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Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Visas
Non-Chinese citizens planning to enter China for purposes such as health, education, tourism, conferences, transit, etc., are required to obtain a Chinese visa. To apply, applicants must submit a completed China visa application form along with relevant documents and pay the applicable processing fee.
We provide a comprehensive guide to China visas, covering the application process and the various visa categories available.
China Tourist Visa
For tourists or family visits, foreigners require an L visa for China, lasting 60 to 90 days. It may be issued as multiple, double, or single-entry. Canadian and U.S. citizens could be eligible for a ten-year multiple-entry China tourist visa.
Valid Passport document:
Important Passport Information for China Visa Application:
- Validity: Your passport must be original, signed, and have a minimum of 6 months validity from the entry date into China.
- 10-Year Visa: If your U.S. passport has at least one year of remaining validity, you are eligible for a 10-year China visa.
- Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has two or more consecutive blank pages for visa stamps; endorsement and amendment pages don’t count.
- Photocopy: Include a photocopy of the passport’s information page along with your application.
Visa application form:
Mandatory for all China Visa applicants, the Chinese visa application form must be completed online. When completing the online visa application form, please refrain from clicking the Submit button at the end. Instead, kindly note your application ID and provide it to us. A link to access the visa application form online will be provided during the application stage.
Additional Requirements for Minors:
- Birth Certificate Copy
- Copies of both parents’ passports
Options for China Tourist Visa Application:
When applying for a China tourist visa, you have two choices:
Option 1: Provide photocopies of round-trip airline tickets and hotel reservations.
Option 2: Submit an invitation letter from your host in China, which should include:
- Your name, gender, arrival and departure dates, specific destination, and passport number.
- Sponsor’s name, signature, contact information, address, and a copy of their residence permit or Chinese ID.
- Purpose of your visit to China.
If a non-government sponsor, state the relationship you share.
Additional Requirements:
Proof of Residency: Submit a document proving your current residential address, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Minors can provide a copy of their parent’s driver’s license.
Previous Chinese Visa: If you’ve visited China before, provide a copy of your most recently issued previous Chinese visa. If it’s on your old passport, include the original old passport.
For Non-U.S. Citizens: Include a photocopy of your U.S. Green Card or valid U.S. visa with your China visa application. Non-U.S. passport holders are eligible for a 3-month single entry or 6-month double entry visa; multiple entry visas are not available.
Visa Express Order Form: Complete the online order form here with your personal, order, and payment information. Print it out, sign it, and submit it along with your application.
- Please ensure all required information is included and follow the guidelines specific to your visa type.
Processing Time and Fees:
The processing time and fees for obtaining a China tourist visa are as follows:
- Standard Processing Time: The regular processing time for a China tourist visa is typically around 4-5 business days. This is the standard option for most applicants.
- Expedited Processing (Optional): If you need your visa urgently, you can opt for expedited processing, which usually takes around 1-3 business days. Please note that an additional fee applies for this service.
- Visa Fees: The visa application fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. It’s essential to check the current fee schedule from the nearest Chinese consulate/embassy or their official website before submitting your application.
- Payment Method: Most Chinese consulates/embassies accept payment by cash, money order, or certified bank check. Credit card payments may not be accepted, so it’s essential to verify the accepted payment methods in advance.
Processing times and fees
Processing time | Consular fee | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
5-9 business days | $220 | $720 | $940 |
10-15 business days | $210 | $400 | $610 |
China Student Visa Requirements
To apply for a student visa to China, please gather, prepare, and send the following documents:
Valid Passport:
Ensure you send your actual passport with at least twelve (12) months of remaining validity before its expiration. The passport should also have at least one complete blank visa page for the visa stamp.
Note: The last three pages on the U.S. passport are not visa pages and cannot be used for this purpose. If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, you can explore our passport services – for US citizens only.
Visa Application Form (No handwritten forms):
All applicants for the China Student Visa must complete the Chinese visa application form online. When filling out the online visa application form, do not click the Submit button at the end (step 11: review). Instead, make sure to write down and provide us with the application ID.
Please select the appropriate application location.
Photograph:
Please include one 2″x 2″ passport-type photo. Homemade digital photographs are not acceptable.
Student Visa Application:
Submit your approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form (JW101 or JW202).
