X1 and X2 student visas
Our program is a language and cultural exchange, fully based on a student visa. We guide you through every step.
Two student visas, one for each program length
Every Waupair China au pair is a registered language student. The length of your program decides your visa.
X2 visa
A short-term student visa, for 3 to 6 month programs. You study at your language school for the length of your program and fly home at the end.
X1 visa
A long-term student visa. After you arrive, it is converted into a residence permit, a routine step for longer stays, and we guide you through it.
What you should know
- Our au pair program is a language and cultural exchange, so you enter China on a student visa: X1 or X2.
- We register you at a language school and cover your tuition. The school issues the admission documents you need for your visa application.
- Never enter China on a tourist visa to join the program. We will not accept anyone who does.
- Visa requirements vary by nationality and can change. We confirm the current rules with you before you apply.
How visa support works
You never have to figure out the paperwork alone. Here is what happens, in order.
- 1
School registration
Once you have chosen your host family, we register you at a language school and cover your tuition.
- 2
Admission documents
The school issues the admission documents for your visa. We send them to you and check that everything is correct.
- 3
Visa application
You apply at the Chinese embassy, consulate or visa centre in your country, with our guidance at every step.
- 4
Arrival in China
We help you register your address. On an X1 visa, we also guide you through your residence permit.
Documents for your visa application
The exact list depends on your nationality and the embassy you apply to. Usually you will need:
- Your passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay, with blank visa pages
- A completed visa application form and a recent passport photo
- The admission documents from your language school
- For an X1 visa: the additional school form and health check form the embassy asks for
- Anything extra your local embassy or visa centre requires
We send you the current checklist for your country before you apply, and review your documents with you so nothing is missing. Allow a few weeks for the whole process, from school registration to visa in hand, so tell us your ideal start date early. First, check theau pair requirements.
Student visa questions
X1 or X2: which one do I need?
It depends on the length of your program. Up to 180 days means an X2 visa; longer than 180 days means an X1 visa. We tell you which one to apply for when we plan your program.
Can I come on a tourist visa and change it later?
No. You must enter China on the student visa for your program. This keeps your stay fully legal from day one.
Can I travel outside mainland China during my stay?
Hong Kong, Macau and other countries count as leaving mainland China. Whether you can come back in depends on your visa, so always check with us before you book.
What if I want to stay longer?
Talk to us as early as possible. Changing the length of your program can mean new paperwork, and we will explain your options.
More answers in our FAQ, or see how the program works.
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