If you have secured admission to a Chinese university for a programme lasting more than 180 days, you will need to apply for an X1 visa for long-term study. The China X1 visa application form, officially known as form V.2013, is the foundation of your student visa application. Completing this form accurately is essential, as errors or omissions can delay processing or lead to rejection.
This China student visa form guide walks you through each section of the application, explains the supporting documents you must gather, and highlights common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate applicant, understanding how to fill the X1 visa form correctly will help you navigate the process with confidence.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Visa type | X1 visa for study programmes exceeding 180 days in China |
Form version | China visa form V.2013, introduced September 2013 |
Application method | Submit via Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or China Visa Application Service Center; some locations also support COVA (China Online Visa Application) |
Key documents | JW201 or JW202 form issued by your university, admission notice, passport, photograph, and completed application form |
Governing authority | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and Exit-Entry Administration of Public Security Organs |
Biometrics | China visa fingerprint collection required at most application centres |
Understanding the X1 student visa application
The X1 visa is issued to international students accepted onto full-time degree or language programmes in China that last longer than 180 days. After you arrive in China on an X1 visa, you must apply for a residence permit from the local Exit-Entry Administration of Public Security Organs within 30 days.
The China student visa application form V.2013 replaced earlier versions in September 2013 and remains the current standard. You can download the form from the Chinese Embassy website or complete it online through the COVA China online visa application portal where available. Some applicants prefer to fill the form by hand, while others use the editable PDF; both methods are acceptable provided the information is legible and accurate.
How to fill the X1 visa form: section-by-section guide
Personal information
Begin with your full name exactly as it appears in your passport. Use capital letters and ensure there are no spelling variations. Enter your date and place of birth, nationality, and gender. If you have ever held another nationality or used a different name, declare it in the designated fields.
Provide your current passport details, including the passport number, issue and expiry dates, and the issuing authority. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date and have at least two blank visa pages.
Contact and address details
List your current residential address and a reliable contact telephone number and email address. You will also need to provide the address where you will stay in China. For most students, this will be university accommodation or a registered address provided by your institution. If you do not yet have a confirmed address, contact your university's international office for guidance.
Travel and study details
State the purpose of your visit as "study" and select X1 as the visa type. Indicate your intended date of entry and the duration of stay. For X1 visa applications, the duration corresponds to the length of your academic programme as stated in your admission notice.
You must also provide details of your educational background, including your highest qualification and the institution that awarded it. This information helps consular officers assess your academic readiness for study in China.
Invitation and sponsorship information
Enter the full name and address of your host institution in China. Attach the official admission notice and either the JW201 form or JW202 form. The JW201 form is issued to students on Chinese government scholarships, while the JW202 form is for self-funded or other scholarship students. These documents are prepared by your university and sent to you after you accept your offer of admission. They are mandatory X1 visa application requirements and cannot be substituted.
If you are applying for a scholarship to study in China, ensure that your JW201 form clearly states the scholarship details and that your application form matches this information exactly.
Financial means and employment history
Declare your occupation or student status and provide details of your current or most recent employer or educational institution. You will also need to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. The form does not specify an exact amount, but you should be prepared to provide bank statements or a financial guarantee letter as part of your supporting documents. Check the specific requirements with the China Visa Application Service Center handling your application.
Family members and emergency contacts
List the names, nationalities, and contact details of your immediate family members. If any family members will accompany you to China, note this in the form and prepare separate visa applications for them if required. Provide an emergency contact who can be reached if consular staff need to verify information or communicate urgent matters.
Previous travel to China
If you have visited China before, provide details of your previous visas, including the type, issue date, and duration. If this is your first application, simply indicate "no previous visits" in the relevant section.
Declaration and signature
Read the declaration carefully. By signing, you confirm that all information provided is true and complete. Sign and date the form in the presence of consular staff if required, or as instructed by your application centre. Unsigned forms will not be accepted.
