Updated: 2009/08/31   

Non-US citizens may only apply for a single entry visa, with a maximum stay of 30 days, and must provide document of long-term stay in US (e.g. H1B, green card).

What to submit

1. Your actual passport, with at least six (6) months of remaining validity and at least one blank visa page (pages 22-24 are not visa pages).
2. One completed Visa Application Form (Q1) with one passport photo (color, about 2x2).
3. A copy of the order form of our agency, filled out online.
4. An invitation letter from the host company or unit in China. If you could not get one, at least provide a letter from your company, but the results vary.
5. 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 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 (**). Also supply your name in Chinese characters.

How to apply

• please follow the "step by step procedures" at the bottom of the main index page.

Visa processing time and fees

The regular processing time is 4 working days and costs $130 (consular fee). Our service fee is $21.96. Additional fees are required for express (2-3 working days) or rush (1 working day) processing. For details on fees please see table here.

Multiple entry business visa

Visiting Hong Kong or Macau on your trip? You may need multiple entry visa (details).

There is no additional document needed for US citizens from 09/10/2006 for 1-year multiple visa. Non-US citizens can only apply for a single or double entry visa.

Visa validity and duration of stay

Usually, the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry "F" visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa is expired and is null and void. If you intend to apply for double entry visa, please remember that your second entry can be no later than 180 days from the date your visa was issued!

The duration of stay of a "F" visa is 60 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 60 days from the date of entry. The visa officer may extend the Duration of Stay if the applicant needs and requests a stay in China for more than 60 days, upto 90 day, but you need to justify your longer stay.

* only copies of pages with your name, photo and passport extension are required. You do not have to submit the actual old Chinese passport.

** only copies of the photo/data page and the page with a Chinese visa is needed, and you don't have to submit the actual old foreign passport with a Chinese visa.