(Updated as of November 29, 2023)

 

 

I strongly advise you to apply for the Chinese visa ASAP if you do need to make a trip in the next 45 days and currently do not have a valid visa as the process is complicated and requires time.  Please note that if you are holding a valid visa, such as 10-year multiple entries, you can use your current visa and will NOT require to apply for a new visa to enter China.  Please contact our office if you have any questions.

 

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates have been reopened, and applications for visa must now be submitted in person either by the applicant or a third party.  Please note that the application new form is 8 pages, and a number of documents are required.  The following is detailed information and tips that will help you navigate the process, save time, and minimize rejection.  The Chinese consulate, however, may require additional information and may have additional questions after reviewing your application.  You should also visit the Chinese Embassy and Consulates website for additional information.

 

U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce (“USCCC”) is now providing courier hand carry service to submit the Chinese visa applications to save you at least two trips to the Chinese Consulate and will also guide you to obtain your visa expeditiously. 

 

We also provide “Hand Carry Courier U.S. Passport Processing Service (3-5 business days)”

 

Please contact me at 312-368-9030 or sivayam@usccc.org or Mai at 312-368-9029 or maihoang@usccc.org if you have any needs or questions.

 

THIS GUIDE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY.  USCCC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS.  Please feel free to contact our office at info@usccc.org or 312-368-9911 (phone) and 312-368-9922 (fax).

 

 

There are three steps:

 

1. Complete and submit the application online.

2. Submit the application in person, either yourself or a third party*.

 

*USCCC will provide hand carry submission of your application.

 

 

The following are tips in completing the application and assembling required documents.  Please note that the Chinese consulate may require more documentation. 

 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

 

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU WILL FILL IN THE INFORMATION ACCURATELY AND COMPLETELY AND SIGN IN THE RIGHT PLACES.

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PRINT SINGLE SIDED AND ON PROPER PAPER SIZE.YOU MAY NEED TO SHRINK THE SIZE TO PRINT ON LETTER SIZE PAPER OR PRINT ON A4 SIZE. PLEASE DO NOT STAPLE THE PAGES.ANY INCORRECT INFORMATION SUCH AS DATE OF LAST VISA ISSUED, SIGNATURE IN THE WRONG PLACE, INCOMPLETE ADDRESS – MISSSING CITY AND STATE AND ETC. WILL DELAY THE PROCESS AND INCUR COST.

A REJECTION WILL REQUIRE YOU TO REDO YOUR APPLICATION FORM AGAIN, WHICH WILL DELAY OR FORCE YOU TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP AND MAY INCUR ADDITIONAL COURIER FEES.

 

• Complete the application form online.  https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/qzCoCommonController.do?show&pageId=index&locale=en_US After completing and submitting the application, please print the application and the confirmation page.  SIGN AND DATE.  A total of 10 pages. There will be a QR Code on the application that is unique to the information you input. Please note that the sizes of these pages on the system are A4. In the US, the size of the paper is Letter.  When you print, you will need to shrink the size to print on letter size paper or on A4 paper.  Please make sure that you fill out the application completely and check the accuracy before you submit.  Once you submit and if there is any missing or incorrect information, you will need to start the process all over again and obtain a new QR code. Save the file as often as you go along.  If you are logged out without saving your file, you may need to start all over.    

       

USCCC can assist its members and customers in reviewing their applications before they are submitted.  You can print the application form without submitting and then can send to us for review to minimize errors. USCCC can only give an overall review and will not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the application.  It is your responsibility to ensure that all information is complete and accurate.

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USCCC will not stand by the phone and walk you through the whole process while you are completing the application online.You must complete the application on your own and save or print and send us the application in pdf format, preferably before you submit the application, for review.  We will do our best to suggest those changes that we believe are necessary.  You must pay attention to details and make all suggested changes unless you feel otherwise.  Please do not make partial or piecemeal changes.  We can only review your application for a limited number of times without charging additional fee.

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THE CONFIRMATION SHEET AND PAGE 8 MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED.MAKE SURE THAT ALL SIGNATURES ARE THE SAME ACROSS THE APPLICATION MATERIALS INCLUDING SUPPLEMENTARY FORMS AND LETTERS AND IN THE RIGHT SPACE.THE SIGNATURES MUST BE “WET/INK” SIGNATURES AND NO ELECTRONIC OR COPIED OR DIGITAL.IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE IN SIGNING OR WRITING THE DATE, PRINT A NEW COPY, SIGN, AND DATE.

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• A Valid Passport with at least 6 months before it expires and two blank pages.

