How to Apply for Chinese Visas
When you visit China for any reason, you would need a Chinese visa. China visas fall into category. Different type of Chinese visa have different requirements for documents. Applying for Chinese visas is rather simple. I would share related information here.
Important: the Chinese consulates recently changed application rules. You can no longer apply for Chinese visa through mail, email, Internet, or any express delivery service such as UPS, FedEx. All visa applications must be submitted to a consulate by the applicant or his/her designated persons.
Tourist Visa: L-visa
Tourist visas are generally issued to applicants who intend to visit China for sightseeing, visiting family or friends.
Documents Requirements:
1. One completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007) . All items should be filled. No alterations is allowed.
2. One 2X2 inch recent photo, showing entire face and without a hat on. Photo must be affixed to the application form in a designated area.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. Former Chinese visa records, if any, along with their copies.
5. U.S citizens may apply for a single, double-entry visa valid for 3 months or a multi-entry tourist visa valid for 12 months. If applying for a multi-entry tourist visa for 12 months, the passports should be valid for minimum 18 months.
6. A child of Chinese descent and born in foreign country who applies for a Chinese visa for the first time is required to submit his or her Birth Certificate and foreign passport or foreign permanent resident permit, e.g. Green Card, of one of his or her parents.
7. Non-US citizens shall provide documents valid for at least 6 months that entitles them to reside for an extended period of time in the US, Such as a Green card, work or study visa. Temporary visitors to the US should apply for a Chinese visa in their own country. Under certain special circumstances, the Chinese visa officers may consider the applications from the Temporary visitors to the US.
8. An approval notice from China Tibet Tourism Bureau is required if you intend to travel to the Tibet Autonomous Region. Telephone number for the Tourism Bureau is 86-891-6834313, fax number, 86-891-6834632.
9. Other files that consuls may request.
Business Visa: F-visa
Business visas are generally issued to applicants who intend to visit China on business invited by Chinese partner and trainees to stay in China for less than 6 months.
Document Requirements:
1. One application form that are completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007) . No item should be blank or altered.
2. One recently taken 2X2 in. photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Affix the photo to the application form.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. Former business visa, F-visa, records, if any, together with their copies.
5. Visa conformation letter from an economic and trade bureau or a foreign affairs office of the provincial or municipal government.
6.U.S. citizen may apply for a single, double-entry visa valid for 3 months or a multiple-entry F-visa valid for 12 months. A letter from the Chinese counterpart or foreign employee is required, stating that he or she will visit China frequently and need a multi-entry visa; Original passport should be valid at least 18 months beyond the date of application for those who apply for 12 months visa.
7. An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or last foreign passport.
8. Non-US citizens shall provide documents valid for at least 6 months that entitle them to reside for an extended period of time in the US , Such as a Green card, work or study visa. Temporary visitors to the US should apply for a Chinese visa in their own country. For the special case, the visa officer has the rights to make the final decision on whether issuing a visa or not.
9. Other documents the consuls may request.
Student Visa: X-visa
Student visas are generally issued to applicants who intend to study in China for more than 6 months.
Document Requirements:
1. One completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007) . All items should be filled. No alterations is allowed.
2. One 2X2 inch recent photo, showing entire face and without a hat on. Photo must be affixed to the application form in a designated area.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. A visa application form for international students, JW-201 or 202, issued by the Ministry of Education of China, and notification of admission from enrolled school with the seal of the said ministry are required.
5. A Physical Examination Record for Foreigner (Q-2) filled out and signed by an authorized doctor.
6.An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or last foreign passport.
7. A child of Chinese descent and born in a foreign country who applies for a Chinese visa for the first time is required to submit his or her Birth Certificate and foreign passport or foreign permanent resident permit, e.g. Green Card, of one of his or her parents.
8. Non-US passport bearers shall provide documents valid for at least 6 months that entitle them to reside or work for an extended period of time in the US.
9. Previously issued Chinese visas, if any, together with their copies.
10. Other Documents the consuls may request .
Important Notes:
1. The Passport and Visa Office issues single entry X-visas and Multi-entry X-visas valid for 12 months for American nationals who intend to study in China for more than 6 months. Visa fees are different for 6 month and 12 month visas.
2. Aliens holding X-visas shall, within 30 days of entry into China, obtain aliens’ residence permission from the Public Security Bureau at the place of their residence. Otherwise, aliens may be fined, detained or even ordered to leave the country within a specific time period.
Employment Visa: Z-visa
Employment Visas are generally issued to applicants who are employed to work in China for more than 6 months and who intend to do commercial performance in China.
Document Requirements:
1. One completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007). No item should be empty or altered.
2. One recently taken 2X2 in. photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Please affix the photo to the application form.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. An invitation letter or telegram from the relevant department of the Chinese government or Government authorized company.
5. Original Foreign Experts Working Permit issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, or original and copy of Alien Employment License issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, or other relevant permit of employment.
