China
General visa requirements for travelling to China. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Student visa (X1 Visa - Long-Term Student Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 4 business days
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185; must convert to Residence Permit after arrival)
- Validity
- Single entry; must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival (residence permit valid up to 5 years)
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries who have been admitted to a Chinese educational institution
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Purpose of visit
Long-term study (more than 180 days) at a Chinese educational institution including degree programs, Chinese language programs, and other academic programs
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
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Health exam
Panel physician required: Varies by country - physical examination record may be required; Validity months: 6
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Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration authority; Residence status: Student; Validity months: 6
How to apply
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Document gathering
Receive original Admission Notice and JW201/JW202 form from the Chinese university. Complete physical examination if required.
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Online application
Fill in the COVA form online selecting X1 visa category.
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Document submission
Submit passport, COVA form, photo, admission notice, JW201/JW202 form, and health exam records at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay applicable visa fee.
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Processing wait
Standard: 4 business days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with X1 visa. After arrival in China, register with local police within 24 hours and apply for Residence Permit at Public Security Bureau within 30 days.
Student visa (X2 Visa - Short-Term Student Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- 4 business days
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185)
- Validity
- Single entry: valid for 3 months from issuance
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries who have been admitted to a Chinese educational institution for a short-term program
-
Purpose of visit
Short-term study (180 days or fewer) including language courses, exchange programs, summer schools, and short academic programs
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
-
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: No; Must show program dates: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Receive admission notice and DQ form (if available) from the Chinese institution.
-
Online application
Fill in the COVA form selecting X2 visa category.
-
Document submission
Submit all documents at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.
-
Fee payment
Pay applicable fee.
-
Processing wait
Standard: 4 business days.
-
Visa collection
Collect passport with X2 visa.