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X1 Visa (长期学习签证)
VisasChinaX1 Visa (长期学习签证)
ChinaChina•Asia
Open

X1 Visa (长期学习签证)

Study Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

140 USD

Stay Duration

1-4 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Long-term student visa for foreigners enrolled in Chinese educational institutions for study periods exceeding 180 days, requiring a residence permit within 30 days of entry.

The X1 Visa is the standard long-term student visa established under Chinese immigration law for foreign nationals intending to pursue academic studies in China for a duration exceeding 180 days. It fills the gap for international students enrolled in degree programs or long-term research at Chinese educational institutions, ensuring they have a legal basis for extended residency. Upon arrival, holders are required to convert this visa into a temporary residence permit, which then serves as their primary legal document for the remainder of their studies.

This visa is for international students who have secured formal admission to a recognized Chinese university or educational institution. To qualify, applicants must provide an official admission notice and the JW201 or JW202 form. What makes the X1 visa distinctive is its role as a bridge to long-term residency; it is specifically designed for those who will be living in China for an entire academic semester or longer, facilitating a stable environment for academic success while requiring compliance with local health insurance and registration regulations.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Z Visa (工作签证)
China flagChina

Z Visa (工作签证)

ValidityVaries (Tied to employment contract duration; extendable; multiple entries available)
Processing4 business days
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be enrolled in an educational institution in China for a period exceeding 180 days.

Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least 2 blank visa pages.

Must be in good health and have no criminal record.

Must have a formal admission letter from a Chinese educational institution.

Must possess a JW201 (for scholarship students) or JW202 (for self-funded students) form.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photo

Admission notice

JW202 form

Health examination record

Accommodation proof

Completed application form

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows for long-term study in China (over 180 days).
  • Provides a pathway to obtain a Residence Permit, allowing for multiple entries.
  • Essential for degree-seeking students (undergraduate/postgraduate).

Worth Knowing

  • Requires conversion to a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival.
  • Mandatory medical examination is usually required for the Residence Permit application.
  • Processing times can vary; apply at least one month before travel.

Application Process

1

Receive admission notice: Get JW202 form from Chinese university (for self-funded students)

2

Complete application form: Fill visa application with study details

3

Prepare documents: Gather passport, photo, admission, JW202, health exam results

4

Submit application: Submit at Chinese embassy/consulate

5

Pay fee: Pay reduced visa fee

6

Processing: 4 working days standard processing

7

Collect visa: Retrieve passport with X1 visa

8

Apply for residence permit: Within 30 days of arrival at PSB

Application Forms

Go to application portal
China Visa Application Form—
JW202 Form—

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