China Student Visa (X1) Guide
After selection, you need an X1 visa. Then, within 30 days of arrival, convert it to a residence permit. Miss the deadline and face fines or deportation.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
1 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
X1 Student Visa
The X1 visa is for students staying in China longer than 180 days. It must be converted to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Documents for the X1 visa application
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, with blank visa pages)
- JW201 form (Visa Application for Study in China, issued after selection via your host university)
- Admission notice from the university
- Physical examination form (original)
- Online visa application form (COVA) — fill it in online, then print the confirmation and the form
- Passport-size photo
Key rules
- 30-day conversion: within 30 days of entry, convert your X1 visa to a residence permit at the local Exit-Entry Administration bureau.
- 24-hour registration: within 24 hours of arriving at your accommodation, register with the local police station. Your university usually helps with this.
- JW201 form: the official form for Chinese Government Scholarship students. Without it, you cannot get an X1 visa. It comes with your admission documents after selection (results are usually out in late July or August).
- Physical exam: bring the original medical exam form. You'll need it for the residence permit application.
Miss the 30-day deadline?
If you fail to convert your X1 visa to a residence permit within 30 days, you face fines of CNY 500/day (up to CNY 10,000) and potential deportation. Your university's international student office will guide you through this process — make it your first priority upon arrival.
Visa ready? Check the full after selection checklist and the Great Firewall guide (install your VPN!).