THIS WEBPAGE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE TYPE OF VISA YOU NEED AND THE APPLICATION PROCESS, ENSURING A SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY AS YOU PURSUE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS WITH US.

BEFORE YOUR STUDIES

As an international student, you must obtain an X1 or X2 visa before coming to China to start your courses. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to register for your study at HKUST (GZ).

For more details, please visit the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

DURING YOUR STUDIES

Generally, an X1 visa is valid for 30 days after entry into China. Upon arrival, please promptly complete the required post-entry procedures and apply for a residence permit through the International Students Information System. A fine of 500RMB per day will be applied for visa expiration.

For any questions related to visa applications, please email inboundservices@hkust-gz.edu.cn.

Note:

1. The university can assist with residence permit applications only for officially registered students.

2. Decisions made by the Exit and Entry Administration department of the Public Security Bureau on the application material, validity period and total entry times of the visa, stay permit, and residence permit shall be final.

Step by step guidance

STEP BY STEP GUIDANCE

1. Prepare the required documents for visa application.


2. Submit your visa application through International Students Information System.


3. After receiving the University’s confirmation email, visit the designated immigration office on the date specified.


4. Collect your passport from immigration office on the designated date.


5. Update your visa information in International Students Information System.

Notes: Students residing off campus must also visit the local police station to update their visa information and obtain a new Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors. Once obtained, please upload the form to the International Student Information System.

 What you need to prepare

WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE

1. First application for Residence Permit for Study 

a. Original passport and copy of valid passport and the visa used in the latest entry. 

b. A valid Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors in Guangzhou  (for those living off campus)

c. Physical examination result issued by Guangzhou International Travel Health Care Center 

d. Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province and one photo 

e. Copy of Admission Letter 

f. Original Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW202)


2. Extension of Residence Permit for Study 

a. Original passport and copy of valid passport and the visa used in the latest entry 

b. A valid Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors in Guangzhou (for those living off campus) 

c. Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province and one photo 


3. Change Registration for Transfer Students 

Students who studied in other universities of mainland of China last semester and hold residence permit for study, need to submit the following material: 

a. Original passport and copy of valid passport and the latest visa 

b. A valid Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors in Guangzhou 

c. Physical examination result issued by Guangzhou International Travel Health Care Center 

d. Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province and one photo 

e. Copy of Admission Letter of the current host institution 

f. Original Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW202) 

g. Transfer letter or Graduation (Completion) Certificate of previous study organization as well as Certificate of Attendance and Transcript  


4. Off-campus Internship Specified in the Residence Permit for Study 

International students holding a residence permit for study shall not engage in any off-campus work or internship unless the related information is specified in his/her residence permit. Otherwise, it will be treated as participating in illegal employment. For the application of off-campus internship specified in the residence permit, students need to prepare the following documents: 

a. Original passport and copy of valid passport and the visa used in the latest entry

b. A valid Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors in Guangzhou

c. Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province and one photo

d. A formal acceptance letter from the company, including the internship duration, internship position and the location of the company

e. A formal letter from the program office(for PG) or Student Career Service Department (for UG) to approve your internship

 How to prepare the material 

HOW TO PREPARE THE MATERIAL 

1. Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors

On-campus accommodation: Log in to the International Student Information System, update your information, and submit the required documents. The University will forward them to the police station and assist you with the registration process.

Off-campus accommodation in Guangzhou: Visit the local police station with your passport and rental contract, accompanied by your landlord, to complete the registration and obtain the form.


2. Physical examination result issued by Guangzhou International Travel Health Care Center

You shall go to the Official WeChat account “广州国际旅行卫生保健中心” to make an appointment and complete all examinations or verification. The report is generally available within four working days.


3. Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province(广东省外国人签证数字相片采集回执)

Visit any photo studio and request photo receipt for an international student visa application in China.

 Reissue of Visas/Residence Permits/Stay Permits

REISSUE OF VISAS/RESIDENCE PERMITS/STAY PERMITS

Where visas/residence permits/stay permits held by international students need to be reissued due to loss, damage, theft or robbery after entry of China, those international students may apply for a reissue in accordance with the type, validity period of entry and duration of the original visas, stay or residence permits. The number of entries will be reissued in accordance with the remaining valid number of entries of the original visas. 


Handling procedures 

1. Report to the local police station where the loss or theft occurred and claim for Receipt of Reporting to the Police. 

2. Report to Entry and Exit Administration Bureau of Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau with Completed Report Form indicating the process of lost, Receipt of Reporting to the Police and certificates proving nationality and identity and apply for The Confirmation of Reporting the loss of Passport. 

3. Apply for new passport with The Confirmation of Reporting the loss of Passport in the embassy or consulate stationed in China. 

4. Apply for the reissue of visa by submitting the application in the International Students Information System. 


Requirements and Documents to Be submitted 

Those who obtain new passports due to loss, theft or damage in China: 

a. Original and photocopies of valid passport and the visa in the latest entry; 

b. One digital photo and its “Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province”; 

c. A valid Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors in Guangzhou; 

d. Certificates relating to the reissue of visa/residence permit/stay permit 

①Where visas/residence permits/stay permits need to be reissued due to loss or theft, those foreigners shall submit the original of Confirmation of Reporting the loss of Passport or a note sent by their embassy or consulate stationed in China, and a new passport or other valid international travel documents; 

②Where visas residence permits/stay permits need to be reissued due to damage, the holders shall submit the damaged passport or a note sent by their embassy or consulate stationed in China, and a new passport; 
Those who obtain new passports due to loss, theft or damage outside of China:     

a. Original and photocopies of valid passport and the visa used in the latest entry; 
b. One digital photo and its “Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province”; 
c. A valid Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors in Guangzhou; 

AFTER YOUR STUDIES

Student visas need to be canceled once students' study status changes, including but not limited to students who graduate, get terminated, withdraw, suspend, or transfer out. They have to apply for other types of visas, like a residence permit for personal matters (noted as entrepreneurship) and a stay visa.

Note: Decisions made by the Exit and Entry Administration department of Public Security Bureau on the application material, validity period and total entry times of visa, stay permit and residence permit shall be final.  

Residence Permits for Personal Matters（noted as entrepreneurship）

RESIDENCE PERMITS FOR PERSONAL MATTERS（NOTED AS ENTREPRENEURSHIP）

International students who intend to innovate and start business in Guangdong Province after graduation or completion of study, you can apply for residence permits for personal matters (noted as entrepreneurship). 

Requirements and documents to be submitted: 

    a. Original passport and copy of valid passport and the latest visa 

    b. A valid Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors in Guangzhou 

    c. One digital photo and its Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong province 

    d. Business plan  

    e. Graduation Certificate  

  f. Residence Permit Application Form: You can get this form by making an appointment in this link: https://gzwg.gzjd.gov.cn/crj-app-server/crjmsjw/index2 

 Stay Permit

STAY PERMIT

International students, who are not able to leave China within the validity period of their residence permits after graduation or completion of study, may apply for stay permits with a validity period of no more than 30 days.  

Requirements and documents to be submitted: 

    a. Original passport and copy of valid passport and the latest visa 

    b. A valid Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors in Guangzhou 

    c. One digital photo and its Receipt of China Visa Photograph for Foreigners in Guangdong Province 

    d. End of Study Certificate or Graduation Certificate/ Completion Certificate issued by the host institution 

  e. Residence Permit Application Form: You can get this form by making an appointment in this link: https://gzwg.gzjd.gov.cn/crj-app-server/crjmsjw/index2