Passport
You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. Your passport must:
- Be valid forsix months beyond the length of your requested visa (for example, if youarerequesting a 12 month visa your passport must be valid for 18 months )
- Contain at least two blank visa pages for the visa stamp (amendments and endorsem*nt pages cannot be used to fulfill this requirement)
- If requesting multiple entries, the passport must contain at least two blank facingvisa pages,there can be no stamps oramendment endorsem*nt type on the pages
- Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way
If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact China Visa Service Centerat 1-800-799-6560 for further details.
Photograph(s)
The Chinese Consulate requires a photograph that meets very strict requirements. We strongly recommend that you submit your photograph electronically to China Visa Service Center so we can ensure it meets the stringent characteristics mandated by the Chinese Consulate. Follow https://www.mychinavisa.com/photo-service to upload your photo.
All electronic photo submissions must be taken within the last six months against an all-white background. It must show a full frontal view of your head, face centered in the middle, the tops of your shoulders, and display a neutral (non-smiling) expression with eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible. No background light or shadows are permitted. You may not wear eyeglasses, jewelry,or headwear except for religious purposes. Do not wear a white shirt.
Should you elect to submit an actual photograph then it must meet all of the above criteria and:
- Be exactly 48 mm tall by 33 mm wide
- Be printed on high-quality photo paper
- Not be affixed to your application, withno evidence of adhesive tape or staples
Note that most passport photo vendors produce photos that are 2 inches by 2 inches and arenot acceptable.China Visa Service Center cannot submit applications with incorrectly formatted photographs.
Letter of Invitation
You must provide a letter of invitation. Use the included template in this kit as a guide to the content and format of the invitation. All components are of the template are required.
Business Cover Letter
You are required to provide a Business Cover Letter from your U.S.-based company. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a U.S. mailing address. Use the included sample Business Cover Letter to complete your letter.The Business Cover letterwill be provided to you. Please refer to the Important Information section abovefor more details.In addition to the language provided in the sample, your Business Cover Letter must:
- The letter must be addressed to: Embassy of China
Proof of State Residency
You must providea proof of your current address of residency. The document must either be a copy of the front of yourdriver's license orgovernment ID, or a utility bill. The document must:
- Display your name as it appears on your passport
- Displaythecurrent residenceaddressasprovidedon your visa application
Please note, ifyou must submit a utility billthe consulaterequires electric, gas, or a water bill; phone and cablebills arenot accepted.
China Visa Service Center Order Form
Provide the China Visa Service Center Order Form included in this kit.
Visa Application Form
One fully completed and signed visa application form. The application must:
- Be completed online
- Include answers for all required fields
- List the name of the traveler exactly as it is written in the passport
- Be printed single-sided
- Bedated and signedin blue or black ink
- Be enclosed with all other documents in your visa application kit
- Have your signature on the declaration confirmation page, as well as in section 9.1A
China Visa Service Center provides a guide to assist you in completing the application. To access the guide follow this link: https://www.mychinavisa.com/forms?formname=ChinaApplication Guide.pdfor type the address into your browser.
Former PRC Nationals or Individuals Born in Chinese Territories
If you are a former PRC passport holder or were born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau:
- You must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.2 on the visa application form
- You must provide a copy of your most recent China visa and a copy of the passport in which the visa was issued
- If you have never been issued a China visa you must submit your original China passport and a copy of your Green Card, and a copy of your Naturalization Certificate
- If you were adopted from China you must also include a copy of your adoption papers showing adoptive parents names, name change, and photo with parents (do not include the original papers). If applicable, include a copy of your naturalization certificate and U.S. birth certificate.
Previous Visas
If you have been granted a China visa in the past, you must provide a copy of the most recent issued China visa. If the visa is not located in your current passport, you must submit the original passport containing the previous China visa.If you no longer have the passport with the previous visa, you must provide a signed statement outlining that you no longer have that passport and what happened to it.
China Visa Validity
Applicants will be eligible for a 10-year visa provided that the traveler has at least one year of remaining validity on their U.S. Passport. If you have less than one year you will be granted a six-month visa to China.
China Visa Service Center can help you renew your passport. Call 1-800-799-6560 for more information.
U.S. Embassy Registration (Recommended)
The U.S. State Department recommends U.S. citizens register with the U.S. Embassy(s) in the countries they plan to visit. Feel more secure about your international travels by having China Visa Service Center register your trip with the U.S. Department of State. Registration notifies the U.S. Embassy in each country of your travel plans and enrolls you in the State Department travel advisory and warnings program. To enroll in this optional service complete the registration form in this kit and send it to us with the rest of your documents.
