The X1 visa is for study exceeding 180 days; the X2 visa is for study lasting no more than 180 days. The admission and study-confirmation documents depend on the program and student level.
Who this visa is for
- X1: an admitted student whose intended study period exceeds 180 days
- X2: an admitted student whose intended study period is no more than 180 days
When to review another category
- A short academic visit without formal enrollment — review the F visa
- Employment in China — review the Z visa
- Choosing X2 for a program that will exceed 180 days
Basic application documents
- Passport bio page and the blank visa page requested by the receiving office; the current U.S. guidance says the passport should have more than six months of remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages.
- A completed online China visa application with a recent, compliant photo.
- Proof of lawful stay or residence in the United States when applicable, plus any jurisdiction-specific residence evidence requested for the case.
- Previous Chinese passport or previous Chinese visa records when the applicant formerly held Chinese nationality or the authority asks for prior records.
Current checklist basis: Chinese Embassy in the United States guidance updated September 2025. Requirements remain case-specific.
Study-specific documents
- X1 higher-education cases: Confirmation Form for Study in China (JW201 or JW202) plus the admission letter.
- X2 cases: admission notice and, when issued, the Information Form for Foreign Students’ Short-term Visit (DQ form).
- Different confirmation documents may apply to elementary or secondary students.
- X1 holders generally need to complete the residence-permit process after entry within the period required by Chinese authorities.
Start a case and provide your actual travel purpose. Our team can help organize the category and supporting-document review.
Documents that may apply to your case
- Documents for a minor applicant, including parent or guardian records where required.
- Name-change, naturalization, immigration-status, or prior-passport evidence when relevant.
- Additional originals, explanations, or supporting evidence requested during online preliminary review or passport submission.
How the assisted application works
- Start your case. Create an account and tell us your nationality, U.S. residence, travel purpose, and planned dates.
- Category and document review. We identify inconsistencies and provide a case-specific preparation checklist.
- Online preliminary review. The application and uploads follow the current official online process; additional materials may be requested.
- Passport submission and return. Submit only after the case reaches the required status and follow the case-specific mailing instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing the admission letter with the separate study-confirmation form
- Selecting X1/X2 only by preference instead of program duration
- School name, program dates, or passport details that differ across the admission and application records
Frequently asked questions
Does eChinaVisa decide whether my visa is approved?
No. eChinaVisa is an independent application-assistance service. The relevant Chinese authority decides acceptance, category, validity, entries, duration of stay, processing time, and approval.
Can the authority request more documents?
Yes. Published checklists are a starting point. The reviewing authority may request corrections, explanations, additional uploads, or original documents for an individual case.
Should I buy nonrefundable travel before approval?
Avoid relying on a visa outcome or date that has not been issued. Plan conservatively and review cancellation terms before making travel commitments.
Ready to prepare your X1 / X2 visa application?
Create your case online. You will receive the next document and submission instructions for your situation.
Start Your China Visa ApplicationOfficial source
Chinese Embassy in the United States: Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application