China · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Study in China uses the X1 visa for programmes longer than 180 days and the X2 visa for 180 days or fewer. The university issues an Admission Notice and a JW202 form (JW201 for Chinese-Government-Scholarship students), which you submit with the visa application. The critical step after arriving on an X1: you must convert it into a residence permit within 30 days. A Foreigner Physical Examination Record and proof of funds are commonly required.
To study in China you apply for an X1 visa (programmes longer than 180 days) or an X2 visa (180 days or fewer). The university issues an Admission Notice and a JW202 form (JW201 for government-scholarship students), which you submit with your visa application. After entering on an X1 visa you must convert it into a residence permit within 30 days. campuschina.org (CSC) explains the process; the National Immigration Administration oversees entry-exit.
- X1 is for study over 180 days (convert to a residence permit within 30 days of entry); X2 is for 180 days or fewer.
- You need the university's Admission Notice and a JW202 form (JW201 for Chinese-Government-Scholarship students) for the visa application.
- A Foreigner Physical Examination Record (completed within the validity window) and proof of funds are commonly required.
- Apply through the Chinese visa application channel for your country; check current requirements before applying.
- 1
Choose X1 or X2 by programme length
X1 is for study over 180 days; X2 covers 180 days or fewer. The two have different follow-up obligations after arrival, so the choice matters.
- 2
Obtain the Admission Notice and JW form
The university issues the Admission Notice plus a JW202 form — or JW201 if you hold a Chinese Government Scholarship. Both are required for the visa application.
- 3
Complete the physical examination record
A Foreigner Physical Examination Record is commonly required and must be completed within its validity window, so time it against your travel date.
- 4
Apply through your country's Chinese visa channel
Submit the application through the Chinese visa application channel serving your country, with the Admission Notice, JW form, medical record and proof of funds.
- 5
Convert X1 to a residence permit within 30 days
This is the deadline that catches people out. After entering on an X1 you must obtain a residence permit within 30 days — the visa itself does not carry you through the programme.
- Correct visa chosen by programme length (X1 over 180 days / X2 up to 180)
- Admission Notice received
- JW202 (or JW201 for CSC scholars) obtained
- Foreigner Physical Examination Record completed in its validity window
- Proof of funds prepared
- Application submitted through the official Chinese visa channel
- Residence-permit conversion scheduled within 30 days of entry (X1)
- China Scholarship Council — Study in China
Official portal explaining the JW202/admission and X-visa process.
- National Immigration Administration
National authority for entry-exit and residence permits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between X1 and X2?
X1 is for study programmes longer than 180 days and requires converting to a residence permit within 30 days of entry. X2 covers programmes of 180 days or fewer and does not carry that conversion step.
What is a JW202 form?
It is the visa application form for studying in China that your university issues alongside the Admission Notice. Chinese-Government-Scholarship students receive a JW201 instead. You need the correct one for your visa application.
What must I do after arriving on an X1 visa?
Convert it into a residence permit within 30 days of entry. This deadline is easy to miss because the visa looks valid, but the residence permit is what covers your stay for the programme.
Government portals
- China Government Portal — State Council official portal — policy releases, public services, and government documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — China's foreign policy and consular services — passport, visa, and consular protection info
- National Immigration Administration — Visas, permanent residency, and border control for foreigners entering China
- State Taxation Administration — Personal income tax filing, business tax registration, and VAT invoice verification