X1 visa
X1 visa is issued to foreign nationals applying for long-term study in China. The valid period of X1 visa is 30 days. The holder of X1 visa shall apply for a residence permit at the Office of International Student Affairs within 30 days after entry. X1 visa cannot be changed into any other type of visa. Upon applying for a residence permit, the student shall also produce a health certificate issued by the Shanghai entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau authority.
X2 visa
X2 visa is issued to foreign nationals applying for short-term study in China. The valid period of X2 visa is indicated on the visa page, and lasts for the specified number of days, counted from the day of entry. For instance, the holder of an X2 visa with a valid period of 90 days, after entering China on Aug. 25, may stay in China until November 23 of the same year.
L visa
L visa is issued to foreign nationals applying for inbound tourism. Group L visa may be issued to a group applying for inbound tourism.
S1 and S2 visas
S1 visa is issued to is the spouses, parents, underage children, and parents-in-law of foreign nationals who reside in China for reasons such as work and study, who come to China for long-term visits to relatives, as well as people who need to reside in China for other private affairs.
S2 visa is issued to the family members of foreign nationals who stay or reside in China for reasons such as work and study, who come to China for short-term visits to relatives, as well as people who need to stay in China for other private affairs.
Z visa
Z visa is issued to foreign nationals applying for employment in China.
Residence permit
International students intending to study in China for more than 180 days shall apply for a residence permit, which shall be indicated with its valid period. The holder of a residence permit may enter and exit China for multiple times within the valid period.
