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X2 visa: the short-term study visa for China

Unofficial entry · Sources checked

The X2 visa is the visa category for foreigners who apply to study in China for a short term. Article 6(11) of the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners says that the X2 visa is for persons who apply for short-term study in China, and Article 36 defines short-term. This term is part of Visas and residence.

Definition

X2 visa: the visa for short-term study in China, as set out in Article 6(11) of the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners.

Article 36(4) of the Regulations defines the term: "Short-term means staying in China for a period not exceeding 180 days (including 180 days)."

Article 36(5) defines the opposite term: "Long-term or resident means residing in China for a period exceeding 180 days."

Article 36(3) defines the duration of stay specified in the visa: "the period of time during which the visa holder is allowed to stay in China after each entry. It begins from the next day of entry."

For the visa for study longer than 180 days, see the X1 and X2 visa guide.

What the official text says

Regulations, Article 6(11): "The X1 visa is issued to persons who apply for long-term study in China; the X2 visa is for persons who apply for short-term study in China."

Regulations, Article 7(11): "to apply for the X2 visa, the applicant shall, in accordance with relevant provisions, submit such certification documents as the admission notice issued by the admission institution."

Visa for China, Part One (Embassy of the PRC in the United Kingdom): the category table gives the X2 visa as "Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days." This is the UK embassy's own guidance. The page carries a 2020 date.

How to Apply for a Visa for China, Part Two (Embassy of the PRC in the United Kingdom): the list of documents for the X2 visa names "Original or photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a college, university or other educational institution in China." This is that embassy's list.

Visa Application Instructions of the People's Republic of China (China Consular Services website, Ministry of Foreign Affairs): the document list for the X2 visa names "The Admission Letter issued by a school or other admitting entity in China."

Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 29:

  • Where the duration of stay specified in a visa held by a foreigner does not exceed 180 days, the holder may stay in China within the duration specified therein.
  • Where the duration of stay needs to be extended, the visa holder shall file an application with the exit/entry administration of public security organ under the local people's government at or above the county level in the place of his stay seven days prior to the expiry of the duration specified in the visa.
  • If an extension is denied, the foreigner shall leave China on the expiry of the duration.
  • The accumulated length of extension shall not exceed the original duration of stay specified in the visa.

Service Guide on visa extension, change and reissuance for foreigners (National Immigration Administration), item j, on the holder of the X2 visa: the holder "shall submit a current study certificate issued by an education or training institution within the territory of China. The stay may be extended for no more than 180 days." The same item adds: "The accumulated extension of stay shall not exceed the original duration of stay specified in the visa."

Related terms

Sources

Checked 11 October 2026.

This entry is an unofficial summary, is not legal or immigration advice, and is not published by the bodies named. The official text and the instructions of the body handling your case prevail if they differ.

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