There are different ways to obtain a Chinese visa depending on the type of visa you have and the destination you are visiting in China. Most foreigners need to apply for a Chinese visa from the Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, except for those who qualify for a visa waiver.
Armed with the required passport, supporting documents, and visa fee, applicants need to follow several steps to obtain a Chinese visa. The application for ordinary visas such as Chinese tourist visa (L visa) and Chinese transit visa (G visa) requires only simple steps, while other Visas such as Chinese Work (Z), Student (X), and Family Reunion (Q) visas have additional requirements.
Applying For Chinese Visa
To be successful in obtaining a Chinese visa, applicants need to prepare a number of documents to prove their legal status and the purpose of their visit. The most important requirements are the basic documents, including your passport and a completed visa application form, while supporting documents related to your trip, such as airline tickets, hotel reservation records, and visit schedules are also helpful. And supporting documents related to your itineraries, such as airline tickets, hotel reservation records, and visit schedules, are also very useful.
Basic documents
Passport
Original valid passport, valid for at least 6 months, 2 blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport information page.
Visa Application Form
A completed copy of the Chinese Visa Application Form (to be downloaded, filled and signed and submitted)
Photos
Two recent photos should be attached to the application form. The photos should be taken within the last six months, full-face, bareheaded, light-colored background, size 48mm×33m (2×2 square inches). China Visa Application Photo Requirements>>
Proof of legal residency and residence
If you are not applying for a Chinese visa in your home country, you will need to submit the original and a copy of the valid visa, as well as the relevant work, residence, and other documents. Proof of study, residence, and legal residency.
Previous Chinese passport and Chinese visa
If you were once a Chinese national and acquired a foreign nationality, you must submit a copy of your original and dated pages of your previous Chinese passport. If you have ever obtained a Chinese visa with an old passport, you should submit a copy of the date page and your previous Chinese visa.
Supporting documents
Application for China Tourist (L) Visa. Travel itinerary materials, including round-trip airfare and hotel reservation records, or a letter of invitation from an individual/company in China.
The invitation letter should include the invitee’s name, gender, date of birth, itinerary of arrival and departure dates, location of the visit, and personal or company-related information such as the inviter’s name, contact number, address and signature.
For Chinese business (M) visa. Business event documents and exhibition invitations from Chinese trading partners.
● For the Chinese student (X) visa. Original and photocopy of the admission notice from the Chinese school or admission unit, “Chinese Student Visa Application Form” (JW201/). (JW202 form) original and photocopy.
● For family reunion (Q1/Q2) visa. Letter of invitation from a Chinese citizen or foreigner with permanent residence in China; Inviter’s ID card or foreign passport/permanent residence permit Photocopies; original and photocopies of family relationship certificates, etc.