Updated: 2013/05/14   

Non-US passport holder must provide original AND copy of green card, or original I-94 and a copy of US immigration document (e.g. H1B, I-20). Please read detailed information and country specific visa requirements.

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. A copy of the photo page of your passport.
3. One completed Chinese Visa Application Form.
4. One photo (approximately 2x2, color, similar to passport photo).
5. From 2013/03/21: certain applications for Chinese visa must provide "copy of driver's license and statement of employment".
6. (From 2012/08/01) invitation letter from Chinese host, click to see detailed requirements.
7. A copy of the order form of our agency, filled out online.
8. 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. 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 $140 (consular fee). Our service fee is $27.96. Additional fees are required for express (2-3 working days) or rush (1 working day) processing. For details on fees please see table here.

Please note: You may apply for a Chinese visa in person at the Chinese consulate in Houston in person or by mail, without paying the service fee we charge.

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.

Visa validity and duration of stay

Usually, the validity of the visa is 1-year (1-year multiple), 180 days (Double Entry) or 90 days (Single Entry) from the date of issue. 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 usually 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.