X1 and X2 visas
The X1 visa is for students staying in China longer than 180 days (bachelor's, master's, doctorate, one-year language programmes). The X2 is for study of 180 days or less.
The X1 visa allows a single entry. Within 30 days of arrival you must obtain a student residence permit from the exit-entry administration of the public security bureau in your city. You then travel in and out on that permit.
Source: Chinese Embassy in Türkiye, X1/X2 document list, Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 30 (Jilin University)
Step by step
- Admission: the university sends you the Admission Notice and a JW201 or JW202 form. An admission notice alone is not enough for an X1 visa.
- Medical check: complete the Foreigner Physical Examination Form; results are valid for 6 months.
- Visa application: apply with your documents at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or the Chinese embassy/consulate.
- Arrival: register at your university on the date stated in your admission notice.
- Residence permit: within 30 days of arrival, apply with your passport, admission notice, JW form, medical record, accommodation registration and photo. Most universities help students with this step.
Source: Chinese Embassy in Türkiye, X1/X2 document list, Chinese Embassy, 2026/2027 CGS notice
Timeline (for a September start)
- December–April: university and scholarship applications (a CSCA score is required for bachelor's applications).
- June–August: admission results; Chinese Government Scholarship results are released in July–August. The admission notice and JW form arrive by courier or electronically.
- July–August: medical check and visa application. Allow at least a few weeks for the visa.
- Late August–September: entry to China and registration; then the residence permit within 30 days.
Required documents
Document lists change from time to time; check the latest list of your visa centre before applying.
- Passport (valid at least 6 months with a blank visa page) and a copy of the data page
- Completed visa application form and photo
- Original and copy of the admission notice
- Original and copy of the JW201 or JW202 form
- A valid residence permit if you live in a country other than your own
Common mistakes
- Not checking passport validity (scholarship applications require at least 12 months)
- Booking a visa appointment before receiving the JW form
- Missing the 30-day residence permit deadline after arrival
Source: Chinese Embassy, 2026/2027 CGS notice, Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 30 (Jilin University)