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• A Photo – Make sure that it is not the same as the one in your passport if your passport is issued six months ago. ALTHOUGHT THE APPLICATION FORM SAYS THAT IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO UPLOAD THE PHOTO SUCCESSFULLY, YOU COULD SEND IT IN TOGETHER WITH THE FORM. THE CONSULATE TYPICALLY PREFERS THAT THE PHOTO SHOULD BE UPLOADED SUCCESSFULLY.  We advise the applicant to make sure that the photo has been uploaded successfully and at the same time submit a passport photo along with the application even though this may not be needed.  Please refer to the attached guidelines or go to our website www.usccc.org for photo requirement.  However, most likely though not guaranteed, a passport photo typically is accepted.

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• A copy of the driver’s license or utility bill to prove residency in a specific jurisdiction. 

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• Copy of Current and Past Chinese Visa; Original Copy if Visa is still valid; Copy of information page of the passport that has the visa and copy of most recent expired or canceled visa (Electronic version is fine. We do not need the original.)  If you have a valid 10 year visa and want to apply for a new 10 year visa, you MUST write a letter declaring that you are giving up the current 10 year visa and applying for a new 10 year visa.

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• For Business Visa (M).

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A letter from your inviting party in China with the following information, name, gender, date of birth, passport number, your current employer, position, purpose of going, dates of arrival and departure, duration, and relationship between you and the inviting party.  The letter also needs to indicate who is going to pay for the trip.(Electronic version is fine. We do not need the original.)  The inviting party also needs to put down his/her contact’s name, phone number, and address. You do NOT need a letter from the government.   However, certain consulates may require a letter from your U.S. employer with similar information.

 

• For Tourist Visa (L).

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1. Photocopy of the Hotel Reservation and Roundtrip Airline Ticket/Travel Itinerary. Effective February 2024, these are not required. Or

2. An Invitation Letter issued by tourist companies, corporations, institutions, or individuals in China and copy of roundtrip airline ticket/travel itinerary (suggested).  The letter must include the following information:

   • Personal information of the invitee: name, date of birth, and passport number

   • Information about the trip: purpose of the visit, date of arrival and leaving, places to visit, relationship between the applicant and the inviter, and who will bear the cost of the applicant's accommodations in China.

   • Information of the inviter: name of the unit, phone number, address, signature of inviter.  If an individual issues the invitation letter, a photocopy of the ID of the individual must also be submitted. Please note that the Chinese consulate may request proof of residency in China of the inviting party if you are going to stay with them.

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• For other visas such as F, Z, S1, S2, Q1, Q2, please contact our office.

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• A declaration that you are currently in the US.

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• A statement of countries that you have visited in the last one year. 

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• Other items:

  • Jurisdiction – there are one Embassy in Washington DC and four consulates (Chicago, NY, San Francisco, and LA) in the US, and whether the Embassy or one of the four consulates to submit your application will be based on the state that you are residing – driver’s license, utility bills and etc.  You will need to choose the right jurisdiction when you fill out your application online.  Please feel free to contact our office to see which jurisdiction your application will fall within.

  • Education - although the form only requires you put in detailed education background post High School, the Consulate most of the time requires that you put down information on High School or equivalent.  To avoid any unnecessary delay, I suggest that you will put down the details.

  • Name - in your native language.  You must put down your name in your native language regardless of where you were born.  Also, make sure the name on your application form matches 100% with the one on the passport.  If your middle name is abbreviated, you cannot put down the full name, and vice versa.  Typically, there is no punctuation in your name in the passport, and do not put a “period” after your initial unless there is a “period.”  IF YOU WERE BORN IN CHINA, YOU MUST PUT DOWN YOUR CHINESE NAME IN CHINESE CHARACTERS.

  • Job Position, Description, and History - they want as much information as possible and you need to complete this section in detail.

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• Itinerary if available - not mandatory for business but they may ask.

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• If your residency falls into Chicago Consulate’s jurisdiction, you must submit a special authorization form authorizing USCCC to submit and make corrections on your behalf.  Please go to www.usccc.org to download a copy.

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As of today, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID test to enter into China.You also do not need to complete a health declaration statement. However, if you are going for business, you should bring along an invitation letter (an electronic version on your mobile device is also sufficient) as this may save time.

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​Please feel free to contact our office at info@usccc.org or 312-368-9911 (phone) and 312-368-9922 (fax).

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Total Fee Including Chinese Consulate Fee ($140) Excluding Shipping    $480.00

Shipping To Applicant (UPS Express)                                                        $32.50 or $0 if you provide shipping  

If the application has to be submitted in Washington DC, New York,

  Los Angeles or San Francisco, additional shipping to and from courier   $32.50 x 2 = $65