Chinese Visa Application Procedure
To apply for a Chinese via in United States, simply follow these Steps. Please note that the application process is almost the same for other countries. You can find more details here:
STEP 1) Select a visa category that best describes your trip to China and prepare your visa application including necessary supporting documents accordingly.
| Category | Eligible Applicants |
| C | 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 | Foreigners who intend to reside in China permanently. |
| F | Foreigners who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other non-business activities. |
| G | Foreigners who intend to transit through China. |
| J1 | Resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. |
| J2 | 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. |
| L | Foreigners who intend to go to China as a tourist. |
| M | Foreigners who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities. |
| Q1 | 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. |
| Q2 | 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. |
| R | Foreigners who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China. |
| S1 | 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. |
| S2 | 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. |
| X1 | Foreigners who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days. |
| X2 | Foreigners who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days. |
| Z | Foreigners who intend to work in China. |
STEP 2) Submit your application to the Visa Office of Chinese Embassy/ Consulate General based on your country of residence (Find Chinese Embassies and Consulates Near you)
- Please submit your application to Chinese Embassy/ Consulate General based on your country and state of residence. You may submit your application in person, or use an agent (Power of Attorney not necessary). Please note that you may be required to come to the Visa Office in person to have an interview as deemed necessary by a consular officer.
- Appointment is NOT required for submission or collection of your visa. Walk-in service is available during office hours.
- Please note that NO mail-in/online/fax applications are accepted.
- You or your agent will be able to pick up your passport with visa on the date printed on your Pick-up slip, unless otherwise notified by the Visa Office. Mail-back visa service is NOT provided.
STEP 3) Pay the visa application fee at the Visa Office and pick up your visa.
- You must pay the visa fee once your application is processed and approved.
- Note: Procedures for visa to HKSAR or Macao SAR visa do not apply.
Chinese Visa Procedure and Processing Time
Regular service: 4 business days
Express service: 2-3 business days
Rush service: 1 business day. Available only in extreme emergencies and subject to approval by the consular officer.
Note:
- The above processing time is average and for reference only. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.
- Processing time for visa to HKSAR or Macao SAR visa does not apply.
Chinese Visa Fee
-
Regular Service
| Number of Entry | U.S. Citizen | Non-U.S. Citizen* |
| Single Entry | $140 | $30 |
| Double Entries | $140 | $45 |
| Multiple Entries for 6 Months | $140 | $60 |
| Multiple Entries for 12 Months or more | $140 | $90 |
*Visa fee for certain non-U.S. citizens may vary from the list above based on reciprocal agreements. Please check with a Visa Office for special fees.
-
Express service:
an additional fee of $20 per visa
-
Rush service:
an additional fee of $30 per visa
Methods of Payment
- You must pay your visa fee upon collection of your visa. (Some HKSAR or Macao SAR visa applicants need to pay a Communication fee prior to submission.)
- Acceptable methods of payment are: credit card (Visa or Mastercard only), money order, cashier’s check or company check.
- Please makeyour check or money order payable to “Chinese Embassy” (for applications submitted to the Embassy), or to “Chinese Consulate in XXX”(for applications submitted to the Consulate General in XXX city)
- Please make sure you have the exact and correct amount written on your check/money order. No erroneous check will be accepted.
- Cash, personal check or online payment is NOT accepted. NO credit card other than a Visa or Mastercard is accepted.
Please select a visa category based on your purpose of visit to China and click the category code to see detailed requirements. **
Source: http://www.china-embassy.org