Path to staying
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencypossible
Overview
- Country
- China
- Visa name
- X1 Student Visa
- Local name
- X1签证
- Status
- Active
- Max duration
- 60 months
- Renewable
- Yes
The X1 visa is for international students planning to study in China for more than 180 days. Covers degree programs (bachelor's, master's, doctoral), long-term language programs, and research programs at Chinese universities and approved institutions. X1 holders must convert to a Residence Permit within 30 days of entry.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $2,500 – $10,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $7,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Tuition fees vary widely: language programs ¥8,000–¥20,000/yr ($1,100–$2,800). Bachelor's degree ¥20,000–¥45,000/yr ($2,800–$6,300). Master's ¥25,000–¥50,000/yr. Doctoral ¥30,000–¥60,000/yr. Top universities (Tsinghua, Peking) at the higher end. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) covers full tuition for recipients.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Separate permit
Part-time work and internships are possible for X1 holders with approval from both the university (Consent Letter) and the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). The employer must also provide certification. Work annotation is added to the residence permit. Must have completed at least one semester. Permitted activities include on-campus jobs, off-campus internships related to field of study, and some regulated part-time work. Very restrictive in practice — most students do not receive approval.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z Visa (Work Visa) | Work permit | 12 mo–60 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) | Admission | Chinese | HSK 4 | HSK 4 minimum for most Chinese-taught bachelor's programs. HSK 5+ for competitive programs. HSK 3 may suffice for some programs with conditional admission. Not required for English-taught programs or language courses. |
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | Required for English-taught programs. TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.0+ is typical. Many Chinese universities now offer English-taught programs, especially at the master's and doctoral levels. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| X1 Visa Application Fee | Application | $140 | One time |
| Residence Permit Fee | Registration | $110 | Per year |
| Physical Examination | Medical | $85 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and minor children can apply for S1 (long-term) or S2 (short-term) dependent visas.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- S1/S2 dependent visa holders cannot work. Must obtain a separate work visa (Z visa) to be employed.
Long-term pathway
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- Possible
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Via
- University issues JW201 (government-sponsored) or JW202 (self-funded) form and Admission Notice.
- Processing
- 4-30 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.visaforchina.cn
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival (or each new accommodation). Must convert X1 visa to Residence Permit at local PSB within 30 days of entry. Fingerprint collection remains required for X1 because it leads to a residence permit. CSC scholarship provides monthly stipend (¥2,500 undergrad, ¥3,000 master's, ¥3,500 doctoral) plus tuition and accommodation. Visa fees vary significantly by nationality ($30–$140+). Physical examination must be done at designated hospitals.
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source