How to Apply for Chinese Visa

2013-08-23 00:00

The latest requirements and procedures for Chinese visa application, please refer to:

http://rs.china-embassy.gov.cn/srp/lsyw/tz/202206/t20220617_10704700.htm

http://rs.china-embassy.gov.cn/lsyw/qz/202206/t20220617_10704695.htm

All applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1. Original passport with blank visa pages remaining to be valid for at least six months from the date of application and a copy of passport data page.

2. One completed Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China (for mainland China) or Application for Entry for Visit / Transit in Hong Kong (for Hong Kong SAR) signed by the applicant (the minor's application form should be signed by their parents or guardians with the evidence of kinship).

3. A recent passport sized photograph affixed to the application form.

4. An applicant holding a passport other than Serbian passport should provide the original and a copy of the residence permit, work permit or Serbian ID card which should be valid for at least six months.

5. Additional documents listed below according to the visa type and other supporting documents required by the consular officer.

What is the main purpose of your visit toand which is the most appropriate visa category for your application?

Visa Categories	Description of Visa
C	Issued to 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.
D	Issued to those who intend to reside inpermanently.
F	Issued to those who intend to go tofor exchanges, visits, study toursand other activities.
G	Issued to those who intend to transit through.
J1	Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in. The intended duration of stay inexceeds 180 days.
J2	Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go tofor short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay inis no more than 180 days.
L	Issued to those who intend to go toas a tourist.
M	Issued to those who intend to go tofor commercial and trade activities.
Q1	Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go tofor family reunion, or to those who intend to go tofor the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay inexceeds 180 days. "Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
Q2	Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing inor foreigners with permanent residence in. The intended duration of stay inis no more than 180 days.
R	Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in.
S1	Issued to those who intend to go toto visit the foreigners working or studying into whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go tofor other private affairs. The intended duration of stay inexceeds 180 days.
S2	Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in, or to those who intend to go tofor other private matters. The intended duration of stay inis no more than 180 days. "family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
X1	Issued to those who intend to study infor a period of more than 180 days.
X2	Issued to those who intend to study infor a period of no more than 180 days.
Z	Issued to those who intend to work in.

Here are the documents you shall prepare before submission of visa application:

1. Basic Documents

(1) 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.

(2) Visa Application Form and Photo

One completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background attached
(3) 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.
(4) 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.)
(5)Certificate of applicant's employment / study.
(6)Certificate from bank to show that applicant has enough funds to cover expenses in.
(7)Detailed travel itinerary and hotel bookings.
(8)Copy of flight tickets bookings.
(9)Copy of travelling insurance or copy of insurance card.
2. Supporting Documents
C Visa
A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in
D Visa
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 Visa
An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in. The invitation should contain:
(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
(2) 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)
(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
G Visa
An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.
J1 Visa
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
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units inand 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 Visa
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:
(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
(2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)
(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
M Visa
(1) Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in, 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 Visa
For family reunion, the following documents are required:
(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in. 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.)
(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
(3) 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:
(1)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
(2)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.
(3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living inwho has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.
(4) 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 Visa
(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in. 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.)
(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual
R Visa
The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevent regualtions, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individualnel with special skills urgently needed by,
S1 Visa
(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides infor 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.)
(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit
(3)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 Visa
For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:
(1)An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides infor 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.)
(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives infor work or studies) passport and residence permit
(3) 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 Visa
(1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in.
(2) Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in" (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 Visa
Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in.
Z Visa
One of the following documents:
(1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic ofissued 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.
(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working inissued 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5)Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations inissued 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
(1) 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..
(2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.
(3) 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.
4．Processing time
The processing time for regular service is 5 working days. For example, applicants who submit applications on Monday can collect the visas on next Monday.
The processing time for express service is 2-3 working days with a rush fee of US$25 per visa.
The processing time for urgent service is 1 working day with a rush fee of US$37 per visa.
5．Visa Fees (Currency: US Dollar)

Other countries
Single Entry
3
140
75
40
Double Entries
3
140
100
60
Multiple Entries / 6 months
3
140
150
80
Multiple Entries /1 year
3
140
150
120
Hong Kong Visa
30
Rush Fee for Express Service
25
Rush Fee for Urgent Service
37

Please pay the fees at Raiffeisen Banka.
6．Important notes
1. The applicants are kindly advised to apply for Chinese visa about one month before the intended date of entry intobut not earlier than three months.
2. Additional supporting documents or the interviews may be required by the consular officer if necessary.
3. Visa Application Form should be completed with genuine information and signed by the applicant (the minor's application form can be signed by their parents or guardians). Items which are not applicable should be filled in with N/A. Any false, misleading or incomplete information or illegible handwriting may result in the refusal of a visa.
4. Whether a visa is to be issued or not, what type of visa to be issued, and the visa's period of validity, duration of stay and number of entry shall be decided by the consular officer according to Chinese laws and regulations. Application may be refused without detailed explanation.
5. The applicants are kindly advised to check all the information of the issued visa upon collection and if necessary raise queries at the same time. If there is no immediate query relating to the issued visa, the applicants are held responsible under any circumstances thereafter.
6. All information is subject to change without notice.