China issues new visa application process for Bangladeshi students

China has introduced a new requirement for travel agencies handling visa applications in Bangladesh while leaving its student visa policy unchanged, meaning the latest measure affects the application process rather than eligibility for international students.

Under a notice issued by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, travel agencies submitting Chinese visa applications on behalf of applicants must hold accreditation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The requirement came into effect on July 5, 2026 and is intended to improve the quality and standard of visa services.

The embassy has emphasised that the requirement applies only to travel agencies acting on behalf of applicants. It does not change China's student visa policy, admission requirements or the criteria used to assess visa applications.

China continues to issue two types of student visas for international applicants.

The X1 visa is intended for students enrolling in degree programmes or courses lasting more than 180 days, while the X2 visa is issued for short-term study programmes of 180 days or less.

Prospective students must first obtain admission to a recognised Chinese educational institution before applying for a visa. The admitting university provides the admission notice and other supporting documents required for the visa application.

The embassy has not announced any changes to these visa categories or to the eligibility requirements for international students.

Ordinary passport holders in Bangladesh submit their visa applications through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Dhaka, which has handled visa applications on behalf of the Chinese Embassy since April 2024.

According to the latest guidance, applicants may either submit their visa applications in person or authorise an IATA-accredited travel agency to do so on their behalf.

The embassy and the Visa Application Service Center have clarified that accredited agencies act only as authorised representatives for applicants. IATA accreditation does not provide any preferential treatment during visa processing or increase the likelihood of visa approval, with all applications assessed in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

For Bangladeshi students planning to pursue higher education in China, the latest update does not introduce new visa restrictions or alter admission requirements. Instead, it changes the submission procedure for applicants who choose to use travel agencies.

Students applying through an agency should ensure it holds valid IATA accreditation before submitting their documents. Those applying in person may continue to follow the existing procedures through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

With the existing X1 and X2 visa categories remaining in place, prospective students will continue to follow the same admission and visa requirements as before, with the only significant change being the accreditation requirement for travel agencies submitting applications on behalf of applicants.