Everything you need to apply for your visa with confidence
Planning a cultural exchange experience abroad?
Here’s everything you need to know about getting your X2 student visa — the short-term study visa that allows you to take Mandarin classes, live with a host family, and enjoy an immersive cultural stay.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the application steps, required documents, and how Masons Au Pair supports you before and after your departure.
Which Visa Do You Need for a Cultural Exchange or Au Pair–Style Program?
For cultural exchange experiences involving a host family stay — including au pair–style programs — participants typically apply for the X2 Student Visa. This short-term study visa allows you to remain in the country for up to 180 days while taking Mandarin classes and enjoying an immersive
Unlike a tourist visa, the X2 visa is directly linked to your enrollment in our partner language school, making it a safe, legal, and reliable option for international participants joining a cultural exchange program.
Masons Au Pair provides your invitation letter and supports you through every step of the application process.
Curious about the legal status of being an au pair in China?
Application Process
Our Application Process at Masons au Pair
Get your official invitation letter from Masons Au Pair and our partner language school XMandarin to start your visa application
Documents Checklist
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2 recent passport-size photos
Visa application form (we’ll assist you in completing it)
Invitation letter from our school/agency
Health certificate (if required)
Proof of return flight tickets (if requested)
Masons Au Pair Supports You
We prepare and send you the required official invitation letter.
We help you fill out your visa application properly.
We provide full personalized support during your visa process
We’re here to answer all your questions — every step of the way.
Masons Au Pair Supports You
We prepare and send you the required official invitation letter.
We help you fill out your visa application properly.
We provide full personalized support during your visa process
We’re here to answer all your questions — every step of the way.
FAQ
What visa is commonly used for cultural exchange or au pair–style programs in China?
To participate in a cultural exchange experience that includes living with a host family and attending Mandarin classes, most international participants apply for the X2 Student Visa.
This short-term study visa allows stays of up to 180 days and is linked to enrollment in an approved language school. It provides a legal, safe pathway for immersive programs that include host family placement.
Masons Au Pair provides the necessary invitation letter and guides you through the entire visa process.
What is an S2 visa in China?
The S2 visa is a short-term visit visa in China, typically granted to relatives of foreigners working or studying in the country.
It is not suitable for au pair programs and cannot be used for cultural exchange or education-based placements.
If you plan to be an au pair in China, the X2 visa is the correct and legal option.
What is a D visa in China?
The D visa is the Chinese permanent residence visa — it’s intended for foreigners who plan to live in China permanently.
It has nothing to do with au pair programs or cultural exchange.
If you are applying to become an au pair in China, this visa does not apply to your situation.
You should focus on the X2 student visa, which is designed for short stays and study-based activities.
What are the differences between the X2 visa and other short-term visas for China?
The X2 Student Visa is the most commonly issued visa for short-term cultural exchange programs in China, allowing foreign nationals to enroll in Mandarin classes and live temporarily with a host family.
Unlike Tourist (L), Visitor, or Transit visas, the X2 category provides official authorization for educational activities. These other visa types do not allow long-term cultural programs and may cause issues during immigration checks or at the port of entry.
The X2 visa application must be submitted to a Chinese embassy, consulate-general, or official visa application center, along with supporting documents such as your passport, travel document numbers, and a valid letter of invitation. Visa fees vary by nationality, and applications can be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on your program.
How do X2 visa requirements vary depending on program length?
The main factor that changes with program length is the validity period granted on your X2 visa and the range of supporting documents required by the consulate.
Short programs under 90 days may require fewer documents, while longer stays (90–180 days) typically demand full enrollment confirmation, proof of onward travel, valid passports, ID photos, and sometimes a health declaration. Depending on your nationality, a consular officer may request additional visa information during the application process.
Applications are submitted either online or directly at an embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Processing time varies by location and season, and visa fees must be paid when you apply for the visa.
Why is choosing the correct visa important for cultural exchange programs in China?
Using the wrong visa type — such as entering China on a tourist, business, or visitor visa — for activities that involve structured cultural exchange can result in complications at immigration, including fines, reduced stay duration, or difficulties obtaining future visas.
The X2 Student Visa is recognized by embassies, consulates, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the appropriate nonimmigrant visa category for short-term study programs. It requires an official invitation letter, school registration, and standard visa application documents.
Choosing the correct type of visa ensures your entry into China is legally authorized, your travel documents are valid, and your stay follows consular regulations and immigration rules.
How can I make sure I meet all the document requirements for the X2 visa?
Masons Au Pair helps you prepare every supporting document required for your X2 visa application, ensuring that your file is complete when submitted to the embassy or consulate-general.
We guide you through the application form, passport requirements, ID photos, school enrollment confirmation, onward travel proof, and any additional documents requested by consular officers based on nationality. You will also receive your official letter of invitation, a mandatory travel document for all student visa applicants.
Our assistance reduces processing time, prevents common application errors, and ensures that your visa submission meets all consular and immigration standards.
What are the legal considerations for cultural exchange participants staying with host families in China?
For cultural exchange participants living with a host family, it is essential to hold a visa category that authorizes study and temporary residence in China. The X2 Student Visa is the nonimmigrant visa most frequently issued for foreign participants enrolled in Mandarin programs, and it aligns with consular regulations for short-term stays.
Tourist (L), Business (M), Visitor, or Transit visas do not allow long-term stays or participation in educational activities. Using these visas for extended cultural exchange may create problems at the port of entry or during follow-up checks by immigration authorities.
By applying through a recognized program, you receive the correct invitation letter, visa application guidance, and documentation support needed to comply with embassy, consulate, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs requirements.
Visa Information: Understanding Different Types of Visas and Application Terms
When preparing your X2 Student Visa application, it is helpful to understand how different visa categories work in general. Many foreigners compare the Chinese visa system with other international visa types such as the Schengen visa, travel visa, or visitor visa used in Europe. Each country has its own rules regarding visa applications, working days for processing, fees, and required supporting documents.
A standard visa application typically involves submitting your passport, photocopies of identification, proof of itinerary, and sometimes a residence permit or authorization depending on your home country or citizenship status. Some nations also offer online visa services, visa-waiver programs, or exempt certain nationalities from entry visa requirements.
China does not use visa-waiver systems for long-term study, so applicants must obtain a valid entry visa before travel. Business visas, work visas, diplomatic visas, transit visas, and immigrant visas each have their own issuance procedures. While these visas are unrelated to the X2 category, understanding the terminology helps applicants know what documents consulates and visa centers expect when you apply for a visa.
For China, the X2 Student Visa remains the most suitable nonimmigrant option for short-term study. However, processing time, visa fees, and documentation requirements may vary depending on nationality and the consulate or consulate-general where you submit your application.