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Study visas

Chinese China X Visa (Student Visa)

China's student visa. The X1 covers long-term study of more than 180 days, while the X2 is for short-term study of up to 180 days.

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Under review — check current rules

The 30-day post-entry residence-permit deadline and the JW201/JW202 and physical-examination requirements are widely documented; confirm the exact document list and any medical requirement with the specific mission and institution. No fee amount is stated.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official China government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
X Visa (X1 long-term / X2 short-term study)
Route type
Student visa
For
Long-term study of more than 180 days (X1 category)
Entry visa only
The X1 is generally a single-entry entry visa
It must be converted to a study-type residence permit after arrival
After entry
Apply for a study-type residence permit within 30 days
The residence permit, matched to the study term, governs the full stay
Where to apply
Chinese Visa Application Service Center or Chinese embassy/consulate, via COVA

Who can apply

  • International students accepted to study in China

What you can do

  • Study in China long-term, for more than 180 days (X1)
  • Study in China short-term, for up to 180 days (X2)

Requirements

  • Acceptance onto a long-term study programme in China (more than 180 days) - the X1 category
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages
  • A completed, printed and signed online application form with one recent white-background passport photo
  • A JW201 form (government-sponsored / scholarship students) or JW202 form (self-funded students), issued via the Chinese school or university
  • The original Admission Notice from the Chinese school or university
  • A Foreigner Physical Examination Record for long-term study, where required

How to apply

  • Receive your Admission Notice and JW201/JW202 form from the Chinese institution
  • Complete the COVA application form at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA and upload your documents
  • Submit your passport, the signed confirmation page and student documents to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or Chinese embassy/consulate when prompted, and pay the fee
  • After entering China on the X1 visa, apply at the local exit-entry administration for a study-type residence permit within 30 days of entry

Documents you may need

  • Original passport plus a photocopy of the bio-data page
  • Printed, signed COVA confirmation page and a recent passport photo
  • Original Admission Notice from the Chinese institution
  • JW201 form (scholarship) or JW202 form (self-funded)
  • Foreigner Physical Examination Record, where required for long-term study

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes. The X1 is only an entry visa. Within 30 days of arriving you must register with the local exit-entry administration and convert it into a study-type residence permit, which is issued to match your programme's term of study and authorises your full stay.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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