Letter of Admission:
Include the original and a photocopy of your Admission Notice from a Chinese school.
If you decide to engage Visa Online Express services, a highly qualified Registered Migration Agent will carefully review your profile to determine your eligibility for the Student Visa.
By choosing Visa Online Express, you will benefit from the best China visa advice and comprehensive support throughout your visa application process, as we have a team of highly experienced China visa and immigration experts at your disposal.
China Work Visa
China Work Visa Type Z is a single-entry visa available for foreigners with a job offer from a China-incorporated company, including their family members. It is valid for 3 months. To apply for a work visa (Z), you need an employment license or work permit issued by the Chinese government. Within 30 days of entry, you must obtain a Residence Permit, which will determine your stay duration. The work permit is renewable if you change employers.
Original Passport:
Submit your actual passport with the following requirements:
- Must be an original signed passport, valid for at least 6 months from your entry into China.
- For US citizens – If your U.S. passport has at least one year of remaining validity, you may be eligible for a 10-year China visa.
- The passport must have two or more consecutive blank pages for visa stamps and related endorsements.
- Provide a photocopy of the passport’s information page.
Chinese Visa Application Form:
Complete the Chinese visa application form online. Do not click the Submit button at the end (step 11: review). Instead, write down and provide the application ID. The form link will be provided.
If born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, also write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.1E on the form.
Photographs:
Include a colored passport-sized photograph adhering to these specifications:
Photo dimensions: 33mm wide and 48mm tall.
Taken within the last six months, showing your front view with a bare head against a light background. The photograph will be attached to the visa application form.
Work Permit:
Provide the original Foreign Experts Certificate issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau or the Work Permit issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry.
Proof of Residency:
Submit a document confirming your current residential address, such as a copy of your driver’s license or utility bill. Minors without a driver’s license can submit a copy of their parent’s driver’s license.
Previous Chinese Visa:
If you have previously visited China, provide a copy of your most recently issued Chinese visa. If it’s on your old passport, include the original previous old passport. If you no longer have the passport with the previous visa, provide a signed statement explaining its status.
If you decide to engage Visa Online Express services, a highly qualified Registered Migration Agent will carefully review your profile to determine your eligibility for the China work Visa.
By choosing Visa Online Express, you will benefit from the best China visa advice and comprehensive support throughout your visa application process, as we have a team of highly experienced China visa and immigration experts at your disposal.
China Business Visa
You can opt for China business visa type M or F:
- China visa type F is offered to those who want to visit the country for non-commercial reasons on behalf of their employer. Valid reasons for such visits include cultural exchanges, scientific research, study visits (less than 180 days), attending lectures, etc. It’s usually a single-entry visa whose typical duration of stay is 30-90 days.
- China visa type M is available for foreigners who intend to visit China for trade and commercial activities on behalf of their non-Chinese employer. You must also receive an invitation into the country by a China-based business to get this visa.
A valid original Passport:
For your China visa application, you must submit your actual passport. Please take note of the following passport requirements:
- You must possess an original signed passport that remains valid for a minimum of 6 months from your planned entry date into China.
- US citizens – If your U.S. passport has at least one year of remaining validity, you are eligible for a 10-year China visa.
- Your passport should have two or more consecutive blank pages, where visa stamps and other visa-related endorsements will be placed.
Additional Requirements for Chinese Americans Born in China:
- First-time applicants born in China must submit their original Chinese passport.
- First-time applicants born in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau must provide a photocopy of their previous passport.
PU letter OR Letter of Invitation:
You must present an official Chinese PU letter OR an invitation letter from a company in China.
- The invitation letter should be on the company’s letterhead and include the company stamp.
- It must contain your full name, date of birth, gender, passport number, and citizenship.
- Clearly state the purpose of your business visit to China.
- You can submit the letter of invitation as a printout or copy.
Proof of Residency:
Submit a document verifying your current residential address, such as a copy of your driver’s license or utility bill.
Previous Chinese Visa:
If you have previously visited China, provide a copy of your most recently issued Chinese visa. If it’s on your old passport, include the original previous old passport. In case you no longer have the passport with the previous visa, provide a signed statement explaining its status.
