China Medical Examination Form for International Students: What Official Pages Say

This page reads four official pages: an embassy notice, a Beijing government guide, a Shanghai government guide and the text of the State Council regulation. It gives general administrative information and no medical advice.

What an embassy notice lists for study visas

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Iraq published a notice on visa policy and procedures dated 2024-10-22. The notice says the X1 visa is for those who intend to study in China for more than 180 days. It says the X2 visa is for those who intend to study in China for no more than 180 days.

For X1 and X2 the notice lists four items. The first is the original and photocopy of the "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202). The second is the original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China. The third is the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner. The fourth is proof of financial status, or a scholarship certificate.

A bracketed note beside the third item says to see Annex I where the intended duration exceeds 180 days. The annex itself was not read.

That is one embassy's notice, so other embassies and consulates may list different items.

What the regulation says about the residence permit

For a study residence permit, the State Council's Regulation on the Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners says the applicant submits, as the rules provide, a letter from the enrolling institution stating the period of study, among other supporting materials.

The regulation also says foreigners who apply for a residence permit valid for 1 year or more must submit a health certificate as the rules provide. A health certificate is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued.

State Council Order 814 amended the Regulation, and the Order took effect on 1 October 2025.

What the Beijing guide says for students

The Beijing Municipal Government English portal carries a guide to the health entrance examination. The page carries the date 2022-12-16.

The guide says people shall undergo a physical examination if they are foreigners who apply to reside permanently, obtain employment, study or stay in China for one year or longer, and have reached the age of 16.

For a student residence permit, the guide lists the original and photocopy of the student card or admission notice. It also lists the original and photocopy of the Visa Application for Study in China (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

The guide separately describes people who had a physical examination at an overseas medical institution within the past six months. It asks them to bring all the examination reports and the original Physical Examination Record for Foreigner, stamped by the overseas institution, to a health centre and ask for verification.

What the Shanghai guide says for students

The Shanghai Municipal Government English portal carries a guide to the health check. The page is dated August 30, 2024, and its footer says it was updated July 14, 2026.

The guide says anyone planning to live, work or study in Shanghai for a year or more needs to complete a health check at the International Travel Healthcare Center. It says this step is crucial for applying for residence and employment permits.

For applicants seeking a residence permit for study, the guide lists the original and a photocopy of the student ID card or admission letter.

The guide also says to complete the health check as soon as possible after arrival to avoid delays in subsequent visa-related procedures.

Questions people ask

Is the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner the same as the health certificate?

The regulation text read here uses the term health certificate and does not name the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner.

Does the Iraq embassy notice list the record for X2?

The Iraq embassy notice lists the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner among the items for X1 and X2 and refers to an annex for durations above 180 days. The annex was not read.

How long is a health certificate valid?

The regulation text says a health certificate is valid for 6 months from the day it is issued.

Sources

Each source above was read on the date shown. This page is an unofficial summary of general administrative information. It is not published by the bodies named above, and it is not medical advice. If it differs from the official pages, the official pages prevail, and rules may change after the check date.