涵涵君的小站中文
来华留学办签证，第一步不是填表，而是先确定读多久：超过180天办X1，不超过180天办X2。类型选错，入境后要么白跑一趟换居留许可，要么签证到期必须离境。
- 两种签证的区别：X1发给赴华学习超过180天的人员，入境后须在30日内办理居留证件；X2发给学习不超过180天的人员，凭签证上的停留期在华停留，不需要办理居留许可。
- 录取通知书：两类签证都需要中国境内招收单位出具的录取通知书原件及复印件，通知书上的姓名、学习期限应与护照和申请表一致。
- JW201/JW202表：X1申请人还需《外国留学人员来华签证申请表》（JW201表或JW202表）原件及复印件；中小学生提交《基础教育阶段接受外国来华学习人员确认表》。X2一般只需录取通知书，部分使领馆另要求招收单位资质证明、《短期来华留学生信息表》或学习计划。
- 体检与保险：办理居留证件通常需提交健康证明（外国人体格检查记录），部分情况需在境内指定机构复检；按教育部门规定，国际学生须参加医疗保险，学习期限超过6个月的，一般由学校统一投保团体综合保险。
- 入境后转居留许可：持X1签证入境之日起30日内，向拟居留地县级以上公安机关出入境管理机构申请居留证件，需带护照、录取通知书、JW201/JW202表、健康证明和住宿登记凭证等材料。
- 办理时长：签证审理时间由各使领馆和签证中心确定，通常需要数个工作日，开学旺季或需补充材料时更久；居留证件的办理时限以受理机关告知为准。建议开学前留足时间，不要卡着报到日递签。
顺序不要搞反：先拿到学校的录取通知书和JW201/JW202表，才能在官方签证申请系统里填表、预约并到签证中心递交材料。没有这两份文件，签证申请无法受理。
X1和X2不是随意挑的“长期/短期”，而是与学校给出的学习期限绑定。语言进修、校际交换项目多为半年以内，通常是X2；学历生和一年以上的进修生是X1。
如果持X2入境后学习期限延长，能否在境内变更停留事由，需要咨询拟居留地的公安机关出入境管理机构，多数情况下要重新申请对应签证，不要自行逾期停留。
以上为一般性说明，具体要求与最新规定以官方发布为准。
English
China Student Visa Requirements: X1 vs X2 and the Documents You Need
The first step in getting a student visa for China is not filling in a form but deciding how long you will study: more than 180 days means an X1 visa, 180 days or less means an X2. Choose the wrong one and you will either have to make an extra trip for a residence permit or leave the country when your visa expires.
- The difference between the two: the X1 is issued to those studying in China for more than 180 days and requires a residence permit within 30 days of entry. The X2 is issued for study of 180 days or less, and you stay for the period shown on the visa without applying for a residence permit.
- Admission letter: both visa types require the original admission letter and a copy issued by the receiving institution in China. The name and study period on the letter should match your passport and application form.
- Form JW201 or JW202: X1 applicants also need the original and a copy of the Visa Application Form for Foreign Students Studying in China (Form JW201 or JW202). School students submit the Confirmation Form for Foreign Students Accepted by Basic Education Institutions. X2 applicants generally need only the admission letter, although some missions also ask for proof of the institution's qualifications, a short-term student information form or a study plan.
- Medical check and insurance: a residence permit application usually requires a health certificate (foreigner's physical examination record), and in some cases a re-examination at a designated institution in China. Under education ministry rules, international students must be covered by medical insurance; for programmes longer than six months, universities normally arrange group comprehensive cover.
- Converting to a residence permit: within 30 days of entry on an X1 visa, apply for a residence permit at the exit-entry administration of the public security authority at or above county level in the place where you will live. Bring your passport, admission letter, JW201 or JW202 form, health certificate and accommodation registration slip.
- Processing time: visa processing is set by each embassy, consulate and visa centre and usually takes several working days, longer in peak season or when extra documents are requested. The time needed for a residence permit is advised by the office that accepts your application. Apply well before term starts rather than on registration day.
Get the order right: the admission letter and Form JW201 or JW202 come first. Only then can you complete the official online visa application, book an appointment and submit documents at a visa centre. Without those two documents the application cannot be accepted.
X1 and X2 are not a free choice between long and short; they follow the study period stated by your school. Language courses and exchange programmes are often under six months and usually take an X2, while degree students and visiting students staying a year or more take an X1.
If your study period is extended after entering on an X2, ask the exit-entry administration where you live whether your status can be changed inside China. In most cases a new application for the appropriate visa is required, so do not simply remain past your permitted stay.
The above is general guidance only. For specific requirements and the latest rules, please refer to official announcements.
