Chinese Student (X1/X2) Visa Application Requirements

China Student visa (X) visa is required for individuals who have been admitted by a college or university in China. Student (X) Visa is divided into two types: X1 and X2. An X1 visa is issued to students who will be studying in China for more than 6 months. X2 visa is issued to those who will be studying for less than 6 months. X1 visa usually allow you to stay in China for up to 60 days per visit, and allow multiple entries for a term up to 5 years. An individual that holds an X1 visa must register at local public security bureau within 30 days of arrival in China. A Chinese Residence Permit will be issued to replace X1 visa. An X2 visa is usually issued for single entry for a term up to 6 months. The requirements for Student (X) visa are detailed below.

Do not staple any of the documents together. The Consulate will reject all stapled applications. Paperclips may be used.

1: Original Passport Plus a Photocopy of the Name Page

• Please include the original passport. The visa will be printed on your passport.
• It is recommended that passports have at least 6 months left before expiration.
• The passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages. Please keep in mind, this does not include the last 3 pages, as those are reserved by the US Department of State.
• If you have previously held a Chinese Visa, please provide a photocopy of previous Chinese visa.
• If previous Chinese visa is on an old passport, photocopy of old passport is required.
• If you have a VALID Chinese visa on an old passport and would like to apply for a new visa, you will need to submit both old and current original passports.
• Non-US passport holders must provide a photocopy of their proof of legal stay in the US. Green card, full copy off I-20 or long term US visa such as: L, H, F, TN. B1/B2 visa will not be eligible. Please do not send original unless the Chinese Consulate specifically request it.

Certain Non-US passport holders cannot apply for a visa through third parties or are blocked entry to China: we recommend to send an email inquiry or wait for Consulate announcements.

2: Your Visa Application Form

Complete the form online at cova.mfa.gov.cn, print, and sign it. Do not fill it out by hand or use a digital signature. All fields must be filled out. If not applicable, type “None” or “N/A.” After completing the form, click “Save,” and provide the application and passport numbers for review.

Your application form must be reviewed by us before you submit online. You will not be able to make changes after submitting.

3: One Recent Passport Photo

• The photo needs to contain your full face on a white background.
• The photo cannot be older than 6 months.
• Your local drugstore (such as Walgreens or CVS) are great places to get a passport photo taken.
• Please attach the photo to the application with a paperclip. Do not staple.

Please see: Chinese Visa Photo requirements

4: Address Verification

• Photocopy of driver’s license or state ID
• If you do not have either of the above, you may submit a utility bill

5: JW201 or JW202 Issued by the State Education Ministry of China

• Original JW201 or JW202 plus high quality photocopy. The JW201 or JW202 should have an official stamped on it and
• is obtained from the school in China.

Please visit here for more information on JW201 and JW202 forms

6: Admission Notice from School in China

• Original Admission Notice plus high quality photocopy. The Admission Notice should have an official stamped on it and
• is obtained from the school in China.

Sample of Admission Notice:

7: Where You Stay From

• Print and complete the Where You Stay Form: Click Here
• It must be completed and signed by hand. No digital signatures allowed.

8: First-Time Applicants with Chinese Parents

Regardless of age, first-time applicants with Chinese parents must submit the following:

• A copy of their birth certificate
• Copies of their parents’ passports
• Proof of their parents’ legal status at the time of the applicant’s birth

If these documents cannot be provided, a travel document will be issued.

9: First-Time Applicants of Asian Descent

Applicants who appear to be of Asian descent are required to submit their birth certificate and copies of their parents’ passports.

10: Current U.S. Citizens Born Abroad:

If you were born outside of the U.S. but are now a U.S. citizen, you must provide a copy of your U.S. citizenship certificate along with your former passport.

12: Special Requirements for Minors

• If the applicant is under the age of 18, a copy of the birth certificate and both parents’ passports name page is required.
• One of the parents must sign the form using the parent’s name in section 4 and 5.
• A notarized letter of consent may be required for minor applicants if the parents is not also applying for a visa.