Return ticket for a student visa?

[november1]

I need to apply for a student visa for 1 year. Does anyone know whether you need a return-flight ticket or whether you can enter into china with a one-way ticket without running into a problem? Many thanks for your help!

[james_moat]

As far as I am aware, no, you only need a single. Booking six months or a year in advance is not convenient these days for most people. Do be warned though that, certainly from Europe, a return is often cheaper than a single flight, so you may wish to try book ahead anyway, even if you may not be able to take that flight in the future. Some airlines' websites do not allow you to book a year in advance, only up to 6 months, but if you go via expedia, opodo, or another agency, you can often get a return at a far distant date.

Even if you do book a return flight, just initially show the embassy the single flight. You can always provide them with a return one if they question it. For a student visa, I don't think a return is necessary for now.