6 entries · checked 11 October 2026
Visas and residence
Terms used in the entry-exit rules: the two study visas, the residence permit for study, accommodation registration and the work-study endorsement.
Terms in this category
- Accommodation registrationChinese住宿登记
Registration of where a foreigner is staying. Hotels do it for their guests. Anyone living elsewhere, or the person hosting them, registers with the local public security organ within 24 hours of arrival.
SourceExit and Entry Administration Law (NIA), Articles 39 and 76See alsoResidence permit for study
- Duration of stayChinese停留期
The period a visa holder is allowed to stay in China after each entry. It is counted from the day after entry.
SourceEntry-Exit Regulations (NIA), Article 36(3)Exit and Entry Administration Law (NIA), Article 29See alsoX2 visa
- Residence permit for studyChinese学习类居留证件
The permit issued to foreigners pursuing long-term studies in China. A student whose visa requires it applies within 30 days of entry at the exit-entry administration of the public security organ where they will live. Non-work permits are valid for 180 days to five years.
SourceExit and Entry Administration Law (NIA), Article 30Entry-Exit Regulations (NIA), Articles 15 and 16MOE Order No. 42, Article 36See alsoX1 visaWork-study endorsementAccommodation registrationRead the full entry
- Work-study endorsementChinese勤工助学、校外实习加注
A note added to a residence permit for study, stating where and for how long the holder may do off-campus work-study or an internship. It needs the school’s approval first; without it, such work is not allowed.
SourceEntry-Exit Regulations (NIA), Article 22MOE Order No. 42, Article 30See alsoResidence permit for study
- X1 visaChineseX1字签证
The ordinary visa issued to people who come to China for long-term study, meaning more than 180 days. It is applied for before entry, and its holder must apply for a residence permit after arriving.
SourceEntry-Exit Regulations (NIA), Articles 6(11) and 36MOE Order No. 42, Article 35See alsoX2 visaResidence permit for studyJW202 formRead the full entry
- X2 visaChineseX2字签证
The ordinary visa for short-term study in China, meaning a stay of no more than 180 days. Its holder stays for the duration written on the visa; no residence permit follows.
SourceEntry-Exit Regulations (NIA), Articles 6(11) and 36Exit and Entry Administration Law (NIA), Article 29See alsoX1 visaDuration of stayRead the full entry
Full entries
Residence permit for study (China)
The residence permit for study is the document that lets a long-term international student live in China. It is applied for within 30 days of entry and is valid for 180 days to five years.
X1 and X2 visa (China study visas)
X1 and X2 are the two ordinary visa categories China issues for study. X1 is for long-term study of more than 180 days; X2 is for short-term study of 180 days or less.
Official sources
- Regulations of the PRC on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners — National Immigration Administration (English)
- Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC — National Immigration Administration (English)
- Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students, Order No. 42 — Ministry of Education (Chinese)
Other categories
Admission and documents
The papers that travel with an admission: the admission notice, the JW201 and JW202 forms, the physical examination form, and the rules every school applies.
Universities and degrees
How Chinese universities and degrees are labelled: Double First-Class, Project 985 and 211, degree and non-degree study, academic and professional degrees.
Tests and verification
The tests named in official application guides, and the two Ministry of Education bodies that verify qualifications.
Scholarships
The Chinese Government Scholarship and the council that administers it.