This answer can change all the time... It's best not to provide you with a definitive answer here because it could change tomorrow. That said, right now this is the deal: Chinese consulates in Germany, New York and Japan do not require originals for student visa applications Italy, Spain, Indonesia and Texas do require originals. MAKE SURE - Please ask your student advisor the situation and they can enlighten you. Sometimes it's best to actually apply at an embassy not as near to you as another due to speed of processing.