You must submit a completed application form, a recent color photo, a valid passport, and other supporting documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your area to obtain a China visa. Details about applying for a China visa can be found in the step-by-step guide below.

Before your trip to China, it is important to check if you need a visa. If you are eligible for visa-free policies, then you do not need the visa but some documents like your passport and transportation tickets might still be necessary.

Image Source – https://www.saporedicina.com/english/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/chinese-visa.jpg

Things you need to be aware of when applying for a China visa in 2022

For travel, there are various types of visas. To select one that suits you, read China Visa Types. One type is perfect for tourists – the L visa.

Prepare For All The Documents You Need

Passports and visa application forms along with recent photographs are required for all types of visas. Additionally, other supporting documents are required, but they vary based on the type of visa. A Chinese travel agency may provide you with an invitation letter if you are applying for a tourist L visa. Details about China Visa Application Requirements can be found here.
Be sure all the documents meet all the requirements of the Chinese consulate.

The requirements for obtaining a China visa in 2022

Passport: must have blank pages and at least 6 months validity left.

Visa Application Form: Filled and typewritten with no blanks.

Photograph: The photo needs to be taken within the last six months, with a full face against a light background. The picture needs to be at least 48mm x 33mm and is exempt from covering your head if it’s for religious reasons.

To apply, you must visit the Chinese embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) in your area. An agent can assist you in this process or you can show up in person. There is also mail service available at some consulates and CVASCs.

It takes four working days for your application to be processed, including the day you submit it and collect it. It is important to keep in mind that Chinese public holidays can result in additional non-working days. You can usually speed up the processing of your application by paying an additional fee. If you arrive in the office shortly after opening, some offices might offer same-day service if your application is processed overnight. It is generally best to apply for it well in advance to allow for any delays.

You will need the following documents for your China visa application, depending on which type of visa you are applying for:

Tourist Visa:

You need to present documents like a round-trip ticket booking record or an invitation letter from an organization/individual/entity in China

Personal information of the applicant [gender, age, full name, date of birth]
Itinerary of the trip with proper information[time, date of visit, places of visit, financial source of details

Information about the inviting entity or individual

Business Visa:

All the documents related to commercial activities like the invitation letter from a trade partner or entity or individual in China should contain the same information as one for a tourist visa.

Noncommercial Visit Visa:

You need to provide an invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual in China, as well as the details described above.

Student Visa:

Proof of education and work experiences from a government-issued, PRC-issued document.
For X1 visa applications, the applicant should also provide:
Original and photocopies of Visa Applications for Study in China

Work Employment Visa:

One out of the following permissions is required and needs to be submitted:
Foreigners must get a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security if residing in China.

Resident Representative Office Registration Certificate issued by the Chinese Industrial and Commercial Administration for enterprises of foreign countries (regions).

Cultural affairs authorities of the Chinese government issued approval documents for commercial performances.

National Offshore Oil Corporation invites foreigners to participate in offshore petroleum operations.

Pay the fee:

Pay the visa fee as and when required.

If you are traveling to China soon, make sure to apply for a visa at least two months before. Usually, they will expire within 3 months so you need to be careful that you apply 3 months in advance.

Renewal And Extension –

It is usually not possible to extend or renew a China Visa once it has been issued, but you can do so if you are currently in China by visiting the local Exit and Entry Administration under the Public Security Bureau.

Applying for a visa in a third country-

Obtaining a China visa may not be possible as you may be temporarily residing in a different country. Proof of legal residence in the first country is usually required, but exceptions exist when you have access to visa-free entry into the third country.

Tourisa has consistently been a leader in China visa services, attestation, and immigration industries for over 3 decades. Our expert team works hard to provide innovative & effortless service through constantly honing the way we work with clients and other authorities.