Apply for a student visa in China (X1 and X2 visa) online

How to apply for a student visa for studying and internships?

If you plan to study in China at a school or university or do an internship at a company during the academic semester, with a student visa in your pocket, your stay abroad is not limited. Studying abroad in China is a great opportunity to get to know this country, its hospitable people, and unique culture. You will be able to improve your professional and personal skills, as well as your knowledge of foreign languages, and establish international contacts. A visa for student trips can be applied for no earlier than 90 days before entering China.

Student visa for China

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Fingerprint collection is not mandatory!

In 2023, China temporarily suspended the collection of fingerprints for applicants for short-term student visas (X2) with a duration of less than 180 days. This measure will be in effect until the end of 2025.

However, long-term student visas (X1) will still only be issued upon providing fingerprints at an official embassy or visa center. They will be stored for 5 years. This will allow you to apply for subsequent visas without fingerprints during these 5 years. Here we have gathered all the important information for you.

How long is the visa valid?

In principle, the visa validity period allowed depends on the enrollment letter or invitation from the Chinese school or university. When applying for a visa, the Chinese embassy or visa center distinguishes between two categories of student visas.

X1 Visa

Das X1 Visum richtet sich an Studierende mit einem längerfristigen Aufenthalt in China. Planen Sie nicht nur ein Semester, sondern vielleicht sogar zwei Semester in China zu verbringen, benötigen Sie das X1 Visum. Sie dürfen sich mehr als 6 Monate mit diesem Visum in China aufhalten. Nach Ihrer Einreise haben Sie 30 Tage Zeit, das X1 Visum vor Ort in eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis umzuwandeln. Diese ermöglicht Ihnen sogar einen Aufenthalt von bis zu einem Jahr.

X2 Visa

Sie planen nur einen kurzfristigen Aufenthalt in China und möchten maximal 6 Monate im Land bleiben? Dann müssen Sie das X2 Visum beantragen. Auch richtet sich dieses Visum an Studierende, die ihr Praxissemester in China absolvieren möchten. Da ein Praxissemester im Schnitt ca. 4 Monate dauert, reicht in diesem Falle das X2 Visum aus. Mit dem X2 Visum dürfen Sie einmalig in China einreisen.

What documents are required?

All students must provide a copy of the admission letter to the embassy or visa office of China in Germany. For all stays longer than 180 days, you also need to provide the invitation JW201 or JW202, issued by an official Chinese authority. After placing an order, you will receive a detailed list of all the documents we need. We will take care of your application and deliver the student visa directly to your home.

Required documents for student visa

Visa application

Passport

Photograph

Invitation

JW201 or JW202

Do you have questions about a student visa?

What is an Admission Notice or Enrollment Notification?

The Admission Notice is an official letter from a Chinese school or university confirming enrollment in China. The Admission Notice must be submitted in original and copy when applying for an X1 student visa for China (over 180 days) and X2 (less than 180 days).

What is the Visa Application Form for studying in China?

The visa application form for studying in China is an invitation letter from a Chinese institution of higher education or the relevant Chinese authority (Ministry of Education, MOE), known as form JW201 or form JW202. This form must be submitted in original and copy along with the Admission Notice when applying for an X1 student visa for China (over 180 days).

What should be considered when obtaining an X1 student visa?

Chinese visa offices remind X1 visa holders (over 180 days) of the need to register with the local public security organ (police) within 30 days of arrival. After registration, the visa holder receives a residence permit. It is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually until the end of studies in China.

What is the difference between a "small" and "large" student visa for China?

The "small" X2 student visa is issued to students planning to study in China for less than 6 months. The "large" X1 student visa allows studying for more than 6 months. The small X2 visa does not allow temporary leaving and returning to China.

Is a student visa also valid for internships?

If you start an internship in China as part of your studies, for example, as a mandatory internship abroad, you usually get an X2 student visa.

If you are doing an internship independent of your studies or school in a company or employer in China, for example, as an intern, you will need a Business Visa for China (M-Visa).

How long can I stay for an internship in China?

With an X2 student visa, you can stay for an internship for up to 180 days, if the duration of stay is specified in the invitation.