When preparing to study in China, obtaining the appropriate visa is one of the important procedures that students and their parents should understand early. China has two main visa categories for study purposes: X1 and X2.

The appropriate visa depends primarily on the duration of the study programme. Understanding the differences between X1 and X2 can help students prepare the correct documents and avoid unnecessary problems during the visa application process.

1. What is the difference between X1 and X2 visas?

According to China's visa guidance, the X1 visa is for people intending to study for more than 180 days, while the X2 visa is for those studying for no more than 180 days.

An important point is that X1 and X2 are primarily distinguished by the duration of the intended study programme, rather than simply by the validity period shown on the visa.

2. X1 Visa – for long-term study

The X1 visa is intended for people planning to study in China for more than 180 days.

Common examples include:

• A four-year undergraduate degree in China;

• Master's programmes;

• PhD programmes;

• Long-term Chinese language programmes;

• Other educational programmes lasting more than 180 days.

When applying for an X1 visa, students should pay particular attention to the Admission Notice and JW201/JW202.

Information such as the student's full name, passport number, date of birth, university name, course and study period should be consistent with the passport and visa application form.

An X1 visa is not the same as a long-term residence permit

This is an important point for both students and parents to understand.

The X1 visa is used to enter China for the purpose of beginning long-term study. After entering China, the student must apply for a Residence Permit in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Normally, the application must be completed within 30 days of entry into China with the relevant local exit and entry administration authority.

Therefore, students should not assume that an X1 visa alone allows them to remain in China throughout their entire period of study.

3. X2 Visa – for short-term study

The X2 visa is intended for people planning to study in China for no more than 180 days.

Examples may include:

• Short-term Chinese language courses;

• Exchange programmes;

• Short-term study programmes lasting approximately one semester;

• Short-term professional training;

• Certain summer programmes organised by universities.

For an X2 visa, students generally need an Admission Notice issued by the relevant Chinese educational institution, together with other documents required for the application.

Unlike X1 visa holders, students entering China under X2 generally do not go through the long-term Residence Permit procedure associated with X1.

4. How do you apply for an X1 visa if you are studying at a Chinese university for four years?

A four-year undergraduate programme is one of the most common pathways for Vietnamese students choosing to study in China.

Since a four-year university programme is clearly longer than 180 days, students are generally required to apply for an X1 visa, rather than an X2 visa.

The main process can be outlined as follows:

Step 1: Complete the university admission process

After being accepted by a Chinese university, the student receives an Admission Notice.

Step 2: Prepare the visa application documents

For an X1 visa, students generally need to prepare:

• Passport;

• Visa application form;

• Admission Notice;

• JW201 or JW202;

• Photograph;

• Other documents required by the relevant visa application authority.

All documents should be carefully checked to ensure that the information is consistent.

Step 3: Apply for the X1 visa

The student submits the application to the relevant Chinese visa application centre or authority in accordance with the current regulations.

In some cases, additional documents or an interview may be requested.

Step 4: Enter China

Once the X1 visa has been issued, the student can enter China and begin their study programme.

Step 5: Apply for a Residence Permit

After entering China, the student should work with their university to complete the Residence Permit procedure within the required timeframe.

For students planning to spend four years studying at a Chinese university, this is an important step in maintaining lawful residence in China throughout their studies.

5. What should students and parents check before applying for a visa?

To minimise the possibility of document corrections or additional requests, students and parents should check the following:

Personal information: Ensure that the full name, date of birth and passport number are consistent across all documents.

University information: Check that the university name, course and study period correspond with the admission documents.

Visa type: Programmes lasting more than 180 days generally require an X1 visa, while programmes lasting no more than 180 days generally fall under X2.

Study documents: For X1 applications, carefully check the Admission Notice and JW201/JW202.

Passport: Make sure the passport meets the relevant validity and blank-page requirements.

Procedures after arrival: For X1 visa holders, it is important to coordinate with the university and complete the Residence Permit procedure within the required timeframe.

6. X1 or X2? A simple way to remember

The key distinction can be summarised as follows:

X1 → More than 180 days of study → Long-term study → Residence Permit procedure required after entering China

X2 → No more than 180 days of study → Short-term study

For students planning to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in China, the X1 visa is generally the appropriate visa category.

However, the visa is only one part of the preparation process for studying in China. Students should also ensure that their Admission Notice, study-related documents and personal information are accurate and consistent, and should understand the Residence Permit procedure before travelling to China.

Before submitting an application, students should check the latest information issued by the relevant Chinese diplomatic missions and Chinese Visa Application Service Centres, as document requirements and application procedures may be updated from time to time.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STUDYING IN CHINA

For detailed information about study programmes in China, please contact:

SONG DA TOHOKU JOINT STOCK COMPANY

Address: L02-L01, Khu A, KĐT Dương Nội, Phường Dương Nội, Hà Nội

Hotline: 0989044852

Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com

Website: https://tohoku.vn