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The admission notice, the JW201 or JW202 form, and the other papers the regulations and embassy lists ask a student to submit.

8 rules · checked 11 October 2026

What the texts say

Each rule is stated once, with the article or page it comes from on the right.

  1. X1: admission notice plus a certificate from the competent authority

    To apply for the X1 visa the applicant submits the admission notice issued by the admitting institution and the certification documents provided by the competent authority.

    SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 7(11)

  2. X1 at the embassy: admission letter and form JW201 or JW202

    The embassy lists read here ask X1 applicants in higher education for the admission letter and the Visa Application for Study in China (form JW201 or JW202). The UK list accepts the original or a photocopy of the form.

    SOURCE Embassy in the UK, Part Two, X1-VisaEmbassy in the US, visa requirements, visa table, X1

  3. X2: the admission notice

    To apply for the X2 visa the applicant submits certification documents such as the admission notice issued by the admitting institution. The US embassy list adds the Information Form for Foreign Students' Short-term Visit (form DQ) if the applicant has one.

    SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 7(11)Embassy in the UK, Part Two, X2-VisaEmbassy in the US, visa requirements, visa table, X2

  4. JW201 is for government scholarship and government-channel students

    Form JW201 is used for Chinese Government Scholarship students and students coming through intergovernmental exchange channels. The China Scholarship Council secretariat handles it together with the university concerned.

    SOURCE Ministry of Education reply on JW201/JW202, reply, first paragraph

  5. JW202 is for self-funded students and comes from the school

    Form JW202 is used for self-funded students. Each university handles it for the students it has admitted, and any institution that enrols international students can provide it.

    SOURCE Ministry of Education reply on JW201/JW202, reply, second and third paragraphs

  6. What the JW form is used for

    The Ministry of Education describes JW201 and JW202 as important documents for the study visa, entry, registration at the school and residence formalities.

    SOURCE Ministry of Education reply on JW201/JW202, reply, second paragraph

  7. Primary and secondary pupils use a different confirmation form

    For primary and secondary school pupils the embassy lists ask for the Confirmation Form for Elementary Stage Students Study in China. The US list adds that pupils living in China for family reunion are not obliged to apply for an X1 visa.

    SOURCE Embassy in the US, visa requirements, visa table, X1, item 2Embassy in the UK, Part Two, X1-Visa, item (3)

  8. The visa office can ask for more

    The visa authority may, in light of the specific case, require an applicant to submit additional material. Read the page of the mission where you apply.

    SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 7, final paragraph

Guides · Documents

Guides in this file

  • Documents

    JW201 and JW202: The Form Behind an X1 Visa Application

    The JW201 form is for Chinese Government Scholarship and government-channel students; the JW202 is for self-funded students and comes from the school. What the form is, who issues it and where you will need it.

Official sources

Read the originals

  1. National Immigration Administration — Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (English)
  2. Chinese Embassy in the UK — Part Two: How to Apply for a Visa for China
  3. Chinese Embassy in the US — Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application (updated September 2025)
  4. Ministry of Education — official reply on the JW201 and JW202 forms (Chinese)

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