Planning to study in China? You will need a student visa - either X1 (for stays over 180 days) or X2 (for stays of 180 days or less). Both require an admission letter from a Chinese university. Here is the complete guide for 2026.
X1 vs X2: which student visa do you need?
| X1 Visa | X2 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Over 180 days | 180 days or less |
| Residence permit | Required after arrival | Not required |
| JW201/JW202 form | Required | Not required |
| Health check | Required | Usually not required |
Required documents
- Passport - valid 6+ months, blank pages
- Admission letter - from a recognized Chinese university
- JW201 or JW202 form - issued by the school (X1 only)
- Health check certificate - from an approved hospital (X1 only)
- Proof of financial support - bank statements, scholarship letter
- Previous academic transcripts - if applicable
Processing time
Standard processing: 4 to 7 business days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your program start date.
Common rejection reasons
- Missing JW201/JW202 form (X1)
- Admission letter from an unrecognized institution
- Insufficient financial proof
- Health check not completed or expired (X1)