Document checklist
Saudi Arabia → China: X1 Visa (study in China for more than 180 days)
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Not yet checked. This page was drafted from the sources listed below but hasn't passed verification yet. Double-check anything critical directly with the official source before you rely on it.
Required documents
11 itemsIdentity
Earlier Chinese passport or visa (if you had one)
If you once held Chinese nationality or a Chinese visa, copies of your old Chinese passport or earlier Chinese visa. If your name has changed, add proof of the name change.
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea, X1 & X2 Visa
Online visa application form and confirmation page
RequiredFill in the visa application form online (the COVA system), then print and sign the form and its confirmation page.
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea, X1 & X2 Visa
Proof you live legally where you apply
If you apply outside your country of citizenship, a copy of your residence permit, visa or similar papers for the country you apply in.
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea, X1 & X2 Visa
Recent color photo
RequiredA color photo taken in the last 6 months, on a plain white background, with your head uncovered and your face centered.
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea, X1 & X2 Visa
Valid passport and a copy
RequiredYour original passport, valid for more than 6 months, with blank visa pages, plus a copy of the photo page. The embassy in the United States asks for at least 2 blank visa pages.
Financial
Proof of money or scholarship (at some missions)
Some missions ask for proof you can pay for your studies. The embassy in Türkiye asks for a bank deposit certificate of at least US$2,500 per year, or a scholarship certificate. The consulate in Lagos asks for a sponsorship letter and bank statements for the last 6 months.
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Türkiye, X1/X2 Visa List of Required Documents
Purpose of travel
Admission letter from your school in China
RequiredThe admission letter issued by your school or other host in China, plus a copy.
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea, X1 & X2 Visa
JW201 or JW202 form
RequiredThe Visa Application for Study in China form (JW201 or JW202) that your school sends you, plus a copy. Students at primary or secondary level use the Confirmation Form for Elementary Stage Students instead.
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea, X1 & X2 Visa
Other
No-criminal-record certificate (at some missions)
Some missions ask for a certificate showing you have no criminal record. The consulate in Lagos asks for one legalized by the Chinese embassy or consulate.
Physical examination form (at some missions)
Some missions ask for a physical examination form with your application, for example the consulate in Lagos. Check your mission's list.
Residence permit application within 30 days of arrival
RequiredThe X1 visa is not the end of the process. Within 30 days after you enter China, apply for a residence permit at the local public security exit and entry office. Bring a letter from your school showing how long you'll study, and your admission or enrollment letter.
Source: National Immigration Administration of China, Entry-Exit and Stay (Residence) of Foreigners
Why applications on this route get refused
No JW201/JW202 form or admission letter
The X1 visa is for people already accepted by a school in China, so every mission lists both the admission letter and the JW201 or JW202 form.
How to avoid it: Wait until your school has sent both documents before booking your visa appointment.
Extra documents or an interview requested
The consular officer can ask for more documents or an interview, and decides whether to issue the visa and on what terms.
How to avoid it: Keep originals of everything you copy, and answer any request for more papers quickly.
Name or birth details that don't match earlier passports
If your new passport shows a different name or date of birth from an older one, you must add a document proving the change. If the place of birth differs, the embassy in Türkiye says you should change your passport.
How to avoid it: Compare your old and new passports before applying and get proof of any change.
Passport valid for too short a time
Your passport needs more than 6 months of validity left and blank visa pages.
How to avoid it: Renew your passport first if it expires soon or has no free visa pages.
Sources
- Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea, X1 & X2 Visa · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States, Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Türkiye, X1/X2 Visa List of Required Documents · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Lagos, Notice on the Student Visa (X1) Application · checked 14 Sept 2026
- National Immigration Administration of China, Entry-Exit and Stay (Residence) of Foreigners · checked 14 Sept 2026
Check your documents against this list before you pay the China application fee.
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