After receiving your admission letter and JW202 form, the next step is the student visa. The X1 visa is for long-term study (over 180 days) and the X2 visa is for short-term study. This article walks through the documents, the process, and how to avoid the most common errors.
X1 and X2 at a glance
| X1 visa | X2 visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Study length | More than 180 days | 180 days or less |
| Typical use | Bachelor, MBBS, Master, PhD, long language programmes | Short language courses, exchange semesters |
| Medical form | Foreigner Physical Examination Form required | Usually not required |
| After arrival | Apply for a residence permit within 30 days | Stay within the dates on the visa |
Documents for both
- Valid passport and visa application form
- Admission letter from the university
- JW201 (Chinese Government Scholarship) or JW202 (self-funded and other scholarships)
- Passport photos
The residence permit
The X1 visa itself is normally valid for a single entry. The residence permit you get in China is what lets you stay for your whole programme and travel in and out. Keep your passport, admission letter and medical documents ready for the appointment.
Can I work on a student visa?
A student visa or residence permit does not give you the right to work. Part-time work and internships need permission from your university and the local authorities. Plan your budget on the assumption that you will not earn in China; our cost calculator helps.
Ready to apply for admission first? Check which programmes you qualify for with the eligibility checker.