X1 & X2 Visa GuideUnofficial All guides
Every guide on China student visas and residence permits published on this site, newest first.
- Documents · 11 October 2026
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.
- After arrival · 11 October 2026
Residence Permit for Study in China: What to Do in Your First 30 Days
X1 visa holders must apply for a residence permit for study within 30 days of entering China. Where to apply, what to bring, how long the decision takes and which other formalities fall in the first weeks.
- Visa types · 11 October 2026
X1 vs X2 Visa for China: Which Student Visa Fits Your Study Period
China has two study visas. X1 is for study longer than 180 days and leads to a residence permit; X2 is for 180 days or less. Here is the rule, the papers each one needs and what follows after entry.