Do I need a residence permit with an X2 visa?

No. X2 visa holders stay for the period printed on the visa. Only X1 holders need a residence permit.

Can I travel while my passport is being processed?

Your passport is kept during processing and you receive a receipt. The receipt is accepted for some domestic purposes, but international travel is not possible until your passport is returned.

What is the penalty for overstaying?

Overstaying can lead to a fine of 500 CNY per day (up to 10,000 CNY), detention in serious cases, and problems with future visas.

Student Residence Permit in China: The 30-Day Rule

How X1 visa holders get a student residence permit within 30 days of arrival: steps, documents, health check, timing and what happens if you are late.

If you entered China with an X1 visa, you must apply for a student residence permit (学习类居留许可) at the local Exit-Entry Administration within 30 days of arrival. Your university's international office usually guides you through every step, often in a group.

Step 1 — Register your accommodation (within 24 hours)

On-campus dormitory: the university normally registers you.
Off-campus apartment: go to the local police station (派出所) with your passport and rental contract within 24 hours of moving in, and keep the Registration Form of Temporary Residence (境外人员临时住宿登记表).
Hotel: the hotel registers you automatically.

Every time you move, you must register again.

Step 2 — Health check verification

Take your Foreigner Physical Examination Form and original test reports to the local International Travel Healthcare Center (国际旅行卫生保健中心). They either verify your home-country results or ask you to repeat some tests. You will get a health certificate.

Step 3 — Submit the application

Typical documents:

Passport with X1 visa
Original JW201/JW202 form and admission letter
Registration Form of Temporary Residence
Health certificate from Step 2
Passport photos (many cities take them on site)
Application form and fee — the fee depends on the validity period

Step 4 — Wait and collect

Processing takes up to 15 working days. Your passport is kept and you receive a receipt. Once issued, the residence permit is a sticker in your passport, usually valid for the length of your program for the current year or more.

Keep your permit valid

Moved? Register your new address within 24 hours.
New passport or other changes? Apply to update your permit within 10 days.
Renewal: apply at least 30 days before the permit expires.
Want to intern? You need an annotation on your permit first — see our guide on part-time work.