Chinese Visa Application Notes
2023-12-22 07:36

1.Prepare the documents before submission of visa application:

(1)Basic Documents (Should be submitted no matter what type of visa you apply for)

(A) Passport

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

(B)Visa Application Form and Photo

One signed hard copy of the completed online Visa Application Form with a recently-taken color electronic passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background attached. If the passport photo can’t pass the system check, please take a paper photo to the consular officer when submit the application. Please see the following link for the photo requirements:

http://fj.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/hzqz/202312/P020231222278265789192.pdf 

(C) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)

If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, 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.

(D)Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizensthose who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, 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 Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

(2)Supporting Documents (Submit according to different visa types)

  Visa Categories

                  Supporting Documents

       C

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China

       D

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       F

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)

       G

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

       J1

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 section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advanceor and complete relevant formalities.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       J2

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.

       L

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter 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)

       M

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)

       Q1

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:

(a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(b) 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)

(c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.)

(B) Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

(C) 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.

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.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       Q2

(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:

(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.)

(B) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual

       R

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 individual with special skills urgently needed by China

       S1

(A) 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.)

(B) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit

(C)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.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       S2

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:

(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, etc.)

(c) 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.

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.

       X1

(A) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.

(B) Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

We kindly remind you that:Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       X2

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

       Z

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, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(B) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(C) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(D) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Foreign Affairs Office of provincial governments of China.

(E)Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation;

We kindly remind you that:Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

(3)Special Reminder

(A) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter..

(B) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.

(C) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.

2.Preparation of the application form

(1)Please login the China Online Visa Application (COVA) page to fill out the visa application form online via the following link: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn.

Please check carefully before submitting. After submission, it cannot be modified. If you need to make corrections, please fill out the form again.

(2)About the passport photo

Please see the Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application in the following link:

http://fj.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/hzqz/202312/P020231222278265789192.pdf

If you fail to pass the system check when submitting the photo online more than 3 times, please skip it and go to the next step to finish the application form. But please do remember to take a paper passport photo to the consular officer when submitting application, or send a photo to email: suva@csm.mfa.gov.cn for verification.

(3)About filling in the Information About Your Intended Trip

There are 2 Date of arrival and 2 Date of departure in this column, which are easily to confused. Please notice that the Date of arrival in item 6.1A means the date you enter Mainland China, and the Date of arrival in item 6.1F means the date you enter a certain city of Mainland China. Likewise, the Date of departure in item 6.1G means the date you exit that city, and Date of departure item 6.1H means the date you exit Mainland China.

(4)After completing the online form filling, you will receive a "Please click Confirm to download Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application" prompt box. Please click "OK" and do not close the page, complete the download, and print the downloaded application form and confirmation page (at least 8 pages in total, including 1 confirmation page with QR code and barcode, 7 application pages with barcode, and sometimes 1 additional page).

(5)Signed by the applicant at the item 9.1 of the application form and the bottom of the confirmation page.

3.On-site Handling Process

(1)Submitting application

Applicants can submit their applications to the consular lobby during its opening hours (usually from 10:00am to 11:30am on every Mon/Wed/Fri, except holidays) without any appointment.

(2)Please do ensure all the application materials are well done, and avoid filling in the application form when submitting in the consular lobby. It will take a longer time to get the application data, and delay the time of issuance.

(3)Applicants aged 14-70 who hold ordinary passports usually need to submit in person and have their biometric information collected. But if biometric information has been collected within five years in the embassy, there is no need to collect it again.

(4)The consular lobby does not accept cash. Please pay according to the information on the Pickup Form issued by the consular officer, and afford the remittance fee yourself. If the Pickup Form shows that the issuance date is To be inquired, please do the payment and collection according to the notice of the consular officer. (5)Collect your visa on the date specified on the Pickup Form. You can ask someone to collect it on your behalf, and the agent must bring the payment receipt and Pickup Form.

4.Processing Time

The opening hours of the consular lobby is usually from 9:30am to 12:00pm on Mon/Wed/Fri, except holidays.

Business will not be accepted on other working days due to other work arrangements. Please plan your trip in advance and submit your application at least one day before you expect to obtain your visa. The embassy does not promise to issue a visa urgently on the same day. The on-site acceptance of materials is only for preliminary review and does not mean that a visa must be issued.

Application Submission Date

Mon

Wed

Fri

Regular Collection Date

Fri

Next Mon

Next Wed

Urgent Collection Date

Wed

Fri

Next Mon

Extra Urgent Collection Date

Tue

Thu

Usually unavailable

5.Charging Standards (Unit: FJD)

Please see the following link:

http://fj.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/tzgg/202306/t20230608_11093237.htm

6.About the HKSAR visa and Macau SAR visa

(1)To apply for a HKSAR visa, please refer to the link below:

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/index.html

(2)To apply for a Macau SAR visa, please refer to the link below:

https://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/cht/psp_top5.html

7.Matters needing attention

(1)Citizens of China or Fiji who hold a valid passport and stay in the other country for no more than 30 days are exempted from applying for a visa. When entering the country, you must bring your return or connecting ticket to a third country for inspection. If citizens of the two countries wish to study, work, settle down or engage in media activities in the other country, they still need to apply for the corresponding visa before entering the country.

(2)The validity period of the applicant's passport should not be less than 6 months. Regardless of the purpose, those who hold a one-way ticket must complete the relevant visa in advance.

(3)The embassy does not provide visa extension services, and the applicant can apply for a visa again after the visa expires. After arriving in China, if you really need to extend the period of stay for some reason, you can apply to the local public security organ.

(4)Holding a valid Chinese residence permit, you can enter China multiple times within the validity period.

(5)The number of entries and the duration of stay of the visa are finally decided by the consular officer according to the specific circumstances of the applicant. Applicants can provide relevant supporting materials, including multiple invitation letters from domestic inviting parties in China, Chinese visas that have been issued, etc. When necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other supporting documents.

(6)If you encounter other problems during the application process, please contact our consular affair consultation mailbox: suva@csm.mfa.gov.cn or dial 3300215 (Answer inquiries from 14:30pm to 17:00pm on weekdays and from 8:30am to 12:00am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays).