Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date and have at least two blank pages. Damaged passports are often rejected outright.
Common mistake
Water-damaged pages, loose binding, or stamps from restricted countries can trigger extra scrutiny. If your passport is worn, consider renewing before applying.
Visa Application Form (V.2013)
Fill this online at the CVASC website. Every field must be completed. "N/A" is acceptable for irrelevant fields; blanks are not.
| Field | What to write | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Exactly as in passport | Including middle names inconsistently |
| Purpose of visit | Study / Student | Writing 'tourism' or 'business' |
| Intended date of entry | Realistic date | Date before visa is ready |
| Longest intended stay | Course duration in days | Writing '6 months' instead of '180 days' |
| Itinerary | School address + your housing | Leaving blank |
Print single-sided. Some centers reject double-sided prints. Sign with a black pen.
Passport Photo
The spec is strict: 33mm x 48mm, white background, no glasses, no smile, full face visible. US passport photos (2x2 inches) are rejected.
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Head should cover 50–70% of the photo height
- No headwear except for religious purposes (with proof)
Admission Letter
Your Chinese school issues this after you enroll and pay a deposit. It must include:
- Your full name (matching passport exactly)
- Course name and duration
- School's official stamp and signature
- Date of issue
If the letter is in Chinese, some centers accept it as-is; others want a translation. Call your center to confirm.
JW202 Form
The JW202 is an official government form issued by Chinese universities. Not all private language schools can provide this — they may issue a school-specific admission letter instead.
Check with your visa center whether a JW202 is required or if a school letter suffices. Requirements vary by country and even by individual center.
Proof of Funds
Show you can support yourself without working. Accepted documents:
- Personal bank statement (last 3 months, ~$3,000–5,000 balance)
- Sponsor letter + sponsor's bank statement + sponsor's ID
- Scholarship award letter
- Paid tuition receipt (counts toward proof)
Flight Itinerary
A round-trip booking or proof of onward travel is usually required. Some centers accept a reservation without full payment; others want a paid ticket. If unsure, book a refundable fare.
Worried about missing a document?
We have a complete checklist tailored to your nationality and school. Get in touch and we will review your document list.
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