ChinaStudy and training

China student visa (X1 and X2)

X1 and X2 visas (study)

In short

X1 is for study in China longer than 180 days and is followed by a study residence permit within 30 days; X2 is for courses of up to 180 days. Both require an admission letter, the JW201 or JW202 form (or the DQ form for short programmes) and proof of sufficient funds, or a scholarship.

Apply on China Online Visa Application System (MFA) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
X2: up to 180 days; X1: entry visa followed by a residence permit valid 180 days to 5 years
Fee
The fee depends on your nationality, the number of entries and the Chinese mission where you apply; several missions apply a temporary reduced fee until 31 December 2026, and visa application centres add their own service charge. Check the current table of the embassy or centre responsible for you.
Funds required
The amount of funds to show is set by the Chinese mission where you apply; a scholarship, such as a Chinese Government Scholarship, can replace it.
Processing time
Set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply
Work
Only work-study within the rules for foreign students, with school approval
Where to apply
Online form, then documents and passport in person at the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center responsible for your place of residence

X1 or X2

Degree programmes, language programmes of one semester or longer, and exchange semesters of more than 180 days need X1. Summer schools, short language courses and research stays of up to 180 days need X2. You must first be admitted by a Chinese university or school that is authorised to enrol international students; the school then issues the admission letter and the JW201 (scholarship) or JW202 (self-funded) visa application form.

Funds

Add proof of sufficient funds for the length of the programme, in the amount required by the mission where you apply, or a scholarship certificate such as a Chinese Government Scholarship award.

After arrival

X1 holders apply within 30 days for a study residence permit at the local exit-entry administration, normally with help from the university's international office; a health check may be required by the school or local authority. Register your address within 24 hours if you live off campus. X2 holders do not need a residence permit.

Part-time work and internships

International students may work only within China's rules on work-study for foreign students, with the approval of their school and within the permitted types of job and hours. Under Article 43 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, work beyond these limits is unlawful employment.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page, plus copies of visas and entry stamps from the last 12 months

Money

  • Proof of sufficient funds for the length of study, or scholarship certificate

Study

  • Admission letter from the Chinese school
  • JW201 or JW202 form (or the basic-education approval form; DQ form for short X2 programmes)

Other

  • Online application form completed and approved in the visa system, with a photo meeting Chinese visa photo rules

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • Copies of your last three Chinese visas, if any
  • If you apply outside your country of nationality: proof of legal residence or stay in the country where you apply (residence permit or visa)

How to apply, step by step

  1. Collect the documents for your visa category and check the website of the Chinese mission responsible for you for any additional documents it requires.
  2. Apply to a Chinese university or school, receive the admission letter and the JW201/JW202 (or DQ) form, and prepare proof of funds.
  3. Fill in the online form and upload the documents on the system named by the Chinese mission responsible for you: consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA or, where the mission uses a visa application centre, visaforchina.cn.
  4. Wait for online pre-approval and correct any item the system asks for, then hand in your passport and originals in person.
  5. Give fingerprints if your visa leads to a residence permit (Q1, S1, X1, Z, D); short visas up to 180 days are exempt until 31 December 2026.
  6. Pay the fee as instructed by the mission or visa centre and collect your passport; the processing time depends on where you apply.

Frequently asked questions

What is the JW202 form?

The Visa Application for Study in China form issued by your university for self-funded students (JW201 for scholarship holders). It is required for X1 and for some X2 applications.

How much money do I need to show?

Enough to cover the length of your studies, in the amount set by the mission where you apply, unless a scholarship covers your costs.

Can I change from X2 to X1 in China?

Changes depend on the local exit-entry administration; generally students who plan to stay over 180 days should enter with X1.

Can my family join me?

Family members of foreigners studying in China can apply for S1 (long stay) or S2 (short visits).

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for China

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Duration of stay printed on the visa (short-stay visas allow up to 180 days per entry)

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Entry visa; the work residence permit is valid from 90 days to 5 years
  • Skilled worker visa Processing time: Set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply

Family

Residence

  • Residence permit Maximum stay: Work type 90 days–5 years; non-work types 180 days–5 years
  • Permanent residence Maximum stay: Permanent; the ID card itself is renewed when it expires

China visa guide