China Student Visa (X1/X2) Requirements and Application Process

China Student Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Once you have been accepted by a Chinese university, the next major step is obtaining your student visa. China issues two types of student visas: the X1 visa for long-term study and the X2 visa for short-term programs. This guide covers everything from document preparation to common mistakes to avoid.

X1 vs X2: Which Visa Do You Need?

Most degree-seeking international students will need an X1 visa. If you are attending a short language course or summer program, the X2 visa applies.

Required Documents

To apply for a Chinese student visa at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, you typically need:

1. 1.Valid passport — with at least six months of validity remaining and at least one blank visa page.
2. 2.Completed visa application form (Form V.2013) — with a recent passport-sized photo attached.
3. 3.Admission Notice (录取通知书) — the original acceptance letter from your Chinese university.
4. 4.Visa Application for Study in China (JW201 or JW202 form) — JW201 is for scholarship students; JW202 is for self-funded students. This document is issued by the university.
5. 5.Foreigner Physical Examination Form — completed and stamped by a licensed physician, with blood test results, chest X-ray, and ECG. Must be completed within the preceding six months.
6. 6.Proof of financial support — bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses (for self-funded students).
7. 7.No-criminal-record certificate — for applicants aged 18 and older (requirements vary by embassy).
8. 8.Previous Chinese visa — if you have visited China before, bring copies of previous visas.

Application Process

Step 1: Gather your documents.

Ensure all documents are originals or certified copies. Some embassies require notarized translations of documents not in Chinese or English.

Step 2: Book an appointment.

Many Chinese embassies and consulates require an online appointment. Check the website of your nearest consular office for their specific procedure.

Step 3: Submit your application.

Attend your appointment in person. Submit all documents and pay the visa fee. Fees vary by nationality and processing speed:

Fees and processing times vary by country and consulate. Some nationalities may have different fee structures due to bilateral agreements.

Step 4: Collect your visa.

Pick up your passport with the visa stamp on the scheduled date. Double-check all details — your name, visa type, entry dates, and duration — before leaving the consulate.

After Arrival in China

If you hold an X1 visa, you must complete these steps within 30 days of arrival:

1. 1.Register at your local police station within 24 hours of arrival (your university may handle this for you).
2. 2.Complete a medical check at a designated hospital if your home-country physical examination is not accepted.
3. 3.Apply for a Residence Permit at the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau. You will need your passport, admission notice, JW form, physical examination certificate, registration form from the police station, and passport photos.

The Residence Permit replaces your visa and allows multiple entries for the duration of your study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Applying too late. Start your visa application at least four to six weeks before your intended departure. Rush processing is not always available.
• •Incomplete physical examination. The Chinese government form has specific tests that must be completed — skipping any section will result in rejection.
• •Expired documents. Ensure your passport, physical exam, and no-criminal-record certificate are all current.
• •Wrong visa type. Entering China on a tourist (L) visa instead of a student (X) visa can create serious complications. Always apply for the correct visa category.
• •Not bringing original documents. Chinese immigration and university registration offices require originals, not photocopies.

Visa-Free Transit and Short Stays

Some students may be eligible for China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy if they are passing through specific cities. However, this does not apply to students enrolling in a program. Always obtain the correct student visa before traveling.

Need Help?

HanQiao provides end-to-end support for the visa application process as part of our application service packages. Our advisors can review your documents, guide you through embassy-specific requirements, and ensure nothing is missed.

Getting your student visa is one of the final steps before your China adventure begins. With the right preparation, it is a straightforward process.