China Student Visa Guide 2026: X1 & X2

China issues two types of student visas: the X1 visa for programmes longer than 180 days and the X2 visa for courses of 180 days or fewer. After arriving with an X1 visa, you must convert it to a residence permit within 30 days at the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau. You need a JW201 or JW202 form (issued by the Chinese university), an Admission Notice, a physical examination record, and proof of financial support. The visa fee ranges from USD 30 to USD 140 depending on nationality. This guide covers every step from document preparation to post-arrival registration.

X1 vs. X2 Visa: Which Do You Need?

Feature	X1 Visa	X2 Visa
Duration of study	More than 180 days	180 days or fewer
Residence permit needed	Yes (within 30 days of entry)	No
Multiple entries	Yes (with residence permit)	Single or double entry
Work allowed	With approval	No
JW form required	JW201 or JW202	JW202 (or not required)
Typical applicants	Degree students, language year	Short courses, summer programmes

Most international degree students need an X1 visa. Short-term language learners and exchange students on programmes under six months apply for the X2 visa.

Required Documents

Chinese consulates require a specific set of documents. Missing even one can delay your application by weeks.

• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
• Visa application form (Form V.2013, completed online at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn)
• Passport photo (48mm x 33mm, white background, recent)
• Admission Notice (录取通知书) from your Chinese university (original and copy)
• JW201 or JW202 form (Visa Application for Study in China, original and copy)
• Physical Examination Record (Foreigner Physical Examination Form, completed within 6 months)
• Proof of financial support (bank statement, scholarship letter, or sponsor letter)
• Previous Chinese visas (if applicable, old passports with Chinese visas)
• Criminal background check (required by some consulates)

The JW201 and JW202 Forms

These forms are issued by the Chinese government through your university. They confirm your student status and are mandatory for the visa application.

JW201: For students receiving Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC) or studying at institutions directly under the Ministry of Education. Your university’s international office sends this form to you with the Admission Notice.

JW202: For self-funded students and students on other scholarship types. Most international students receive the JW202. Your university applies to the local education authority, which issues the form.

These forms are printed on official security paper and cannot be reproduced. If you lose them, the university must request a replacement from the provincial education bureau — a process that takes 2–4 weeks.

Physical Examination

China requires a medical exam for all X1 visa applicants. Use the Foreigner Physical Examination Form issued by the Chinese health authorities. Download it from your university’s website or the Chinese embassy.

The exam must be conducted at a clinic or hospital recognised by the Chinese embassy. It includes:

• General physical examination
• Blood tests (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C)
• Chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening)
• ECG (electrocardiogram)
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Urine test

The exam must be completed within 6 months before your visa application. Cost varies by country (typically USD 50–200). After arriving in China, you must re-verify your physical exam at a local quarantine bureau within 30 days. Some results from abroad are not accepted, requiring a repeat exam.

Step-by-Step Visa Application

Step 1: Receive your Admission Notice and JW form. Your university mails these to you (or sends via courier). Confirm receipt and check all personal details for accuracy.

Step 2: Complete the physical examination. Book the exam early. Results take 3–7 days at most clinics.

Step 3: Fill out the online application. Go to cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn and complete Form V.2013. Print and sign the form. Upload a compliant photo.

Step 4: Submit at the Chinese embassy or visa centre. Most countries use the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) for submission. Book an appointment. Bring all original documents plus photocopies.

Step 5: Pay the visa fee. Fees depend on nationality:

Nationality	Single Entry	Double Entry	Multiple Entry
USA	USD 140	USD 140	USD 140
UK	GBP 151	GBP 226	GBP 302
EU countries	EUR 60	EUR 60	EUR 60
Most other countries	USD 30–50	USD 45–75	USD 60–90

Step 6: Collect your passport. Processing takes 4–7 business days (standard) or 2–3 days (express, extra fee). Your passport is returned with the visa sticker.

After Arrival: Residence Permit

X1 visa holders must convert their visa to a Student Residence Permit (学习类居留许可) within 30 days of entry. This is handled at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Entry-Exit Administration office.

