entries, validity period, duration of stay, and validity period of the residence permit shall be subject to the approval result of the exit and entry administration authorities.

If a student has an adverse visa record, overstay record, record of violations of laws or regulations, poor attendance, abnormal student status, a short payment period, or other circumstances that do not meet administrative requirements, the exit and entry administration authorities may approve a shorter period or refuse to approve the relevant application.

III. Preparations Before Entry

(I) Applying for a Study Visa

After receiving the visa materials issued by the University, please apply for a study visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country in a timely manner.

Since policies vary by country, please consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for specific material requirements, processing time, and fees.

International students shall use an ordinary private passport to apply for a study visa.

(II) X1 Visa

The X1 visa applies to international students whose study duration exceeds 180 days.

Students entering China with an X1 visa shall note the following:

1. They shall apply for a residence permit for study within 30 days from the date of entry;

2. Before application, they usually need to complete physical examination, verification, University review, material preparation, appointment booking, and other procedures;

3. They shall contact the visa affairs personnel immediately after entry and shall not wait until the 30-day deadline is approaching to start the process;

4. They shall allow sufficient time for processing so as not to affect the subsequent application for a residence permit.

(III) X2 Visa

The X2 visa applies to international students whose study duration does not exceed 180 days.

Students entering China with an X2 visa and whose study duration does not exceed 180 days generally do not apply for a residence permit for study. If there are changes due to study duration, program arrangements, or requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities, the student shall contact the visa affairs personnel in a timely manner to inquire about the handling method.

If an X2 visa student needs to increase the number of entries and exits during their stay in China for special reasons, namely to apply for a re-entry visa, the student shall first check the relevant University notices or instructions and then contact the visa affairs personnel. The latest explanation of the visa affairs personnel shall prevail.

(IV) Passport Validity Reminder

A passport with a validity period of less than six months may affect visa or residence permit processing. Students are requested to check the validity of their passports in advance before applying for a visa, entering China, or applying for a residence permit.

IV. Entry, Document Verification, and Registration

(I) Basic Registration Process

After arriving at the University, international students generally need to complete the following registration procedures in accordance with University notices:

1. Verify personal information;

2. Enroll in insurance;

3. Arrange accommodation or register accommodation information;

4. Obtain the payment form;

5. Pay tuition, insurance premium, accommodation fee, and other relevant fees;

6. Complete scholarship student registration and relevant confirmation procedures;

7. Complete document verification and visa/residence permit-related procedures;

8. Complete registration;

9. New students apply for student ID cards and campus cards.

The specific procedures, order, locations, and requirements shall be subject to the University’s registration notice for the relevant period.

(II) Timely Registration and Payment Requirements

Please enter China and report to the University for registration at the time specified in the admission notice or University notice.

Students shall complete payment of tuition, insurance premium, accommodation fee, and other relevant fees as required by the University, or complete confirmation of scholarship, fee waiver, exchange program, or other payment status.

Completion of payment or confirmation of payment status is an important prerequisite for the University to continue visa and residence permit-related procedures. If a student fails to complete the relevant procedures as required, the University will handle the matter in accordance with the relevant provisions of Section II of this Guide.

(III) Accommodation Registration

According to Chinese law, foreigners staying in China shall complete accommodation registration in accordance with law. Those staying in hotels shall have their accommodation registered by the hotel in accordance with regulations. Those residing or staying in places other than hotels shall, within 24 hours after check-in, have the accommodation registered with the local public security organ by themselves or by the host.

1. On-campus accommodation: After moving into a University dormitory, the student shall go in person to the front desk of the relevant building, present the passport and other documents, and complete temporary accommodation registration under the guidance of the front desk staff.

2. Off-campus accommodation: International students living off campus shall, within 24 hours after moving in, consult and complete the Registration Form of Temporary Accommodation at the local police station and file the information with the visa affairs personnel in a timely manner.

International students living off campus shall present the Registration Form of Temporary Accommodation during registration at the beginning of the semester and provide the landlord’s name and phone number. If staying in a hotel, the student shall provide the hotel booking, hotel contact person, and phone number.

International students shall complete accommodation registration again and file the information again with the visa affairs personnel after changing accommodation address, changing passport, changing visa, or changing residence permit.

(IV) Physical Examination and Verification

Students entering China with an X1 visa generally need to complete physical examination procedures.

The University will arrange vehicles and organize students to go to the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center for physical examination at the notified time. Students must attend at the time notified by the visa affairs personnel.

