The X1 visa is for programs longer than 180 days (most full-time degrees); X2 is for 30-180 days (language programs, exchange, short courses). You need an Admission Notice and JW202 form from your university, a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent photo, and a physical examination form. The visa costs $25-90 USD depending on nationality (varies by reciprocity) and is processed in 4-7 business days. After arriving in China, you must apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days — this allows you to stay for the full duration of your program and includes a multi-entry permit.
Key takeaways
- X1 = programs over 180 days (most full degrees). X2 = 30-180 day programs
- You need the Admission Notice AND the JW202 form from your university
- Apply at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate — processing is 4-7 business days
- Visa fee is $25-90 USD, depending on your nationality
- After arrival, apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days (X1 holders)
- You can work part-time on campus (8 hrs/week) with university approval
X1 vs X2: which visa do you need?
Chinese student visas split into two categories. Picking the wrong one creates a real problem — you would have to leave China and re-apply.
| Feature | X1 (long-term study) | X2 (short-term study) |
|---|---|---|
| Program length | 180+ days | 30-180 days |
| Typical for | Bachelor, master, PhD, 1-year language | Semester exchange, summer program, short course |
| Initial validity | 30 days (single entry) | 30-180 days (single or multiple entry) |
| Required after arrival | Residence Permit within 30 days | None — exit and re-enter on visa expiry |
| Work rights | On-campus part-time with university approval | Generally no |
| Renewal | Through Residence Permit, renewable annually | Re-apply from outside China |
| Family accompaniment | Spouse and minor children can apply for family visa | Generally not eligible |
How to choose
For 99% of international students in a full-time degree program, the answer is X1. The only common X2 case is a semester exchange or a 1-2 month summer program. If you are unsure, ask your university's international office — they issue the right JW202 form for your program.
Required documents: the visa application package
Most embassies require the same core documents. Some add country-specific items (financial proof, police clearance).
- Passport — original, valid for at least 1 year beyond program start, with at least 2 blank pages
- Visa Application Form — completed online at the embassy's website or the COVA system, then printed and signed
- Admission Notice — the original or a certified copy from the Chinese university
- JW201 or JW202 form — issued by the university. JW201 for CSC scholars; JW202 for self-funded
- Physical Examination Form — the same one used for university admission, completed by a licensed doctor
- Passport-style photo — white background, taken within the last 6 months (usually 48x33mm)
- Proof of financial means — bank statement showing ~$5,000-10,000 USD equivalent (some embassies require this)
- Travel insurance — some embassies require proof of insurance covering at least the first month in China
- Police clearance certificate — for students from countries where this is required (Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and a few others)
Document requirements vary by embassy. Always check the specific embassy website for your country before applying. Some embassies process student visa applications only on certain days or by appointment.
How to apply: step-by-step
The application is straightforward once you have your documents. Most embassies have moved to online submission with a drop-off appointment.
- Check your embassy's specific requirements — most have a dedicated "student visa" page on their website
- Fill in the visa application form online — COVA (China Online Visa Application) is the standard system for most embassies
- Book an appointment — many embassies require one, especially for student visa or first-time applicants
- Print the form and gather your documents — original Admission Notice + JW202 are the critical two
- Attend the appointment — submit the application, pay the fee, and have your biometrics (photo + fingerprints) taken
- Wait for processing — standard is 4-7 business days, but it can stretch to 2-3 weeks in peak season (June-August)
- Pick up your passport — most embassies offer a tracking number or email notification
Express processing
Some embassies offer 1-3 day express processing for an additional fee ($20-50). It's worth the cost if your program start date is close.
