The first month is a fixed sequence of registrations and appointments — see the full first-month order, including dorm key, insurance and payment apps. Open the campus-life timeline →
X1 or X2, the JW201 and JW202 forms, the 30-day conversion window, what to do after you land, and how transfers, extensions and part-time work affect your status.
The decision is purely about duration. Picking the wrong one means leaving the country to reapply.
| Visa | Who it is for | Entry and stay | Residence permit | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X1 | Study longer than 180 days | Usually single entry, 30-day stay on arrival | Yes — convert to a residence permit within 30 days | Degree programmes, long-term language courses |
| X2 | Study up to 180 days | Single entry, stay as stated on the visa | No | One-semester exchange, short courses, summer schools |
An X1 visa is issued with a 30-day stay. It becomes a residence permit only after you apply inside China — it is not a one-year visa on arrival.
The university issues an admission letter plus a JW201 form (for scholarship holders) or JW202 form (self-funded). Both are visa-support documents issued through the education authority.
Use the Foreigner Physical Examination Form at a designated hospital in your country. Keep the original — you will need it again in China.
Bring passport, visa form, photo, admission letter, JW form, physical examination record and fee. Processing is typically four to ten working days.
X1 holders must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival, then apply for a residence permit at the exit-entry bureau within 30 days.
Bring passport, admission letter, JW form, physical examination record, accommodation registration and photos. Processing takes about a week.
A residence permit lets you leave and re-enter freely. Part-time work or internships need written approval from the university and the exit-entry bureau first.
| Item | Fee | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence permit — up to 1 year | 400 CNY | 7–15 working days | Issued by the local exit-entry administration after arrival |
| Residence permit — 1 to 3 years | 800 CNY | 7–15 working days | Covers most bachelor's and master's programmes |
| Residence permit — 3 to 5 years | 1,000 CNY | 7–15 working days | PhD and long programmes |
| Police registration | Free | Same day | Required within 24 hours of arrival, and again after any address change |
| Re-entry permit | Not needed | — | A valid residence permit already allows multiple entries |
Fees are set nationally but collection practice varies slightly by city. Bring cash or a Chinese bank card — some offices do not accept foreign cards.
Report to the local exit-entry office or through your university. This is mandatory and is a prerequisite for the residence permit application.
Book the appointment in week one — slots fill during registration week, and the 30-day stay cannot be extended as a visit.
Some universities require a fresh physical examination or blood test on arrival even if you completed one at home. Keep the original form from the visa stage.
Both the SIM and bank need your passport and student ID; the bank usually wants a university letter as well.
The first month is a fixed sequence of registrations and appointments — see the full first-month order, including dorm key, insurance and payment apps. Open the campus-life timeline →
A CSC or provincial scholarship holder is issued a JW201 form. It signals government funding and is what the visa officer expects to see with your admission letter.
Scholarship holders are not normally asked for a bank statement, because the stipend is the proof of support. Self-funded applicants usually are.
The comprehensive medical insurance bundled with a CSC award satisfies the university requirement. You still complete the physical examination form before departure.
Scholarship registration at the university requires the same JW201 and physical examination originals used at the visa stage. Do not hand them to anyone.
| Situation | What changes for your visa | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer to another university | Your residence permit is tied to the issuing university; you must be released and re-admitted | Get a release letter, a new admission letter and a new JW form, then re-apply for the residence permit — ideally within 30 days to avoid a gap |
| Extend or repeat a year | A longer course needs a longer permit; the old one expires on the original end date | Apply to extend at least 30 days before expiry with proof of continued enrolment |
| Take a gap year or suspend | Study suspension usually suspends the permit; you may need to leave or switch to a short-term stay | Agree the status with the international office before you stop attending — doing it after the fact is harder |
| Graduate or withdraw | The permit ends with the programme; graduation opens a short job-search window in some cities | Plan the next step before the permit expires; convert to a work permit only with a qualifying job offer |
None of these are automatic. The permit is tied to the university and the programme named on your admission letter, so any change needs a new document or a fresh application.
Part-time work and internships need written approval from your university and the exit-entry bureau, and the work must relate to your studies.
Internship rules →Teaching English informally, or any off-book job, is a common and risky move. It can mean fines or cancellation of your residence permit — not a warning.
Once you finish, a work permit needs a sponsoring employer. A few cities give graduates a short job-search window; plan it before the permit expires.
Work after study →Tell us the programme length and whether you hold a scholarship — we will confirm the visa type, the form you should receive and the conversion steps.