Chinese Visa Application Notes
2023-12-22 07:36

1.Please choose the most appropriate visa category according to your main purpose of your visit to China through the list below:

Categories Description of Visa

  Visa Categories

                   Discription of Visa

       C

Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.

       D

Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.

       F

Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study toursand other activities.

       G

Issued to those who intend to transit through China.

       J1

Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.

       J2

Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

       L

Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist.

       M

Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.

       Q1


Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. 

       Q2

Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

       R

Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.

       S1

Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.

       S2


Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

"family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

       X1

Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.

       X2

Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.

       Z

One of the following documents:

(A) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(B) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(C) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(D) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Foreign Affairs Office of provincial governments of China.

(E)Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation;

We kindly remind you that:Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

2.Prepare the documents before submission of visa application:

(1)Basic Documents (Should be submitted no matter what type of visa you apply for)

(A) Passport

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

(B)Photo

A recently-taken color electronic passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background attached. Please see the following link for the photo requirements:

http://fj.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/hzqz/202312/P020231222278265789192.pdf

(C) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)

If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.

(D)Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizens those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

(2)Supporting Documents (Submit according to different visa categories)

  Visa Categories

                  Supporting Documents

       C

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China

       D

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       F

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

(A) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(B) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

(C) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

       G

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

       J1

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advanceor and complete relevant formalities.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       J2

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.

       L

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:

(A) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(B) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)

(C) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

       M

Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:

(A) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(B) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

(C) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

       Q1

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

(A) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

(a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(b) Information on the visit ( purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

(c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.)

(B) Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

(C) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For foster care, the following documents are required:

(A)Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China

(B)Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.

(C) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

(D) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       Q2

(A) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

(a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures)

(c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.)

(B) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual

       R

The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual with special skills urgently needed by China

       S1

(A) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

(a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)

(c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(B) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit

(C)Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.

"immediate family members " refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents-in-law.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       S2

For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:

(A)An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

(a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)

(c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(B) A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit

(C) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.

       X1

(A) Original or photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.

(B) Original or photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

We kindly remind you that:Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

       X2

Original or photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

       Z

One of the following documents:

(A) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(B) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(C) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(D) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Foreign Affairs Office of provincial governments of China.

(E)Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation;

We kindly remind you that:Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

(3)Special Reminder

(A) The above documents may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the original documents.

(B) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.

(C) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.


3.Application online

(1)Please log in the China Online Visa Application (COVA) page and start your online application through the following link: 

https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/

Please check carefully before submitting. After submission, it cannot be modified.

(2)Submit the passport photo

Please see the Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application in the following link:

http://fj.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/hzqz/202312/P020231222278265789192.pdf

Please make the photo pass the system check, and then go to next step.

(3)About filling in the Information About Your Intended Trip

There are 2 Date of arrival and 2 Date of departure in this column, which are easily to confused. Please notice that the Date of arrival in item 6.1A means the date you enter Chinese Mainland, and the Date of arrival in item 6.1F means the date you enter a certain city of ChineseMainland. Likewise, the Date of departure in item 6.1G means the date you exit that city, and Date of departure item 6.1H means the date you exit ChineseMainland.

(4)The application status can be tracked in COVA. When you receive the approval, please submit your original passport, also other original documents if required, to the Embassy.


4.On-site Handling Process

(1)Submitting application

Please make the appointment at least 24 hours in advance, and submit the original documents in appointed time. 

(2)Fingerprints collection

All applicants holding ordinary passports will be requested to have their fingerprints collected, only the following applicants can be exempted from fingerprints collection:

(a) Applicants under the age of 14 or over 70; 

(b) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas; 

(c) Applicants who already had their fingerprints collected within the past five years at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Fiji with the same passport;

(d) Applicants who suffer from 10 fingers mutilation or whose fingerprints cannot be collected;

(e) Applicants who apply for single and double entry short-term (the duration of stay is no more than 180 days) visas from Sept. 2nd, 2024 to Dec. 31st, 2025.

(3)Payment

The consular lobby does not accept cash. Please pay to our Westpac Bank account. The bank details are as below:

Account NUM: 9802407073

Account Name: Chinese Embassy

The Embassy does not accept cash payments. At this stage, we suggest you pay the amount according to the Pick-up Form issued by the consular officer. Or you could transfer the fee as indicated on the COVA system to the designated bank account of the Embassy, and submit the payment receipt when collecting your visa. Please note that the Embassy will not be responsible for any bank fee or additional charges that may incur. The correct fees should be remitted to our account after necessary deductions and applicable charges. In case of underpayment, please make up the difference as instructed by the consular officer. And once submitted, the visa application cannot be withdrawn. If the application is denied or the visa issued differs from the type applied for, the fees paid off will not be refunded. 

Please see charging standard (FJD) for reference in the following link:

http://fj.china-embassy.gov.cn/chn/lsfw/tzgg/202412/t20241227_11520039.htm

(4)Pick up the visa

Please collect your visa on the date specified in Pick-up Form issued by the visa officer. Someone else could collect it on your behalf with showing your Pick-up Form and proof of the payment.


5.Processing Time

The opening hours of the consular lobby is usually in 10:00am-11:30am & 3pm-4pm on every Mon/Wed/Fri, except holidays.

Business will not be accepted on other working days due to other work arrangements. 

Application Submission Date

Mon

Wed

Fri

Regular Collection Date

Fri

Next Mon

Next Wed

Urgent Collection Date

Wed

Fri

Next Mon

Extra Urgent Collection Date

Appointed by the consular officer

The above processing time is general, some applications may take longer to process, so the processing time is uncertain. In such cases, applicants need to wait for notification from the embassy.

6.About the HKSAR visa and Macau SAR visa

(1)To apply for a HKSAR visa, please refer to the link below:

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/index.html

(2)To apply for a Macau SAR visa, please refer to the link below:

https://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/cht/psp_top5.html


7.Matters needing attention

(1)Citizens of China or Fiji who hold a valid passport and stay in the other country for no more than 30 days are exempted from applying for a visa. When entering the country, you must bring your return or connecting ticket to a third country for inspection. If citizens of the two countries wish to study, work, settle down or engage in media activities in the other country, they still need to apply for the corresponding visa before entering the country.

(2)The validity period of the applicant's passport should not be less than 6 months. Regardless of the purpose, those who hold a one-way ticket must complete the relevant visa in advance.

(3)The embassy does not provide visa extension services, and the applicant can apply for a visa again after the visa expires. After arriving in China, if you really need to extend the period of stay for some reason, please apply from the local Public Security Bureau.

(4)Holding a valid Chinese residence permit, you can enter China multiple times within the validity period.

(5)The number of entries and the duration of stay of the visa are finally decided by the consular officer according to the specific circumstances of the applicant. Applicants can provide relevant supporting materials, including multiple invitation letters from domestic inviting parties in China, Chinese visas that have been issued, etc. When necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other supporting documents.

(6)If you encounter other problems during the application process, please contact our consultation mailbox: suva@csm.mfa.gov.cn or dial 3300215/7137727 (Answer inquiries from 14:30pm to 17:00pm on weekdays and from 8:30am to 12:00am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays).