For Indian students locked out of China, the long and agonizing wait to return to school appears to be coming to an end. On Monday, the Chinese Embassy in India finally announced plans to issue Chinese visas to people stranded overseas since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than two years ago.
Ji Rong, counselor of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted on Twitter, sending a congratulatory message to the Indian students who are firmly waiting for auspicious developments in the difficult situation: "My warmest congratulations to the Indian students! Your patience has proven to be worth it. I really It's okay to share your excitement and joy. "Welcome back to China!"
The news was met with immediate relief and gratitude, with many students thanking counselors for their efforts in recent weeks to keep those affected informed.
Despite the progress, there are concerns about flight availability and ticket prices. As of now, there are no direct flights between the two countries and Indian nationals who have been allowed into China have reported spending much higher amounts on non-direct flights than regular fares, CNBC TV18 reported.
Applying for a Chinese Visa from India: A Guide for Students
The latest news from Counselor Ji Rong on Monday was that the embassy explained in detail how Indian nationals can apply for a visa from their country. The updated directive is effective from August 24, 2022.
If you are an Indian student who needs a Chinese visa to return to campus, here is what you need to know:
Online application and appointment
Click on the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in New Delhi and fill in the complete details on the online form and confirmation page . You can then follow the system instructions and use your application form number to make an appointment.
Submit your documents and
You will need to submit your documents in person at CVASC on the designated date and time. You are exempted from having your fingerprints taken at the visa center in New Delhi if:
You are under 14 years of age or above 70 years of age.
You have provided fingerprints at the Chinese Embassy in India or CVASC within the last five years and using the same passport.
You have permanent damage that renders all of your fingerprints unreadable.
X1 Documents required for China visa
According to the embassy, applicants of all categories submitting documents from India will need the following:
Your visa application form.
Confirmation page for online visa application.
Original passport with two or more blank pages, which must be valid for at least six months, and photocopies of any relevant pages.
Passport that has expired within the last five years and a copy of the relevant pages of the old passport.
Two recent passport photos measuring 48mm x 33mm. They must show your face completely from the front, bald.
COVID-19 vaccination certificate with verifiable QR code.
For non-Indian citizens applying from this country: Valid long-term residence visa or work permit.
Any other necessary materials required by the Embassy in New Delhi or CVASC.
X1 visa applicants, including freshmen and returning students enrolled in long-term academic studies at Chinese universities, require additional documentation:
For all students: a letter with your name, the place you will visit upon arrival, your address, contact number and an cover letter of your university or admissions office email.
Newly admitted students: original copy of visa application form to study in China (JW201 or JW202 form) and original admission notice issued by the school.
Returning students: Official “Return to School Certificate” issued by a Chinese university.
Applying from outside New Delhi
For Indian students residing in Maharashtra or Karnataka , the embassy recommends applying through Mumbai instead of the CVASC in New Delhi. People residing in or near Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal are encouraged to obtain a Chinese visa at the application center in Kolkata.