If a student is unable to attend the University-arranged physical examination due to special circumstances, the student shall contact the visa affairs personnel immediately to explain the situation and, under the guidance of the visa affairs personnel, make a new appointment for physical examination or verification as soon as possible. After the new appointment is made, the student shall go in person as required.

Physical examination results are generally issued within 4 to 6 working days. After completing the physical examination, the student will obtain the Verification Certificate of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, which is an important document for applying for a residence permit for study.

Materials required for physical examination:

1. Original passport;

2. One two-inch white-background photo;

3. Copy of admission notice;

4. Copy of JW201 or JW202 form.

Students who have completed a physical examination abroad and bring the original physical examination report issued by a hospital in their home country, in Chinese or English, may take the relevant materials to the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center for verification. If the verification meets the requirements, the Center will issue the health certificate required for applying for a residence permit for study.

Students who have not completed a physical examination abroad, or who have completed a physical examination abroad but do not bring the original physical examination report, shall undergo an on-site physical examination as required by the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center. After the physical examination is completed, the Center will issue the health certificate required for applying for a residence permit for study based on the examination results.

A student who has not obtained the health certificate issued by the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center cannot apply for a residence permit for study.

Friendly reminders:

1. Please fast in the morning of the physical examination, with no food or water, otherwise blood tests and abdominal ultrasound examination cannot be conducted.

2. Physical examination and verification fees shall be borne by the student. The fees are generally within RMB 500. The specific amount shall be subject to the actual on-site charge of the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center. Students are advised to prepare the corresponding fees in advance. WeChat Pay, Alipay, and cash are usually accepted on site.

V. Application for Residence Permit for Study

(I) Application Process for New Students Applying for a Residence Permit for Study

1. The new student completes registration and information recording;

2. The visa affairs personnel notify the student of the time for physical examination and interview;

3. The University arranges vehicles to go to the physical examination site;

4. Officers from the exit and entry administration authority come to the University to conduct interviews, verify identities and materials on site, review identities, and check original passports and relevant materials on site;

5. After passing the interview, the student temporarily hands over the original passport and relevant materials to the visa affairs personnel for safekeeping;

6. After receiving the physical examination qualification certificate issued by the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center, the visa affairs personnel will submit all materials to the exit and entry administration authority for approval;

7. After the application is completed, the visa affairs personnel will return the passport according to the method notified by the University, and the student shall collect it in time as required by the notice.

If a student misses the on-campus interview conducted by officers from the exit and entry administration authority, the student shall contact the visa affairs personnel in a timely manner to make a new appointment, and the student shall go in person to the exit and entry administration authority as required to complete the interview and submit materials.

If a student goes in person to the exit and entry administration authority to submit the passport and application materials and obtains an Acceptance Receipt for Foreigner Visa Documents, the student shall properly keep it or submit it to the visa affairs personnel as required.

After a student entering China with an X1 visa obtains a residence permit for study, the student’s lawful residence status in China shall be based on the residence permit for study, and the original X1 visa will no longer serve as the basis for residence in China.

(II) Acceptance Receipt for Foreigner Visa Documents

If a student goes in person to the exit and entry administration authority to submit the passport and application materials, and the application meets the acceptance requirements, the student will obtain an Acceptance Receipt for Foreigner Visa Documents. According to the current Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners and other relevant provisions, during the period when the applicant’s passport or other international travel document is retained for visa document processing, the applicant may legally stay or reside in China with the Acceptance Receipt for Foreigner Visa Documents in accordance with the requirements of the exit and entry administration authority. The specific matters recorded on the receipt and the interpretation of the exit and entry administration authority shall prevail.

During the processing period, the receipt may usually be used to prove that the relevant visa document is being processed. Specific requirements for using the receipt when taking flights or trains, checking into hotels, undergoing identity verification, or in other situations may vary depending on the verification requirements of transportation institutions, accommodation providers, platform systems, or on-site staff. The requirements of the relevant authorities, transportation institutions, accommodation providers, and on-site verification shall prevail.

If the student handles the application in person and holds the receipt, the student may hand it over to the visa affairs personnel after use, so that the visa affairs personnel may assist in collecting the passport. For applications submitted uniformly by the University, receipts are in principle not issued separately to students. If a student needs to use the receipt under special circumstances, the student shall apply to the visa affairs personnel at least 3 working days in advance; however, the University does not guarantee that the receipt can be provided or that all usage needs can be met in every circumstance.

(III) Holders of Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards

Students holding a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card may complete registration with the following materials:

1. Valid passport;

2. Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.

Students holding a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card do not need to apply for a study visa or residence permit for study, but they shall still complete University registration, information verification, insurance enrollment, accommodation registration, and other relevant procedures.