Step 1: Register at local police station. Within 24 hours of arrival, register your accommodation at the nearest police station (派出所). Hotels register you automatically. Off-campus residents must bring their landlord or lease agreement.

Step 2: Re-verify physical exam. Visit the local Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau within 30 days. Bring your original physical exam form. They may accept it or require a new exam (cost: approximately CNY 400–700).

Step 3: Apply for residence permit at PSB. Bring:

• Passport with X1 visa
• Accommodation registration form from police station
• University enrollment certificate
• Physical examination verification
• JW201/JW202 form
• Passport photos (white background)
• Application form (provided at PSB)

Step 4: Pay the fee and wait. The residence permit fee is CNY 400 for one year, CNY 800 for two years. Processing takes 7–15 business days. You receive a receipt to collect your passport with the residence permit sticker.

The residence permit is valid for the duration of your programme (up to 5 years for degree students). It allows multiple entries and exits without additional visa applications.

Accommodation Registration

Chinese law requires all foreigners to register their accommodation within 24 hours of arrival or any change of address. This applies even when moving within the same city.

Living on campus: Your university dormitory handles registration automatically. You receive an accommodation registration form (住宿登记表) from the dorm office.

Living off campus: Visit the nearest police station with your landlord. The landlord must bring their ID card and property ownership certificate. The police issue a Temporary Residence Registration Form (临时住宿登记表). This document is required for your residence permit application and renewal.

Common Issues and Solutions

Late registration. Missing the 24-hour accommodation registration or 30-day residence permit deadline results in fines of CNY 500 per day (up to CNY 10,000). In severe cases, detention is possible. Set calendar reminders.

Physical exam rejection. Some quarantine bureaus reject exams conducted abroad. Budget for a repeat exam (CNY 400–700). Go to the exam within the first week of arrival.

Landlord refuses registration. Some landlords avoid registering foreign tenants. This is a legal requirement. If your landlord refuses, find alternative accommodation or contact your university’s international office for help.

Lost JW form. Contact your university’s international office immediately. Replacement takes 2–4 weeks through the provincial education bureau.

Visa Renewal and Extensions

Your residence permit must be renewed before it expires. Start the process at least 30 days before expiry. The renewal requires an updated enrollment certificate, valid health insurance, and a current accommodation registration.

If you change universities, you need a new Admission Notice, new JW form, and must apply for a new residence permit at the PSB in your new city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter China on a tourist visa and switch to a student visa?

No. You must apply for an X1 or X2 visa before entering China. Tourist (L) visas cannot be converted to student visas inside China. You would need to leave and reapply at a Chinese embassy abroad.

How long does the X1 visa application take?

Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express: 2–3 days (extra fee). Rush: 1 day (limited availability, higher fee). Plan 2–3 weeks total including document gathering.

Do I need health insurance for the visa application?

Not for the visa application itself, but your university may require health insurance for enrollment. CSC scholarship holders receive free health insurance. Self-funded students must purchase coverage (approximately CNY 800/year for basic plans).

Can I work on a student visa in China?

Limited work is possible with written approval from your university and the PSB. Part-time work and internships require a work endorsement on your residence permit. See our China working guide for details.

What is the 24-hour registration rule?

All foreigners must register their accommodation at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival or any address change. Hotels do this automatically. Off-campus residents must visit the police station with their landlord.

Can I travel outside China on a student residence permit?

Yes. The residence permit allows multiple entries and exits. Carry your passport with the valid residence permit when travelling. If your permit expires while abroad, you need a new student visa to re-enter.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying results in fines of CNY 500 per day (maximum CNY 10,000), detention of 5–15 days, and a potential 1–5 year re-entry ban. Never overstay.

Do CSC scholarship holders still need to apply for a visa?

Yes. CSC scholarship holders follow the same visa process but receive the JW201 form and do not need to show personal financial proof. The CSC letter serves as financial documentation.

Is the physical exam really necessary?

Yes. China requires it for all X1 visa applicants. Skipping or faking the exam results in visa denial or residence permit rejection after arrival.