Student visa playbook

China Student Visa — X1 & X2 made simple

Every step from admission letter to landing in China — compact checklists, real costs and answers to the questions students actually ask.

Processing
4 – 10 days
Success
98%
Embassy fee
$60
Visa type
X1 / X2
Visa fee
$60
varies by country
Processing time
4 – 10 days
standard service
Bank balance
$3,000 – $5,000
6-month statement
Medical exam
Required
if staying 6+ months
Interview
Rarely
documents-based
Visa type
X1 ( > 6 mo )
X2 for short courses
Residence permit
Within 30 days
after arrival
Part-time work
Restricted
on-campus only
  • Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
  • University admission notice (original)
  • JW202 / JW201 form (original)
  • Visa application form V.2013
  • Recent passport-size photos (white background)
  • Foreigner physical examination form
  • Bank statement ($3,000 – $5,000, 6 months)
  • Police / character clearance certificate
  • Notarised highest degree & transcripts
  • Sponsor's NIC + affidavit (if sponsored)
  • Flight booking (tentative)
  • Accommodation confirmation

Step-by-step process

From admission to your first week in China.

1

Get admission

University accepts you and emails the official admission notice.

2

Receive JW form

JW202 (self-funded) or JW201 (scholarship) arrives by post.

3

Medical test

Complete the Foreigner Physical Examination form at a govt-approved center.

4

Embassy submission

Submit visa form + documents at the Chinese Embassy or visa center.

5

Visa approval

Collect your X1 / X2 visa stamp in 4–10 working days.

6

Arrival in China

Land at your destination city and clear immigration.

7

Police registration

Register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.

8

Residence permit

Convert your X1 visa to a residence permit within 30 days.

Common rejection reasons

Avoid these and you'll be in the 98% who get approved.

Weak or recently-deposited bank balance
Incomplete or missing documents
Wrong information on visa form
Passport expiring within 6 months
Unclear study purpose / weak study plan
Mismatched names on documents
Unnotarised degree certificates
Submitting photocopies instead of originals
Suspicious sponsor relationship

Frequently asked

28 questions answered.

Avoid fake agents & embassy scams

The Chinese Embassy never asks for cash payments or guarantees a visa. Always submit originals yourself and never hand your passport to unverified middlemen.

Need a hand with your visa?

Free document review + embassy walkthrough by a real student mentor.