Visa fees and processing times
Visa fees follow the principle of reciprocity — what Chinese citizens pay for a US or UK visa, you pay for a Chinese visa. Most countries pay $25-90.
| Country / region | Standard fee (USD) | Express fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $140 | $165 | 4-7 business days |
| United Kingdom | £151 (~190 USD) | +£30 | 5-10 business days |
| Canada | $90 | $115 | 4-7 business days |
| Australia | $110 | $140 | 4-7 business days |
| European Union (most) | €60-90 | +€20-40 | 4-7 business days |
| Pakistan | $80 | $110 | 5-10 business days |
| Bangladesh | $60 | $90 | 5-10 business days |
| Nigeria | $90 | $120 | 5-10 business days |
| Russia | $90 | $120 | 5-10 business days |
| Most African countries | $60-80 | +20-30 | 5-10 business days |
| Most Asian countries | $30-60 | +15-25 | 3-7 business days |
Fees are updated periodically. Always check the embassy's website for the current rate. Some countries also offer multi-entry options at higher cost.
After arrival: the Residence Permit (X1 holders)
Your X1 visa is valid for 30 days. Within those 30 days, you must apply for a Residence Permit — a longer-term document that covers your entire program.
The Residence Permit is issued by the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration. Your university's international student office will help you schedule the appointment and prepare the documents. The process takes 7-15 business days.
Required documents for the Residence Permit
Your passport with the X1 visa, the Admission Notice, JW202, the physical examination form, a recent photo, a registration form from the local police station (your university helps with this), the housing registration form from the dormitory, and a Residence Permit application form filled in at the PSB.
How long is the Residence Permit valid?
The permit is usually valid for the duration of your program (1-4 years for a bachelor's, 2-3 for a master's, 3-5 for a PhD). It is a multiple-entry document, meaning you can leave and re-enter China freely during its validity.
Work rights: what you can (and cannot) do
Student visas allow limited work. Here is what is permitted, what is not, and what counts as "work" in China.
What is allowed
On-campus part-time work (research assistant, library, English tutor, cafeteria staff): up to 8 hours per week, with university approval. Off-campus internships related to your field of study: with university approval and a separate internship permit from the PSB. Entrepreneurship on a student visa: limited — you can't operate a full business, but small freelance consulting and online tutoring are tolerated.
What is not allowed
Full-time employment, self-employment that competes with local businesses, work outside your field of study, and any work without university approval. Violations can lead to visa revocation and deportation.
Typical student earnings
On-campus jobs pay ¥20-50/hour. Tutoring English is at the higher end (¥50-150/hour for private lessons). Internships in tech or finance can pay ¥200-500/day for graduate students. Even with these rates, the work is meant to supplement living expenses, not replace a salary.
Renewal, extension, and re-application
Here is what to do when your Residence Permit or visa is about to expire.
Renewing the Residence Permit (X1)
Apply 30 days before the permit expires. The process is faster than the initial application (3-7 business days). Required: passport, current Residence Permit, university enrollment verification, and a recent photo. Universities have a dedicated team for this — start at the international student office.
Extending the X2 visa
X2 cannot be extended in China. You must leave the country before the visa expires, then re-apply from your home country (or another country's Chinese embassy) for a new visa.
Changing programs or universities
If you transfer to a different program or university, your Residence Permit must be re-issued. The process takes 7-15 business days. The new university provides an updated Admission Notice and JW202 form.
How to china student visa (x1 / x2): complete application guide
- 1
Receive your Admission Notice and JW202
The university issues these documents after you accept admission. JW201 is for CSC scholars; JW202 is for self-funded students.
- 2
Check your embassy's specific requirements
Every embassy has slightly different requirements. Some require financial proof, police clearance, or biometrics.
- 3
Complete the visa application form online
Use the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system. Print the form and sign it.
- 4
Book an appointment
Many embassies require appointments, especially for first-time applicants or student visa categories.
- 5
Gather your documents
Passport, application form, Admission Notice, JW202, physical exam form, photo, and any country-specific items.
- 6
Submit your application
Attend the appointment, submit the documents, pay the fee, and have biometrics taken.
- 7
Wait for processing
4-7 business days for standard processing. Some embassies offer 1-3 day express service for an extra fee.
- 8
Collect your passport with the visa
The visa is valid for 30 days from entry. Plan your travel accordingly.
- 9
Apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival
X1 holders must visit the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) to apply for a Residence Permit. Your university's international office will guide you through it.