Ø STEP 1: Select a visa category that best describes your trip to China and prepare your visa application including necessary supporting documents accordingly.
Ø STEP 2: Submit your application to the Visa Office of Chinese Embassy/ Consulate General based on your State of residence (Locate a Visa Office that serves your state)
Ø STEP 3: Pay the visa application fee at the Visa Office and pick up your visa. (Click to check fees and payments)
Please select a visa category based on your purpose of visit to China and click the category code to see detailed requirements. **
***Check out visa requirements for Hongkong SAR of China or Macao SAR of China.
Visa Category | Eligible Applicants |
| Foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships. | |
| Foreigners who intend to reside in China permanently. | |
Foreigners who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other non-business activities. | |
| Foreigners who intend to transit through China. | |
| Resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. | |
| Foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. | |
| Foreigners who intend to go to China as a tourist. | |
| Foreigners who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities. | |
| Foreigners who are family members* of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. | |
| Foreigners who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. | |
| Foreigners who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China. | |
| Foreigners who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. | |
| Foreigners who intend to visit their family members* who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters.The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. | |
| Foreigners who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days. | |
| Foreigners who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days. | |
Foreigners who intend to work in China. |
* Family members refer to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
** Check out detailed visa requirements for a child born in the U. S. to a Chinese parent.
C Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
D Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
4. A holder of category D visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China.
F Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. If the applicant is a child born in the U. S. to a Chinese parent, the visa requirements are different. Please click to see detailed info.
8. An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:
A. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
B. Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
C. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
G Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
J1 Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities.
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. The Visa Notification Letter and the official media letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with
the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
4. A holder of category J1 visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China.
J2 Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities.
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. The Visa Notification Letter and the official media letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with
the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
L Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. If the applicant is a child born in the U. S. to a Chinese parent, the visa requirements are different. Please click to see detailed info.
8. Air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation with the applicant's name；Or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China and inviter's Chinese ID photocopy.
The invitation letter from China should contain:
A. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
B. Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)
C. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
NOTE:
1. In accordance with a 2014 China-U.S. visa arrangement, U.S. citizens may be eligible for 10-year multiple entry visa. The remaining validity of the U.S. passport must be over 12 months.
2. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
3. The Visa Notification Letter and the official media letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the
consular officer.
4. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
M Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. If the applicant is a child born in the U. S. to a Chinese parent, the visa requirements are different. Please click to see detailed info.
8. Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:
A. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
B. Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
C. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
NOTE:
1. In accordance with a 2014 China-U.S. visa arrangement, U.S. citizens may be eligible for 10-year multiple entry visa. The remaining validity of the U.S. passport must be over 12 months.
2. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
3. The Visa Notification Letter and the official media letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
4. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
Q1 Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. If the applicant is a child born in the U. S. to a Chinese parent, the visa requirements are different. Please click to see detailed info.
8. For family reunion, the following documents are required:
A. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:
B. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
C. Information on the visit ( purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
D. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.)
E. Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
F. Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting
individual. ("Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.)
9. For foster care, the following documents are required:
A. Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China
B. Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship
between parents or guardians and children.
C. A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.
D. A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.
NOTE:
1. In accordance with a 2014 China-U.S. visa arrangement, U.S. citizens may be eligible for 10-year multiple entry visa. The remaining validity of the U.S. passport must be over 12 months.
2. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
3. The Visa Notification Letter and the official media letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
4. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
5. A holder of category Q1 visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China unless the Duration of Each Stay on the visa is marked as 30 days.
Q2 Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. If the applicant is a child born in the U. S. to a Chinese parent, the visa requirements are different. Please click to see detailed info.
8. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:
A. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
B. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures)
C. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.)
9. Photocopy of Chinese ID (both front side and reverse side) or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual .
NOTE:
1. In accordance with a 2014 China-U.S. visa arrangement, U.S. citizens may be eligible for 10-year multiple entry visa. The remaining validity of the U.S. passport must be over 12 months.
2. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
3. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
4. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
R Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individuals with special skills urgently needed by China,
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
S1 Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. If the applicant is a child born in the U. S. to a Chinese parent, the visa requirements are different. Please click to see detailed info.
8. An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:
A. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
B. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)
C. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
9. A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit
10. Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants
and inviting individual. ("Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents-in-law. )
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
4. A holder of category S1 visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China unless the Duration of Each Stay on the visa is marked as 30 days.
S2-Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. If the applicant is a child born in the U. S. to a Chinese parent, the visa requirements are different. Please click to see detailed info.
8. For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:
A. An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains: Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) ; Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival
and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.) ; Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
B. A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit
C. Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual. ("Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons,
daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.)
9. For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.
NOTE:
1. In accordance with a 2014 China-U.S. visa arrangement, U.S. citizens may be eligible for 10-year multiple entry visa. The remaining validity of the U.S. passport must be over 12 months.
2. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
3. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
4. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
X1-Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. Original and photocopy of the Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.
8. Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
NOTE:
1. In accordance with a 2014 China-U.S. visa arrangement, U.S. citizens may be eligible for 5-year multiple entry visa. The remaining validity of the U.S. passport must be over 12 months.
2. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
3. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
4. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
5. A holder of category X1 visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China.
X2-Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling)
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. Original and photocopy of the Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
Z-Visa
1. Passport
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2.Visa application form: Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the COVA visa application form online. (Please be sure to fill in the form according to the following Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling")
3. A copy of the applicant's latest issued Chinese visa or Chinese residence permit.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-U.S. citizens)
You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.
5. A copy of the applicant's residential address in the United States (such as driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
6. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visa for China(mainland only) (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
If you are applying for a visa for China(mainland only) for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained visa for China(mainland only) before and want to apply for a visa for China(mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China(mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page
if it is separate, as well as the previous visa for China(mainland only) page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
7. One of the following documents:
A. Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security; if your intended work period is 90 days or less, you need to provide original and photocopy of an Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China. You must apply for your visa before the commencing work date indicated on the Approval and you will be allowed to work only within the period of time indicated in the Approval.
B. Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit or original and photocopy of Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.
C. Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.
D. Original and photocopy of an approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs; if your intended performance period is 90 days or less, you need to provide original and photocopy of an Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China. You must apply for your visa before the commencing performance date indicated on the Approval and you will be allowed to perform only within the period of time indicated in the Approval.
E. Original and photocopy of Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
NOTE:
1. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.
2. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.
3. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.
4. A holder of category Z visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China unless the Duration of Each Stay on the visa is marked as 30 days.
Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling
(1) Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete. Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.
(2) The"location"option for submitting the visa application should be in line with the consular jurisdiction.
(3) Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.
(4) If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:
1. Application form 1.1E The native language name must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese", etc.
2. In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.
3. Item 1.6H of the application form is required. If the applicant is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, this entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process; but if the applicant has previously applied for a Chinese visa, this entry will not be displayed when filling in the online form, and the form must be printed out and supplemented by hand-written Chinese name and other information. This Item cannot be empty.
(5) Completely fill in the work experience and educational background
1. Please fill in the complete work experience after graduation from school.
2. The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.3D and 3.3E must be filled in completely.
3. Please fill in the complete learning experience since high school in 4.2, and the diploma/degree and major in 4.2C and 4.2D must be completed.
(6) Completely fill in each address
The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form, and the addresses of the parents in 5.5B and 5.5C must fill in the address of the current location, not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.
(7) If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.
(8) Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 9 to 10 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".