VI. Document Management During Study

(I) Document Extension

1. Extension of Residence Permit

According to Article 32 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China: “Where foreigners need to extend the duration of residence, they shall file applications with the exit/entry administration of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level 30 days prior to the expiry of the validity period on their residence permits.”

Please contact the visa affairs personnel in advance to handle extension procedures. Students shall not wait until the residence permit is about to expire before contacting the University, so as to avoid affecting normal processing due to University review, payment verification, material preparation, appointment booking, material supplementation, or approval by the exit and entry administration authorities.

1. Extension of Visa Duration of Stay

According to Article 29 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China: “Where the duration of stay needs to be extended, the visa holder shall file an application with the exit/entry administration of the public security organ under the local people’s government at or above the county level in the place of his stay seven days prior to the expiry of the duration specified in the visa.”

Please contact the visa affairs personnel in advance to handle extension procedures. Students shall allow sufficient time for University review, payment verification, material preparation, appointment booking, material supplementation, and approval by the exit and entry administration authorities.

(II) Information Change and Filing

If any of the following information changes, the student shall file the change with the visa affairs personnel in a timely manner:

1. Passport number;

2. Contact phone number;

3. Email address;

4. Address;

5. Chinese name and other information.

Students shall ensure that the phone number, email address, WeChat, accommodation address, and other contact information submitted to the University are truthful, accurate, and valid, and shall update them in a timely manner after any change. Relevant matters shall be handled in accordance with Section II of this Guide.

(III) Passport Replacement

To allow sufficient time for University review, material preparation, and exit and entry procedures, students who replace their passport within China and hold a residence permit shall immediately complete temporary accommodation registration again after obtaining the new passport, and shall contact the visa affairs personnel for filing within 5 calendar days from the date of obtaining the new passport. The student shall, as required by the visa affairs personnel, handle changes to registered items on the residence permit, reissue of documents, or other relevant procedures in a timely manner.

Students are requested to keep communication with the visa affairs personnel before and after passport replacement to ensure that relevant registration, filing, and document procedures can be completed as required.

(IV) Passport Loss

After a passport is lost, the student shall:

1. Search carefully, and if the passport cannot be found, report the loss to the police and inform the visa affairs personnel;

2. Apply for a Passport Loss Certificate at the police station;

3. Apply for a new passport at the embassy or consulate of the student’s home country in China;

4. Complete temporary accommodation registration again;

5. Contact the visa affairs personnel to handle relevant document update procedures.

(V) Handling of Documents Obtained with Non-BFSU Materials After Arrival at the University

Students who come to the University with a residence permit for study or other residence permit obtained with materials not issued or confirmed by BFSU shall, in accordance with the relevant requirements of Section II of this Guide, contact the visa affairs personnel immediately and handle relevant procedures in accordance with the requirements of the University and the exit and entry administration authorities.

(VI) Document Application Notes

All applications for visas, stay permits, and residence permits within the scope of University services shall first be reviewed by the Overseas Students Affairs Office, and relevant application materials shall be issued or stamped as required before the application can be processed.

Once visa application materials are submitted, they generally cannot be withdrawn. Whether withdrawal is possible, how the application will be handled after withdrawal, and whether it will affect subsequent applications shall be subject to the actual processing requirements and approval results of the exit and entry administration authorities.

During the processing period, students shall keep their phone, WeChat, email, and other contact channels accessible. If the exit and entry administration authorities require the applicant to appear in person, attend an interview, or supplement materials, the student shall cooperate in a timely manner as required.

The exit and entry administration authorities may, based on the applicant’s personal circumstances, document status, visa history, application purpose, or review needs, require the student to submit additional materials. Requirements for supplementary materials are determined by the exit and entry administration authorities based on the actual review situation, and the University cannot inform students in advance of all such requirements. Relevant matters shall be handled in accordance with Section II of this Guide and the requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities.

VII. Off-Campus Internship, Work to Support Study, and Illegal Employment

According to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China and other relevant provisions, foreigners working in China shall obtain a work permit and a work-type residence permit in accordance with regulations. Where a foreign student violates the regulations on work to support study and works in China beyond the prescribed scope of positions or time limits, it constitutes illegal employment.

International students shall not engage in activities inconsistent with the purpose of their visa, stay, or residence. Without approval from the University and completion of the corresponding procedures, students shall not engage in part-time work, internship, employment, work to support study, or other paid or disguised paid activities, including but not limited to obtaining remuneration or benefits in the name of probation, labor remuneration, allowance, platform-based tasks, online remote work, tutoring, livestreaming, commercial promotion, or similar activities.

