For foreigners who have decided to take advanced training courses, practice or obtain a full-fledged higher education in China, it is necessary to open a student visa to China. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants.

There are two types of study visa to China - category X1 and X2. Both are considered single-use (it can be entered only once) and with an entry corridor - up to 90 days (from the moment of receiving the visa to the entry, no more than 3 months should pass, otherwise the visa will be invalid). The main difference is the terms of stay.

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Types of study visa:

Visa X1. Such a visa is required for those students who plan to study in China for more than 180 days. The X1 visa is intended for foreign students whose study program lasts more than 6 months. Usually, the X1 visa is used to study in undergraduate, graduate or doctoral programs, since such programs take years of study. The visa is valid for 5 years. In addition, it allows the owner to travel throughout China.

Visa X2. Such a visa should be issued to those students who will stay in the country for less than 180 days. The X2 visa is a short-term study visa intended for foreign students whose study program lasts a little more than 6 months. This visa is intended for those who intend to take a language course or any other short course of study. The X2 visa is valid for 6 months. The validity of the visa can be extended under certain circumstances. To extend the visa, the holder must submit an application one month before the 180-day mark.

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What documents are required to apply for a student visa to China?

• Foreign passport - must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from the planned trip to China, and also have at least one blank page;
• 1 color photo (3.5x4.5 cm) on a white background (preferably in electronic form);
• A copy of the internal passport (all pages!);
• The applicant's questionnaire with all filled-in data;
• The original and one copy of the enrollment letter issued by the Chinese university (be sure to check whether the educational institution has permission to accept foreign students);
• The original and one copy of the "Visa Application for Study in China" type JW201 or JW202 (which type you need; you need to check with your university);
• Copy of all pages of the second valid foreign passport;
• A certificate stating that you are passported with one passport is required only if:

- you have one valid foreign passport and basically no others,

- you had a previous foreign passport, but you surrendered/lost it and you have no copies left.

WARNING! If minors are going to study, instead of a passport, provide the following documents:

• a copy of the birth certificate;
• a copy of the consent to leave from the parents (from one, if the other accompanies);
• copies of internal passports of both parents (one who will not accompany).

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Form JW201 or JW202.

• Form JW201 is for applicants receiving a scholarship funded by the Chinese government;
• Form JW202 is for applicants who will be self-financing their studies in China.

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Stages of applying for an X1 student visa.

1. Find an accredited university in China. Check whether there are programs for international students and choose the one that interests you. After that, apply for a place at the chosen educational institution.

2. Make sure you have the original and a photocopy of the document confirming your enrollment in a Chinese university or school. Also, you need to check if the university sent you form JW201 or JW202.

3. If you have received a study grant, complete form JW201. Otherwise, complete form JW202.