Chinese

Chinese Employment Visa (Work Visa)

Revised: 2023-01-29

Employment Visa or Work Visa (Z) is issued to an alien who comes to China for employment. Before September 2013, the accompanying family members were also issued a Z visa, but since September 2013, the family members are issued Q1, S1, or S2 visa, depending on particular situation. However, there is no change in document requirement for family members.

Please note that applying for work visa itself does not need authentication of your diploma or criminal record check -- only work permit is needed. However, when your employer applies for work permit on your behalf, diploma and criminal record check authentications are needed. Please plan ahead, as the authentication process may take 4-8 weeks.

I. Documents needed for work visa (Z) visa

  1. Chinese visa application form (signed original)
  2. Your original passport (valid for at least 6 months, with blank visa pages)
  3. A copy of the photo page of your passport
  4. One photo (2x2, color, similar to passport photo, detailed visa photo requirement)
  5. If you have an old passport with a VALID (unexpired) Chinese visa, please also send that old passport (original).
  6. copy of driver's license
  7. copy of last Chinese visa + copy of last US passport photo page.
  8. Foreigners Employment Permit (Work Permit)
    • documents listed on the work permit -- most do not have additional documents lsited.
  9. If you were born in mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan, and your current foreign passport does not have an old Chinese visa, please submit the original AND a copy of your old Chinese passport (pages with your name, photo and passport extension), or a copy of old Chinese visa on your last foreign passport. Be sure to check out the Chinese version: documents required for Chinese visa.
  10. Non-US passport holder must provide original AND copy of green card, or a copy of US immigration document (e.g. H1B, I-20). Please read detailed information and country specific visa requirements.
  11. Where you stay form (signed original)
  12. Online order confirmation page.

II. Visa for accompanying family members

From September 2013, the family members are no longer issued a Z visa, but Q1, S1, or S2 visa, depending on circumstances. The documents needed are similar, and here are the additional documents needed:

  • Copy of passport photo page of the Z visa holder (applicant);
  • Copy of marriage certificate or birth certificate showing relationship to Z visa holder (applicant);
  • Copies of Work Permit (if family members are listed on it), OR "Work Permit" of Z visa applicant + the invitation letter for family members issued by the hiring organization in China, OR (if joining later) "resident permit" + invitation letter written the resident permit holder (see requirement on invitation letter).

If the family is visiting for short term, it might be easier to apply for a tourist visa. If the family is going to stay in China, it is much easier to have their names listed on the work permit.

IV. Visa fee and processing time

The consular fee is $140 and our service fee is $99.96. The regular processing time at the consulate is 4-5 working days. Additional fees are required for express processing. For details, please see visa fee table.

Please note: From time to time, the consulate may experience delays. Please check our home page for important update on processing time.

V. Visa validity period and duration of stay

Work visa (Z visa) is valid for one entry and three months. The duration of stay is listed as "000 days". The holder of a (Z) visa should go to the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China and convert the visa into a resident permit, which functions as a "temporary green card" and allows for unlimited entry/exit.

S1/Q1 visa is also single entry, but S2 can be multple entry.

VI. Questions and Answers

Q: I need to entry/exit China from time to time. Can I get a multiple entry Z visa?

A: Yes, but only after you enter China. The Chinese consulates in US will only issue you a single entry Z visa. After you enter China and go through the procedures at the local police department, you may apply for a resident permit there, which acts like a temporal US green card and allows you to enter/exit China freely.

Q: Can you help me get the work permit?

A: No. You need to check with the company who hires you. It is their responsibility to provide you with such documents.


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