🇨🇳 China · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
To study in China you apply for an X1 visa (programmes longer than 180 days) or an X2 visa (180 days or fewer). The university issues an Admission Notice and a JW202 form (JW201 for government-scholarship students), which you submit with your visa application. After entering on an X1 visa you must convert it into a residence permit within 30 days. campuschina.org (CSC) explains the process; the National Immigration Administration oversees entry-exit.
- X1 is for study over 180 days (convert to a residence permit within 30 days of entry); X2 is for 180 days or fewer.
- You need the university's Admission Notice and a JW202 form (JW201 for Chinese-Government-Scholarship students) for the visa application.
- A Foreigner Physical Examination Record (completed within the validity window) and proof of funds are commonly required.
- Apply through the Chinese visa application channel for your country; check current requirements before applying.
Official authorities
- China Scholarship Council — Study in China
Official portal explaining the JW202/admission and X-visa process.
- National Immigration Administration
National authority for entry-exit and residence permits.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- China Government Portal — State Council official portal — policy releases, public services, and government documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — China's foreign policy and consular services — passport, visa, and consular protection info
- National Immigration Administration — Visas, permanent residency, and border control for foreigners entering China
- State Taxation Administration — Personal income tax filing, business tax registration, and VAT invoice verification