People's Republic of China · study
X Student Visa (X1 and X2)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For you if you have been accepted to study in mainland China: the X visa is the student route, with X1 for longer courses (over six months, leading to a residence permit) and X2 for shorter study.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. The visa is issued by a Chinese mission and the residence permit (for X1) is handled after arrival; confirm current timing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. A visa fee applies and varies by nationality and reciprocity; refer to the official page for current amounts.
- Typical duration
- X1 covers long courses: after entry you obtain a study-type residence permit for the programme length, renewable while you study. X2 is for short study of up to six months.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 10 July 2026, the X Student Visa (X1 and X2) for People's Republic of China is a sponsor-led China immigration route. Sources: official People's Republic of China government pages, reviewed 10 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/china/x-student-visa#answer
What is the X Student Visa (X1 and X2) in People's Republic of China?
X Student Visa (X1 and X2) is a sponsor-led China route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only. A visa fee applies and varies by nationality and reciprocity; refer to the official page for current amounts; indicative processing time is Indicative only. The visa is issued by a Chinese mission and the residence permit (for X1) is handled after arrival; confirm current timing on the official page; typical duration is X1 covers long courses: after entry you obtain a study-type residence permit for the programme length, renewable while you study. X2 is for short study of up to six months. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against National Immigration Administration (China) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The X visa is for international students admitted to study in mainland China. X1 is for long-term study, generally courses longer than six months, and after you arrive you convert it into a study-type residence permit that covers the length of your programme. X2 is for shorter study of six months or less and does not require a residence permit. You normally need an admission letter from a recognised Chinese institution and the relevant admission paperwork before you apply. Good to know: studying does not by itself lead to permanent residence; if you want to work after graduating, that runs through the separate work-permit and Z-visa route. The English portal is partial, so confirm the current documents and rules on the official page.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You have an admission letter from a recognised institution in mainland China.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ✓For X1, your course is long term (generally longer than six months).National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ✓For X2, your study is short term (six months or less).National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ✓You hold the relevant admission and study documents the authorities require.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
Common blockers
- !No admission from a recognised Chinese institution.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- !Applying for X1 long-stay study for a course that is actually short term (or vice versa).National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- !Missing the required admission or study paperwork.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and the completed visa application form.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ·Admission letter from the Chinese institution.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ·The relevant study admission form or notice required by the authorities.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ·For X1, documents needed to apply for the study-type residence permit after arrival.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Secure admission from a recognised Chinese institution and confirm whether you need X1 or X2.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your admission letter and the required study documents.
Submit through the official channel
Apply for the X visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate, then enter China.
After approval
For X1, apply for the study-type residence permit within the required window after arrival.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official X Student Visa (X1 and X2) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for X Student Visa (X1 and X2).
National Immigration Administration (China) · verified
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Z Work Visa (with Foreigner Work Permit and Residence Permit)
For you if a Chinese employer has offered you a job: the Z visa is the standard route into paid work in mainland China, used together with a Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.
Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2)
For you if you are family of a Chinese citizen or a permanent resident of China: the Q visa is the family-reunion route, with a long-stay Q1 (leading to a residence permit) and a short-stay Q2 for visits.
K Visa (young science and technology talent)
For you if you are a young scientist, engineer or technologist: the K visa is a new route (effective 1 October 2025) that lets eligible STEM talent enter China without a domestic employer first inviting you - but read the honesty note below: its work-authorisation status is still being clarified.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need X1 or X2 to study in China?+
It depends on how long your course is. X1 is for long-term study, generally courses longer than six months, and after you arrive you convert it into a study-type residence permit. X2 is for short-term study of six months or less and does not need a residence permit. Match the type to your course length and confirm the threshold on the official page.
Can I work in China on a student visa?+
A student visa is for study, and it does not give you general work rights. Any part-time work or internship is tightly limited and subject to permission, and studying does not by itself lead to permanent residence. If you want to work in China after you graduate, you would normally move to the work-permit and Z-visa route. Check the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in ChinaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: National Immigration Administration (China)
Last checked: 1 June 2026