One year of Chinese in China: what the long-term route involves

Study at a Chinese school for more than 180 days is long-term study. Article 45 of the Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42) sets this line, and Article 36(5) of the Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (State Council Decree No. 637) gives the same line for a stay in China. This page sets out what the official texts attach to that length. For the route types themselves, see Routes.

The Order No. 42 wording below is quoted from its Chinese text. The English is this site's own translation of that text.

What counts as long-term study

Article 45 of Order No. 42 says that short-term study is study at a Chinese school for no more than 180 days, with 180 days included. It says that long-term study is study at a Chinese school for more than 180 days.

Article 36(5) of the Regulations says that long-term or resident means residing in China for a period exceeding 180 days. Article 36(4) says that short-term means staying in China for a period not exceeding 180 days, including 180 days.

The visa: X1 or X2

Article 6(11) of the Regulations says that the X1 visa is issued to persons who apply for long-term study in China. It says that the X2 visa is for persons who apply for short-term study in China.

Article 35 of Order No. 42 says that a foreigner who applies to study at a school covered by the Order shall apply for an X1 or X2 visa before entry, according to the study period. The application shall include the certificate filed with the education authority and the admission letter issued by the school, under the rules in force.

Residence permit within 30 days of entry

Article 36 of Order No. 42 says that where a study visa states that a residence permit must be obtained after entry, the holder shall apply within 30 days from the date of entry. The application goes to the public security exit-entry administration in the intended place of residence.

Article 30 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law says the same 30-day period. It says that where a visa states the foreigner must apply for a residence permit after entry, the foreigner shall apply within 30 days from the date of entry. The administration shall, within 15 days from receipt, examine the application and make a decision.

Article 30 also gives the validity ranges. A work-type residence permit is valid for at least 90 days and at most five years. A non-work-type residence permit is valid for at least 180 days and at most five years.

Article 16(2) of the Regulations says that to apply for a residence permit for study, the applicant shall submit a letter indicating the duration of study, provided by the admission institution. Article 16 also says the applicant shall go through the formalities in person with the exit-entry administration of the local public security organ at or above county level in the proposed place of residence, and provide biometric identification information such as fingerprints.

Health certificate for a permit of more than 1 year

Article 16 of the Regulations says that when applying for a residence permit valid for more than 1 year, a foreigner shall submit a health certificate, in accordance with the relevant provisions. The same article says a health certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue.

Physical examination and insurance at enrolment

Article 39 of Order No. 42 says that international students shall, on enrolment, complete the confirmation of the Foreigner Physical Examination Record at the Chinese health quarantine authority, or take a physical examination, under the rules of the Chinese health administration. If a physical examination confirms a serious mental disorder, infectious pulmonary tuberculosis, or another infectious disease that may cause major harm to public health, as listed in the Exit and Entry Administration Law, the public security authority handles the case according to law.

Article 40 of Order No. 42 says that schools apply an insurance system covering all international students. International students must buy insurance under the national rules and the school's requirements. A student who has not bought insurance as required shall be given a time limit to do so. If the student does not buy it by that deadline, the school does not admit the student. A student already studying who does not buy it shall be asked to withdraw or shall not be registered.

Sources

• Measures for the Administration of Schools Recruiting and Educating International Students (Order No. 42) — Ministry of Education of the PRC
• Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (State Council Decree No. 637) — National Immigration Administration
• Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China — National Immigration Administration

Checked 11 October 2026.

This page is an unofficial summary. It 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.