Updated: 2011/07/08   

Documents needed

1. Your valid and actual passport. The passport must have at least six (6) months validity left before expiration and at least one blank page left in it.
2. One completed Chinese Visa Application Form (both main form and supplemental form)
3. A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit, and a Work Permit for Aliens issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry/ Foreign Expert's License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.
   A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit or proof of kinship, e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc, is required for the accompanying family members.
4. 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.
5. 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.

How to apply

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

The consular fee is $140 for American, and $30 for Citizens of other countries. Our service fee is $24.96. The regular processing time is 4-5 working days. For express service, additional fees are required. [details on fee and processing time]

Additional information

• (Z) visa is valid for one entry, three months. The holder of a (Z) visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.
• Any person suffering from mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.
• The Consular Officers have the authority to refuse any visa applications inconsistent with Chinese laws and regulations, or revoke issued visas.

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.