A student permit in China, officially known as the X visa, is issued to foreigners who plan to study in China. There are two types of student visas:
- X1 Visa – For long-term study (more than 180 days).
- X2 Visa – For short-term study (less than 180 days).
Eligibility for a Student Visa (X1/X2)
To obtain a student visa, you must:
✔ Have an admission letter from a recognized Chinese university or institution.
✔ Obtain a JW201 or JW202 form (Visa Application for Study in China).
✔ Have a valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages).
✔ Be in good health (some applicants need a physical examination report).
Application Process
1. Receive Admission Documents
Obtain an admission letter from your chosen Chinese university confirming your acceptance into the program.
Secure the JW201/JW202 form, which is issued by the Chinese government and required for your visa application.
2. Prepare the Required Documents
Passport with at least six months of validity.
Completed visa application form (Form V.2013).
Admission letter from your Chinese university.
JW201 or JW202 form issued by the Chinese government.
Recent passport-sized photo meeting the visa requirements.
Physical examination report (required for X1 visa applicants).
3. Submit the Application
Submit your application at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
In some regions, you may be required to attend an in-person interview as part of the application process.
4. Receive Your Visa and Travel to China
Once your application is approved, you will receive either an X1 or X2 visa.
Ensure to travel to China within the visa’s validity period to avoid any issues.
Residence Permit for Students (After Arrival in China)
If you hold an X1 visa, you must convert it into a residence permit within 30 days of arriving in China.
To do this, apply at the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau in China.
Required Documents:
✅ Passport and visa
✅ JW201/JW202 form
✅ Admission letter
✅ Temporary residence registration (from your local police station or school dormitory)
✅ Medical check-up report
Note: X2 visa holders do not need a residence permit as their stay is under 180 days.
Validity and Renewal
The student residence permit is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Be sure to renew your permit before it expires to avoid penalties or the risk of deportation.
Can You Work on a Student Visa?
🔴 You cannot work legally in China without permission from your university and a work-study permit.
🔴 Unauthorized employment can result in fines, deportation, or visa cancellation.
Conversion to Work Visa
After graduation, you must switch to a Z visa (Work Visa) or another visa type if you plan to stay in China.