Students shall not engage in disguised paid labor, commercial promotion, platform tasks, or actual employment in the name of “volunteer service” or “public welfare activities”. Students participating in off-campus unpaid public welfare activities shall comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as the University’s relevant activity management requirements.

If a training program, scholarship program, or exchange program requires a student to participate in an internship, the student shall contact the school or department and the visa affairs personnel before the internship begins to confirm whether an off-campus internship endorsement, approval, or filing is required. The student shall not start the internship before completing the relevant procedures. For the specific approval process for off-campus internship endorsement, please first check the relevant University notices or instructions and then contact the visa affairs personnel. The latest explanation of the visa affairs personnel shall prevail.

VIII. Change of Student Status and Identity Adjustment

If a student undergoes suspension of study, transfer, withdrawal, graduation, completion of study, cancellation of admission qualification, cancellation of student status, or other changes in student status, the visa or residence permit originally obtained on the basis of the student’s registered study status does not automatically apply to the new status. The student shall, according to the specific circumstances and in accordance with the requirements of the University and the exit and entry administration authorities, handle document change, cancellation of documents, departure from China, or other relevant procedures in a timely manner. Whether a stay permit is required under special circumstances and the specific application requirements shall be subject to the approval result of the exit and entry administration authorities.

(I) Suspension of Study, Transfer, and Withdrawal

Students who suspend study, transfer, or withdraw shall generally follow the procedures below:

1. Complete student status change procedures in accordance with University regulations;

2. Complete stay permit, residence permit change, cancellation, or other relevant procedures in accordance with the requirements of the University and the exit and entry administration authorities;

3. Depart from China or stay in China in accordance with the requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities.

Students resuming study after suspension shall contact their school or department in advance to reapply for visa materials and reapply for a study visa to enter China.

(II) Graduation and Completion of Study

After graduation or completion of study, a student will no longer stay or reside in China as a registered student of the University. The student shall depart from China before the expiry of the duration of stay specified in the visa or before the expiry of the residence permit. If the student needs to continue staying or residing in China due to personal follow-up arrangements, the student shall consult and apply for the corresponding documents with the exit and entry administration authorities or relevant institutions according to the student’s actual purpose.

After graduation or completion of study, applications for visas, stay permits, residence permits, and follow-up document procedures are in principle outside the scope of international student visa and residence permit services provided by the University. The University will no longer issue or stamp document application materials based on the student’s former study status at the University, except where the student continues to a higher level of study at the University, enters a follow-up program confirmed by the University, or where the University provides otherwise.

(III) Cancellation of Admission Qualification or Student Status

Students whose admission qualification or student status is cancelled shall, in accordance with University notices and the requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities, complete stay permit, document change, cancellation, departure, or other relevant procedures in a timely manner.

If the student fails to complete relevant procedures as required, the University may also impose corresponding handling measures in accordance with University rules and regulations.

IX. Violations and Handling Guidelines

The following acts may result in penalties or affect subsequent visa, residence permit, and relevant document procedures under special circumstances:

1. Overstay of visa, stay permit, or residence permit;

2. Failure to complete document information change or relevant procedures in time after obtaining a new passport;

3. Failure to complete accommodation registration as required;

4. Illegal part-time work, internship, or employment;

5. Submission of false materials;

6. Failure to file important information changes with the University in a timely manner;

7. Failure to complete visa, residence permit, or relevant document procedures under special circumstances as required by the University;

8. Other circumstances that violate Chinese laws and regulations, exit and entry administration regulations, or University administrative requirements.

The consequences of relevant violations shall be handled in accordance with Section II of this Guide, Chinese laws and regulations, and the handling results of the exit and entry administration authorities. The University may also impose corresponding handling measures in accordance with University rules and regulations.

After a visa, stay permit, or residence permit expires, the student shall bring the passport, Registration Form of Temporary Accommodation, and other materials, report to the visa affairs personnel in a timely manner, and go to the exit and entry administration authorities as required to accept investigation and handling.

If the public security organ issues an administrative penalty decision, the student shall properly keep the Administrative Penalty Decision and other relevant materials. Such materials are important documents for subsequent applications for visas, stay permits, or residence permits.

X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

XI. Other Notes

This Guide is intended only to explain the service procedures and administrative requirements related to international student visas and residence permits for study at Beijing Foreign Studies University, as well as the handling requirements for relevant document procedures under special circumstances.

If national laws and regulations, policies of the exit and entry administration authorities, or University administrative rules are adjusted, the latest provisions and the actual processing requirements of the exit and entry administration authorities shall prevail.