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Visa FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about passports and visas. Please look through these answers and if you still can't find what you're looking for, we'd be happy to talk to you!

Visa Application Instructions

For detailed instructions on how to complete your visa application, click HERE.

Do I need a passport?

YES!!!! Please visit the U.S. State Department travel pages for the most up-to-date information regarding passport application and fees. If you don't have a passport, you should apply for one immediately when you begin to think about studying abroad.

What is a visa and what kind of visa do I need to participate on an Alliance program in China?

In addition to a valid passport, you are also required to secure a visa to enter China. A visa is an official document/seal that is glued into your passport that permits you to enter the country.

Single term student visas: If you are planning to study for one term (summer, fall, or spring) then you should apply for an "F" visa. Summer term students should apply for a 90-day (three month) visa. Fall and spring term students should apply for visas that allow you to stay in China up to 180 days (six months). A physical examination is NOT required of those applying for an "F" visa.

Multiple term student visas: Multiple term students (e.g., summer and fall; fall and spring; spring and summer, etc.) should also apply for the ‘"F" visa. After your first program in China ends, you will then apply for a temporary Resident Permit which will allow you to stay in China for your second Alliance program. Alliance China staff will advise you on this process, which requires a physical examination. This examination will take place in China.

Results of the physical examination are available after 5 business days. The paperwork for the Resident Permit can be submitted only upon receipt of the physical examination results. While awaiting the physical examination results, Alliance staff will assist students in preparing paperwork for a Resident Permit. Upon receipt of the physical examination results and all paperwork is submitted, the Resident Permit will be processed in approximately 5 business days. The Resident Permit allows unlimited entries to China during the course of the Permit's validity. Again, this process is only required of multiple term Alliance students.

Where do I go to get a visa?

Any consular authority of the People's Republic of China (Embassies and Consulates in the United States and abroad) can issue a visa. You must appear in person at the Embassy or Consulate in your district. You may also entrust a family member or friend to submit your application and passport. Please visit the website of the Chinese Embassy in the United States for more information.

What happens if I live too far away from the nearest Embassy or Consulate?

This is the case for many students. If you are not able to appear in person, then you should use a visa service agent. A visa agent will appear at the Embassy or Consulate on your behalf. Below are three agents former participants have used in the past.

When should I secure my visa?

You first need a valid passport. You can't apply for your visa until you receive two important documents from your Chinese host university. These documents include a JW 202 form and an Admission Notice. Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive these documents any earlier from your Chinese host university. These visa documents are mailed to students from the Alliance as follows:

Fall term students - mid-July
Spring term students - late December or early January
Summer term students - mid-May

Should I make copies of my visa documents?

YES. Please make a copy (or even multiple copies) of all visa-related paperwork (JW202 form and Admission Notice) before submitting to a Consulate or Visa Agent. You will be required to submit your original JW202 form and Admission Notice, along with your visa application. Be sure to bring photocopies of your JW202 form and Admission Notice with you to China and keep them in your personal records for the duration of your stay.

Is it possible to extend my visa so I can travel around China at the conclusion of my program?

Although visa rules can change without notice, past participants have been able to extend their visa for a short time after the program ends if your visa was issued outside China. Speak to your Alliance Resident Director about extending your visa. The current cost to extend your visa is approximately $140, but this fee can change at any time. Keep in mind that if you want to stay in China longer than 180 days, you are required to get a physical.

Is it possible to travel to other countries during or at the conclusion of my Alliance program?

This depends on the number of "entries" your visa contains. All Alliance Summer students are instructed to apply for a single entry visa. This means you can enter China only once with your visa. Fall and Spring Semester students attending SUFE must secure a double entry visa because students travel to Hong Kong on the field study trip and must re-enter mainland China at the conclusion of this trip. (Summer SUFE students do not visit Hong-Kong. The field study trip is within mainland China.) Fall and Spring semester BLCU, Fudan and SNU students require only a single entry visa since field study trips are in mainland China. If you wish to travel outside mainland China during or at the conclusion of your program, you must request a 'double' entry visa or a 'multi' entry visa. Whether or not you are awarded a 'double' or 'multi' entry visa is at the discretion of the visa official processing your visa application. Many times, students are only awarded a 'single' entry visa. If this happens, you can purchase another visa 'entry' when you arrive in China. This will cost an additional fee.

It is possible to change your single or double entry visa after arriving in China?

Your Alliance Resident Director can advise you on this process.

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