U.S. Citizens Born in Certain Countries
U.S. citizens born in Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq,Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia,Turkey,or Syria who are currently traveling to Chinawith theirAmerican passportwill need to make a personal appearance in order to apply for a visa toChina. China Visa Service Center will be unable to assist you with your visa request.
NGO/Non-Profit Workers
If applying for a business visa, you must provide an employer letter and personal statement. Processing time varies on a case by case basis. If your employer is an NGO or nonprofit your application will require additional review by the China Visa Section.
Applicants with Criminal Record
Travelers with a criminal record will be required to appear in person at the consulate in order to provide biometrics.
"Where You Stay" Form
You must provide a completed and signed "Where You Stay" form included in this kit.
Military Statement
If you have ever served in the military, are in active military duty, are on the reserves or retired from the military, the Chinese Consulate request a separate personal statement describing your current/past military service.Use the letter template included in the kit to complete this requirement. The lettermust include the following information:
- Address your letter to Consulate of the People's Republic of China
- Your Full name
- Job Description in Military/Rank
- Training
- Complete service date (start/end dates)
- Work Frequency, etc.
- Indicate ifyou are in the military reserves or not.
- If in the military reserves, when you started and when you will finish
- How often you report
- Signed and Dated
The dates on your statement must match the dates on your application form for question #8.8 and #8.12. The military information including dates of service must also be included in the Employment History section (3.2)of your application form.
Urgent Applications
If you have an urgent visa application that carries a tight deadline, China Visa Service Centercan help you to save valuable time and avoid expensive delays. A China Visa Service Center expert will review all of your documents to certify your application is accurate, complete and ready for submission. We will contact you personally to quickly handle any mistakes ensuring your application is submitted correctly. Visit https://www.mychinavisa.com/visa-pre-check-service to learn more about this service.
Apply Now
As a seasoned expert in visa application processes, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you through the intricacies of obtaining a Chinese visa. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the requirements and procedures, ensuring a smooth and successful application process. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article to help you navigate the Chinese visa application:
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Passport Requirements:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the requested visa duration.
- It should have at least two blank visa pages for the visa stamp.
- No fraying, tearing, or alterations are allowed.
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Photograph Requirements:
- The photograph must meet stringent criteria, including a full frontal view, neutral expression, and specific dimensions.
- Electronic submissions are recommended, and the photo should be against an all-white background.
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Letter of Invitation:
- A letter of invitation is mandatory, and a template is provided for guidance.
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Business Cover Letter:
- A Business Cover Letter from a U.S.-based company on letterhead with a U.S. mailing address is required.
- It must be addressed to the Embassy of China and follow specific guidelines.
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Proof of State Residency:
- A document proving current residency, such as a copy of a driver's license or utility bill, is necessary.
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China Visa Service Center Order Form:
- Submission of the China Visa Service Center Order Form included in the kit is required.
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Visa Application Form:
- The visa application form must be completed online, printed single-sided, and signed in blue or black ink.
- Specific guidelines exist for filling out various sections of the form.
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Former PRC Nationals or Individuals Born in Chinese Territories:
- Special instructions apply to those who were former PRC passport holders or born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau.
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Previous Visas:
- If you have had a China visa before, a copy of the most recent visa is required. Guidelines are provided for situations where the visa is in a different passport.
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China Visa Validity:
- Applicants are eligible for a 10-year visa if their U.S. passport has at least one year of remaining validity.
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U.S. Embassy Registration:
- U.S. citizens are recommended to register with the U.S. Embassy for travel to China.
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U.S. Citizens Born in Certain Countries:
- Additional requirements exist for U.S. citizens born in specific countries when applying for a visa to China.
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NGO/Non-Profit Workers:
- Special considerations apply to business visa applications from NGO or non-profit workers.
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Applicants with Criminal Record:
- Travelers with a criminal record may need to appear in person at the consulate and provide biometrics.
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"Where You Stay" Form:
- A completed and signed "Where You Stay" form is required.
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Military Statement:
- Military personnel must provide a separate personal statement describing their current/past military service.
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Urgent Applications:
- A pre-check service is available for urgent visa applications, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
By following these guidelines meticulously, you can enhance your chances of a successful Chinese visa application. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask.
