China•AsiaX1 Visa (长期学习签证)
At a Glance
Varies
USD $140
1-4 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
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.
ChinaZ Visa (工作签证)
Requirements
PUBLISHED 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
Receive admission notice
Get JW202 form from Chinese university (for self-funded students)
Complete application form
Fill visa application with study details
Prepare documents
Gather passport, photo, admission, JW202, health exam results
Submit application
Submit at Chinese embassy/consulate
Pay fee
Pay reduced visa fee
Processing
4 working days standard processing
Collect visa
Retrieve passport with X1 visa
Apply for residence permit
Within 30 days of arrival at PSB
Related visas
More visas in China
- X2 Visa (短期学习签证)
Study
- F Visa (访问签证)
Business
- C Visa (乘务签证)
Work
Study visas in other countries
- Child Student Visa
United Kingdom
- Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Australia
- Study Visa (Type S)
Kyrgyzstan
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