Required documents for the X1 student visa application
In addition to the completed China X1 visa application form, you must submit the following Chinese student visa documents:
Original passport with at least six months' validity and two blank pages
One recent colour passport photograph meeting Chinese visa photo specifications
Original JW201 form or JW202 form issued by your university
Original admission notice from your Chinese institution
Proof of accommodation in China (university dormitory confirmation or rental agreement)
Physical examination record (Form for Foreigner Physical Examination) completed at a designated clinic
Proof of financial means (bank statements, scholarship award letter, or sponsor's financial guarantee)
Photocopies of all original documents
Some consulates may request additional documents, such as academic transcripts, a study plan, or a no-objection letter from your current institution. Verify the complete list with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction before submitting your application.
Submitting your application and biometrics
Most applicants must submit their China student visa application in person at a Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or authorised China Visa Application Service Center. During your appointment, you will undergo China visa fingerprint collection unless you are exempt due to age or diplomatic status. Bring all original documents and photocopies, and be prepared to answer questions about your study plans.
If the COVA China online visa application system is available in your location, you can complete the form online, print the confirmation page, and bring it to your appointment along with your supporting documents. The online system can reduce errors and speed up processing, but it does not eliminate the need for an in-person visit.
Processing times vary by location and season, but most X1 visa applications are decided within four to seven working days. Express services may be available for an additional charge. Once your visa is issued, check all details carefully before leaving the application centre to ensure there are no errors.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many X1 visa application delays stem from avoidable errors. Do not leave any fields blank; if a question does not apply to you, write "N/A" rather than leaving it empty. Ensure that dates are written in the correct format (day/month/year or as specified on the form) and that all names and addresses match your supporting documents exactly.
Photocopies must be clear and legible. Blurred or incomplete copies will be rejected. Similarly, passport photographs must meet the specified dimensions and background colour; photos that do not comply will delay your application.
Do not submit expired documents. Your passport, admission notice, and JW201 or JW202 form must all be current and valid. If your university issues a revised admission notice or invitation letter, use the most recent version in your application.
After you receive your X1 visa
The X1 visa itself is typically valid for a single entry and permits a stay of up to 30 days from your date of entry. Within this 30-day window, you must register with the local Exit-Entry Administration of Public Security Organs and apply for a residence permit that covers the full duration of your studies. Your university's international student office will guide you through this process.
Bring your passport, admission notice, JW201 or JW202 form, physical examination record, proof of accommodation, and passport photographs to your residence permit appointment. The residence permit, not the visa, is what allows you to remain in China for the duration of your programme.
If you are weighing study options across multiple countries, compare visa pathways with Zovra to understand how China's student visa requirements stack up against other destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fill the China X1 visa application form by hand or must I use the online system?
You may complete the China visa form V.2013 by hand using a printed PDF, or you can fill it electronically and print the completed version. Some locations also offer the COVA China online visa application portal, which allows you to enter your details online and generate a barcode for faster processing. All three methods are acceptable, provided the information is accurate and legible.
What is the difference between the JW201 form and the JW202 form?
The JW201 form is issued to students who have been awarded a Chinese government scholarship, while the JW202 form is for self-funded students or those receiving scholarships from other sources. Both forms are prepared by your host university and are mandatory for X1 student visa applications. You will receive only one of these forms depending on your funding status.
How long does it take to process an X1 visa application?
Standard processing at most Chinese Embassies and Visa Application Service Centers takes four to seven working days. Express and rush services may be available for an additional charge, reducing the processing time to two or three working days. Check with your local application centre for current processing times, as these can vary by location and time of year.
Do I need to provide proof of financial means even if I have a full scholarship?
Yes. Even if your JW201 form confirms a full Chinese government scholarship, consular officers may still request evidence of additional funds to cover incidental expenses, travel, or emergencies. Prepare a recent bank statement or a financial guarantee letter from a sponsor to satisfy this requirement.
Can I apply for an X1 visa if my programme starts in less than 180 days but lasts longer than 180 days overall?
The X1 visa is for programmes that exceed 180 days in total duration, regardless of when they begin. If your course lasts more than 180 days, you should apply for an X1 visa. If the programme is 180 days or shorter, you will need an X2 visa instead. Your admission notice and JW201 or JW202 form will indicate the correct visa type based on your programme length.
