X1 or X2

6 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. 01

   X1 is the long-term study visa

   The X1 visa is issued to persons who apply for long-term study in China. Embassy visa pages put the line at a study period of more than 180 days.

   SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 6(11)Embassy in the UK, Part One, visa category table, X1

2. 02

   X2 is the short-term study visa

   The X2 visa is for persons who apply for short-term study in China. Embassy visa pages describe it as study for no more than 180 days.

   SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 6(11)Embassy in the UK, Part One, visa category table, X2

3. 03

   Where the 180-day line comes from

   The regulations define short-term as a stay of no more than 180 days, 180 days included, and long-term as more than 180 days.

   SOURCE Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 36(4) and (5)

4. 04

   The visa is applied for before entry, by length of study

   A foreigner admitted to a school in China applies before entry, according to the length of study, for an X1 or X2 visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in the country of nationality or residence, or at another overseas body entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

   SOURCE Ministry of Education Order No. 42, Article 35

5. 05

   An X2 holder stays for the duration on the visa

   Where the duration of stay written on a visa does not exceed 180 days, the holder may stay in China within that duration. The duration of stay starts on the day after entry.

   SOURCE Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 29Entry-Exit Regulations, Article 36(3)

6. 06

   An X1 visa marked 000 leads to a residence permit

   Holders of an X1 visa with a "000" duration of stay must apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry.

   SOURCE Embassy in the UK, Part One, notes under the visa category tableExit and Entry Administration Law, Article 30

Guides · X1 or X2

Guides in this file

• Visa types

  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.

Official sources

Read the originals

1. National Immigration Administration — Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (English)
2. National Immigration Administration — Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC (English)
3. Chinese Embassy in the UK — Part One: Visa for China (visa categories)
4. Ministry of Education — Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42, Chinese)

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