As the September university orientation season begins, new international students entering on X1 visas must apply for a study-type residence permit within 30 days of entry. Failure to do so will result in illegal residence and affect registration and enrollment.

I. X1 vs. X2 Visa Differences

X1 Visa: For study programs exceeding 180 days; allows a 30-day stay upon entry and requires conversion to a study-type residence permit.

X2 Visa: For study programs up to 180 days; permits legal stay within the authorized stay period and does not require conversion to a residence permit. Typically single-entry; the visa becomes invalid upon exit and cannot be reused for re-entry. Extensions may be applied for before expiry, but do not include long-term residence rights.

II. X1 to Residence Permit: 30-Day Countdown

Within 30 days from the day following entry, apply for a study-type residence permit at the exit-entry administration department of the public security bureau at the municipal level in your intended place of residence. Recommended sequence:

I. Complete temporary residence registration within 24 hours of check-in (for non-hotel accommodations, use the "NIA 12367" mini-program; the person providing accommodation may also register on your behalf).

II. Complete registration at your university and obtain the official school letter.

III. Take your overseas medical examination form to the local Customs International Travel Health Center to obtain a Verification Certificate of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners (if the overseas form is expired or incomplete, a re-examination is required).

IV. Purchase comprehensive medical insurance for foreigners in China.

V. Submit all required documents to the exit-entry administration: passport and photocopy, JW201/JW202 form (yellow page, page 3), admission letter, official school letter, medical verification certificate, accommodation registration form, photos, tuition and insurance payment receipts (refer to the latest checklist from the accepting authority).

VI. The residence permit processing period is typically 8–15 working days. After submission, you may legally remain in China on the strength of the acceptance receipt—this does not count as overstay.

III. Important Reminders

I. Do not enter too early: The 30-day window can easily be exceeded when overlapping with medical check-ups and school letter processing. Plan your entry date backward from the orientation start date.

II. Visa-free entry cannot be directly converted to an X1 residence permit: You must exit, apply for an X1 visa, and re-enter.

III. The JW form (yellow page, page 3), medical examination form, and accommodation registration are the most frequently omitted items—double-check each before submission.

IV. Overstay consequences: Penalties under Article 78 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, and will affect your student status registration.

V. Fee Reference (nationally unified, per NDRC [National Development and Reform Commission] Pricing Document No. 2230 [2004]): Residence permit under 1 year: 400 RMB; 1 year (inclusive) to under 3 years: 800 RMB; 3 years (inclusive) to 5 years (inclusive): 1,000 RMB.

Shaanxi Foreigners Service Platform reminds you: Implementation details vary by locality. Before applying, please confirm the latest requirements with your university's international student office and the local public security exit-entry administration, or call 12367. You may also contact us via direct message.

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