The Medical Exam: The "Foreigner Physical Examination Form"

Understanding the health requirements for your visa and residence permit.

The medical examination is one of the most confusing parts of the Chinese visa process because the rules change depending on your visa type and where you are applying. This guide clarifies who needs it, when to do it, and how to avoid having to pay for it twice.

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Do I Need a Medical Exam?

Use this logic tree to determine your requirements.

Scenario A: You are applying for an X2 Visa (Short Term)

• Requirement: Generally NO.
• Exceptions: A few specific consulates may request it randomly, but for 95% of short-term students, no medical check is required.

Scenario B: You are applying for an X1 Visa (Long Term)

• Requirement: YES, absolutely.
• The Nuance:
  1. For the Visa Application (Home Country): Many consulates (like in the US or UK) no longer require the physical exam form just to grant the visa. They only check the JW form and Admission letter. However...
  2. For the Residence Permit (In China): You WILL need a verified medical record to get your Residence Permit after you land.

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Performing the Exam at Home

If you choose to do the exam before you travel (recommended), you must use the official government form. A standard letter from your doctor is not accepted.

Step 1: Download the Form

Download the Official "Foreigner Physical Examination Form" (PDF) from your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate website.

Step 2: Visit a Public Hospital

Go to your doctor or a public clinic. Private clinics are sometimes rejected by Chinese authorities, but large public hospitals are widely accepted.

The exam must cover:

• General health check (height, weight, blood pressure).
• Vision and Color Blindness test.
• ECG / EKG (Original graph must be attached).
• Chest X-Ray (Original film or report must be attached).
• Blood Test: specifically for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.

Step 3: The Stamps (Crucial!)

Chinese bureaucracy runs on official stamps ("chops"). Your form will be rejected if it lacks the proper stamps.

1. The Photo Stamp: Glue your ID photo to the top right corner. Ask the hospital to stamp their official seal partially over the photo. This proves the photo wasn't swapped later.
2. The Signature Stamp: The doctor must sign and date the bottom. The hospital must stamp their official seal over the signature.

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The Risk of "Re-Check" in China

When you arrive in China, you will take your home-country form to the local International Travel Health Care Center for verification.

One of two things will happen:

1. Verification Passed: The Chinese doctors review your form, X-rays, and blood reports. If everything is clear and the stamps are correct, they issue a "Certificate of Verification" for a small fee (~60 RMB). You are done.
2. Verification Failed: If you missed an item (e.g., forgot the ECG graph), or if the stamps look unofficial, they will reject your form.
   • Consequence: You must redo the specific missing tests or the entire exam right there at the center.
   • Cost: You will pay the standard fee (~400–600 RMB).

Is it worth doing at home? Yes, because if you pass verification, you save time and money. If you fail, you just pay what you would have paid anyway. There is no penalty other than the cost.

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Readiness Checklist

If you are an X1 applicant:

• Downloaded the blank PDF form.
• Scheduled an appointment with a doctor (within 3-4 months of travel).
• Confirmed the clinic can perform X-Rays, ECG, and Blood Tests.

Next Step: How to Apply (Select Your Region) →