6. The spouse or children of a Z-Visa applicant, who is accompanying the applicant to stay in China, is required to be listed in the above-mentioned invitation letter or telegram. The original and copy of Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate to prove the relationship is also required.
7. An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or the last foreign passport.
8. A child of Chinese descent and born in a foreign country who applies for a Chinese visa for the first time is required to submit his or her Birth Certificate and foreign passport or foreign permanent resident permit, e.g. Green Card, of one of his or her parents.
9. Non-US passport bearers shall provide documents valid for at least 6 months that entitle them to reside or work for an extended period of time in the US.
10. Previously issued Chinese visas, if any.
11. Other documents the consuls may request .
An important remind: Z-visa is generally valid for 3 month. Applicants should apply for a residence permit from a local county level Public Security Bureau within 30 days after entering China.
Transit Visa: G-Visa
Transit visas are generally issued to applicants who intend to transit to another country or region via China.
Document Requirements:
1. One completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007). no item should be empty or altered.
2. One recently taken 2X2 in. photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Photo must be affixed to the application form in a designated area.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. A valid visa from the destination country (region) and connecting tickets are required.
5. An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or last foreign passport.
6. A child of Chinese descent and born in a foreign country who applies for a Chinese visa for the first time is required to submit his or her Birth Certificate and foreign passport or foreign permanent resident permit (e.g. Green Card) of one of his or her parents.
7.Non-US passport bearers shall provide documents that entitle them to reside or work for an extended period of time in the US.
8. Previously issued Chinese visas, if any.
9. Other documents the consuls may request .
Important notes:
1. G-visas are generally good for one or two entries.
2. Non-US or British citizens who make transit in China may stay inside the airport, and not going through customs, for less than 24 hours without applying for visas.
3. Citizens of the following countries in transit Shanghai can stay in Shanghai for up to 48 hours without applying for visas: Korea, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, French, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria and Greece.
Journalist Visa: J-1 or J-2 visa
Document Requirements:
1. One completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007) . No item should be empty or altered.
2. One recently taken 2X2 in. photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Photo must be affixed to the application form in a designated area.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. A letter or telegram from the competent department of the Chinese Government is required.
5. An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or last foreign passport.
6. Non-US passport bearers shall provide documents that entitle them to reside or work for an extended period of time in the US.
7. Previously issued Chinese visa records, if any.
8. other files consuls request .
Important notes: J-1 visas are generally valid for 3 month. Applicants should apply for a residence permit from a local county level Public Security Bureau within 30 days after entering China. Journalists to visit China for sightseeing will be issued an L-visa and are not permitted to cover any events.
Residence Visa: D-visa
Document Requirements:
1. One completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007) . No item should be empty or altered.
2. One recently taken 2X2 in. photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Photo must be affixed to the application form in a designated area.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. A permanent residence confirmation form is required. You or your designated relatives in China may obtain this form from the exit-and-entry department of the municipal or county public security bureau where you intend to reside.
5. An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or last foreign passport.
6. A child of Chinese descent and born in a foreign country who applies for a Chinese visa for the first time is required to submit his or her Birth Certificate and foreign passport or foreign permanent resident permit, e.g. Green Card, of one of his or her parents.
7. Non-US passport bearers shall provide documents that entitle them to reside or work for an extended period of time in the US.
8. Previously issued Chinese visas, if any.
9. Other documents the consuls may request .
Important notes. D-visas are generally good for one entry and valid for 3 months. Applicants should apply for a residence permit from a local county level Public Security Bureau within 30 days after entering China.
Visas for Train Attendants, Air Crew Members and Seamen: C-visa
Document Requirements:
1. One completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007) . No item should be empty or altered.
2. One recently taken 2X2 in. photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Photo must be affixed to the application form in a designated area.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. The application will be dealt in accordance with the mutual agreement. An invitation letter from the relevant department of the Chinese Government is required when there is no agreement or when the application is not within the agreement.
5.An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or last foreign passport.
6. Previously issued Chinese visas, if any.
7. Other documents the consuls may request.
Important notes. Train Attendants, Air Crew Members and Seamen to visit China for touring or a family visit must apply for another L-visa despite the validities of their C-visas.
Diplomatic or Service Visa
Both visas are for foreign government officials, the staff of diplomatic missions or the United Nations who intend to travel to China for an official mission or accreditation.
Document Requirements:
1. One completely filled out Visa Application Form for the P.R. China (Q-2007) . No item should be empty or altered.
2. One recently taken 2X2 in. photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Photo must be affixed to the application form in a designated area.
3. Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
4. A diplomatic note from your government, consulate general, or the United Nations is required.
5. If you are invited by Chinese governmental departments, a notification of issuance of visa, invitation letter, or telegram or pertinent document from the competent department is also required.
6. Previously issued Chinese visas, if any.
7. Other documents the consuls may request.
All information contained in this article is subject to change without notice. Please consult with a Chinese consulate for updated information and requirements.
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