Chinese Student (X) 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.

Please note that the checklist for visa applications can vary. Visa officers from different countries make decisions based on each applicant’s specific circumstances. Once we understand your situation, we will provide the best possible solution, but we cannot guarantee 100% success in obtaining a visa. Make sure you are as prepared as possible for your trip to China. – 10/7/2024

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

• Link to form: cova.mfa.gov.cn
• Fill out the application on your computer, print it, and sign it manually. Do not complete the form by hand, and avoid using digital signatures. 
• Ensure all fields are filled in. If a section is not relevant to you, enter “None” or “N/A.”
• After completing the form, do not click “Continue.” Instead, click “Save” and provide us with both the application number and your passport number. The form must be reviewed by us before submission.
• Please note, non-U.S. passport holders are only eligible to apply for Single or Double Entry visas.

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.

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.

JW202 Sample:

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: