Are you planning on going to China this coming semester for your education? Then you’re going to need to get a China visa. There are two types of student visas for Chinese visitors, X1 and X2. Let’s take a look at these to help you decide which one is best for your travel needs. Keep in mind that you can only apply for a China visa 90 days or sooner before your departure. The X visa also applies to graduate students and university field researchers.
X1 Student Visa
The X1 visa is for stays longer than 180 days. If you plan to stay in China for long-term study, this is the visa to apply for. Determining the length of your visa’s validity in China will be sorted after you arrive in the country. X1 visa applicants will also need to get a Temporary Residence Permit within 30 days of their trip to China. These permits are valid for up to 5 years. This permit also allows for students to travel into and out of mainland China as needed with little trouble. When their visit nears its end, X1 visa holders must cancel their permit and apply for a 30-day tourist visa.
X2 Student Visa
The X2 is for trips under 180 days. If you only plan to spend a semester in China for university studies, this is the type of visa you’ll need. X2 visas will not need a residence permit considering the short duration of their stay. If your X2 visa needs extending, you must apply for this extension at least 30 days before your current X2 visa expires.
Both visas are valid for 90 days from the issue date. Students will need to find an accredited organization that can send in a JW201 or JW202 form on their behalf, as well as an admission letter. JW201 forms are for students with government-backed scholarships while the JW202 is for self-sponsored international students.
In most cases, X visas are single-entry only, but double entry visas can be acquired if needed. X visa holders are not allowed to work with this type of visa, but part-time jobs and internships may be authorized. International students working while holding an X visa will either have to cease their work or be deported.
Before your trip to China, it is vital to make sure you have all the documents you need to apply for a visa, including a valid US passport. For more information on getting a China student visa in Houston in just a few business days, call Texas Tower Houston at (713) 874-1420. For business or tourist travel, here’s a brief guide on getting a China visa.
texastower.net/china