Where Are You From Statement:
Print, fill out, and sign the “Where You Are” form here
Additional Visa Requirements to Consider:
- For media, NGO, or religious organization employees, include a personal statement letter and an employer letter on the company letterhead, stating your travel purpose.
- If you are a U.S. Citizen born in certain countries (Tunisia, Syria, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Cameroon), and traveling to China with an American passport, you must apply in person for a China visa.
- Non-U.S. citizens must include a valid work visa or Green Card copy with the China visa application. Non-U.S. passport holders can only apply for a 3-month single entry or 6-month double entry visa, as multiple entry visas are not available.
If you decide to engage Visa Online Express services, a highly qualified Registered Migration Agent will carefully review your profile to determine your eligibility for the China Business Visa.
By choosing Visa Online Express, you will benefit from the best China visa advice and comprehensive support throughout your visa application process, as we have a team of highly experienced China visa and immigration experts at your disposal.
Processing Time and Fees:
Kindly refer to the table below for the Chinese consulate fee and our service fee:
Processing time | Consular fee | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
5-9 business days | $220 | $720 | $940 |
10-15 business days | $210 | $500 | $710 |
Family (Visit) Visa
For foreigners intending to visit family members in China, a Q visa or S visa is required, valid for a duration of 90 to 180 days. U.S. citizens may qualify for a ten-year multiple entry China Q or S visa.
1. Valid Passport
Please submit your original signed U.S. passport, ensuring it remains valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date into China.
If your U.S. passport has at least one year of remaining validity, you are eligible for a 10-year China visa.
Ensure your passport contains two or more consecutive blank pages for visa stamps. Endorsement and amendment pages do not fulfill this requirement.
Provide a photocopy of the information page of your passport as well.
Additional Requirements for Chinese Americans Born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau:
First-time applicants born in China must submit their original Chinese passport.
First-time applicants born in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau must provide a photocopy of their previous passport.
2. Visa application form:
Mandatory for all China Visa applicants, the Chinese visa application form must be completed online. When completing the online visa application form, please refrain from clicking the Submit button at the end. Instead, kindly note your application ID and provide it to us.
Additional Requirements for Minors:
- Birth Certificate Copy
- Copies of both parents’ passports
3. Invitation Letter:
To apply for the China visa, you’ll need an invitation letter from your family member in China, along with a copy of their Chinese ID (both sides) or Chinese residence permit. The letter should include the following details:
Your name, gender, date of birth, passport number, and planned arrival and departure dates.
Your host’s name, signature, contact information, address, and a copy of their Chinese ID (both sides) or China residence permit.
Clearly state the relationship between you and your host.
Specify the full address of your intended stay and who will be financially responsible for your trip.
4. Proof of Residency:
Provide a document verifying your current residential address, such as a copy of your driver’s license or utility bill. For minors without a driver’s license, a copy of their parent’s driver’s license is acceptable.
5. Previous Chinese Visa:
If you’ve visited China before, include a copy of your most recently issued previous Chinese visa. If the visa is on your old passport, submit the original previous old passport. In case you no longer have the passport with the previous visa, provide a signed statement explaining its whereabouts.
Where You Are Statement:
Print, fill out, and sign the “Where You Are” form here
For Non-U.S. Citizens residing in US:
Include a photocopy of your U.S. Green Card or valid U.S. visa with your China visa application. Non-U.S. passport holders can only apply for a 3-month single entry or 6-month double entry visa; multiple entry visas are not available.
If you decide to engage Visa Online Express services, a highly qualified Registered Migration Agent will carefully review your profile to determine your eligibility for the Family Visa.
By choosing Visa Online Express, you will benefit from the best China visa advice and comprehensive support throughout your visa application process, as we have a team of highly experienced China visa and immigration experts at your disposal.
Processing Time and Fees:
Kindly refer to the table below for the Chinese consulate fee and our service fee:
Processing time | Consular fee | Processing fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
5-9 business days | $220 | $720 | $940 |
10-15 business days | $210 | $500 | $710 |
- Keep in mind that processing times and fees are subject to change, so it’s advisable to confirm the latest information with the relevant Chinese consulate/embassy or their official website before initiating your visa application.
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To get started, simply click on the link to find out if you’re eligible to apply for an entry Canada visa.
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