China Visa · Student (X1/X2)

China Student Visa for US Citizens

Step-by-step X1 and X2 visa instructions for US citizens. We check your documents and submit them to the consulate for you.

From $319 totalEvery application checkedOffices near the consulates

China Student (X1/X2) Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Gather and send the following documents to Visa Express:

Foreign nationals who want to study in China need a student visa: an X1 visa for study longer than 180 days, or an X2 visa for study of 180 days or less. The consulate decides the number of entries and how long the visa is valid.

1Valid Passport – Student Visa

Submitting your actual passport is essential. Here are some important passport requirements you should be aware of:

  • Your U.S. passport must be original and signed, with validity extending for at least 6 months from your intended entry date into China.
  • If your U.S. passport has one year or more of remaining validity, you’re eligible for a 10-year China visa.
  • Ensure your passport contains two or more consecutive blank pages designated for visa stamps and related stampings. Note that endorsement and amendment pages do not fulfill this requirement.
  • Additionally, include a photocopy of the information page of your passport along with your China visa application.

2Prepare Digital Files for Your China Visa Online Application – Student Visa

  • Digital passport photo – You must upload a recent, color passport-style photo taken within the last six months, with a completely clear white background.
  • Passport data page – A photo of the passport page that contains your personal information and photo.
  • Blank visa pages – A photo showing two blank visa pages inside your passport.
  • Proof of residence – A photo of your driver’s license or a utility bill.
  • Previous Chinese visa – A photo of previous Chinese visa and the data page of your previous passport (if applicable).
  • Admission documents – A photo of your Admission Notice and, for an X1 visa, your JW201 or JW202 form.
  • Requirements for minors – A photo of Birth Certificate and passport from both parents.

3China Visa Online Application System – Student Visa

  • If you plan to use our 6-8 day expedited service, please fill out your China visa application online.

  • If you live in the following states: AZ, AK, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY. please fill out your China visa application online.

  • If you plan to use our 10-day, 15-day, or 20-day service and do not live in the states listed above, you must create an account on China’s online visa application system (please read the instructions below before you start), complete the visa application form, and upload the required documents.
    Each account can include multiple applicants. Please note that your account login information (email and password) must be shared with our agent so we can review and process all visa requests under that account.
    Important: Do not click the “Submit the application” button at the end (Step 10) of your online application. Instead, provide us with your online account login credentials (email & password).
    Ensure you have all the required digital files (see No. 2 above) before starting your online China visa application.

  • For non expedited service, select application location based on your driver’s license:Select Washington DC: AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
    Select New York: AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI
    Select San Francisco: AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY
  • Create your China online visa application account to start your application.
  • For applicants born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, it’s necessary to include your Chinese name in Chinese characters under the “Other name(s)” section on the online visa application form.(大陆或港台出生的申请人,务必将中文名字填写在签证申请表上)

4Visa Express Order Form – Student Visa

Fill out the Visa Express online order form. You will be asked to input your personal information, order information, and payment information. After inputting your data, click on “Place Order” which will create your completed order form, print it out, sign it, and send your documents to the address specified on your order confirmation page.

5Processing Time and Fees – Student Visa

Consulate Fee & Service Fee:
Please check the following table for Chinese consulate fee and our service fee:

PROCESSING TIME ENTRIES VALIDITY CONSULATE FEE SERVICE FEE TOTAL COST
6 – 8 Business Days Set by consulate Set by consulate $195 $499 $694
10 – 12 Business Days Set by consulate Set by consulate $160 $369 $529
15 Business Days Set by consulate Set by consulate $140 $269 $409
20 Business Days Set by consulate Set by consulate $140 $179 $319

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an X1 or an X2 visa?

It depends on the length of your program. Study of more than 180 days needs an X1 visa. Study of 180 days or less needs an X2 visa.

What is the JW201 or JW202 form?

It’s the official Visa Application for Study in China form, issued by your school together with the Admission Notice. It’s required for the X1 visa.

What do I do after I arrive in China on an X1 visa?

Apply for a residence permit at the local public security office within 30 days of arrival. Your school will usually help with this.

Ready to apply?

Call or email us. We’ll confirm the right visa type and the current requirements before you send anything.

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