China has decided to ease tight border entry restrictions for foreign students and business travelers with effect from Wednesday. The restrictions had been applied in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, two years ago.
Chinese embassies in various countries have made the announcement regarding the new policy that resumes the issuance of X1 visas for students from across the globe receiving academic education in China.
“Many students on an X1 visa have already been contacted by their universities, or will be contacted in the following weeks. In addition to the embassies that have already opened student X1 visa applications, we expect all [Chinese] embassies to open their student visa services again in a gradual and coordinated manner,” said higher education consultancy China Admissions in a recent post.
The easing of visa restrictions is significant for international students, especially those pursuing degrees in medicine that are far more financially reasonable in China than in Western nations.
“For students who return to China to resume their studies: ‘Certificate of Returning to Campus’ issued by the university in China” is required, the Embassy said.
Despite the eased restrictions, China still requires those arriving from overseas to quarantine at a hotel or private home and provide proof of a negative test in order to enter public and commercial spaces.
The latest official messages contain the strongest signs yet that Beijing is readying for a mass return of international students.
How to Apply for X1 Visa
According to a statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Pakistan, applicants can apply for the X1 visa by submitting the Visa Application for Study in China form and an admission letter or certificate for returning to campus issued by Chinese institutions.
China had largely closed its borders after the coronavirus was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019.