Guidance on Visa Application
You may quickly learn about the visa application process through the Guidance on Visa Application. You may also start your application by clicking the fast track in the process and entering the relevant page.
Select the city for your visa application.
The scope of visa service of the Embassy/Consulate
The Embassy/Consulate of China accepts visa applications made by:
① citizens of its residing country, or
② citizens of other countries who legally reside in its residing country.
The applicant must currently be in the territory of the Embassy/Consulate's residing country. Please make sure you submit the application in the country where you currently stay.
Each Chinese Embassy/Consulate has its own consular district. Please submit your application to the Embassy/Consulate in the consular district you reside in.
Please select the city where you will submit your visa application.
Notice: Based on the city you have chosen for your visa application, your application may be automatically redirected to the website of the "China Visa Application Service Center," which will provide visa application services for you.
Select the city for your visa application.
The scope of visa service of the Embassy/Consulate
The Embassy/Consulate of China accepts visa applications made by:
① citizens of its residing country, or
② citizens of other countries who legally reside in its residing country.
The applicant must currently be in the territory of the Embassy/Consulate's residing country. Please make sure you submit the application in the country where you currently stay.
Each Chinese Embassy/Consulate has its own consular district. Please submit your application to the Embassy/Consulate in the consular district you reside in.
Please select the city where you will submit your visa application.
Step 1: Choose the right visa type and prepare the application materials.
The city you have chosen for your visa application is:NEW YORK
The type of visa that you are applying for and the main purpose of your visit to China
Checklist of basic application materials
Passport:
The original of a passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from the application date and at least one blank visa page, and a photocopy of the data page of the passport.
① For a multiple-entry visa with a validity of 12 months, the remaining validity of your passport should be at least 15 months from the application date.
② If you hold more than one nationality, please provide the originals of all your valid passports.
The applicant's photo:
Recent color photo (front view and bareheaded with a white background)Specific requirements for the photoThe photo of your travel companion who shares the same passport with you, if applicable
Other materials
(Please select the "Visa Type and Main Purpose of Visit to China".)
Step 2: Fill in the application form, upload the materials, and make the payment.
First, you need to create an account in the China Online Visa Application System and sign in to the account to enter the visa application page.
Please fill out the application form correctly and completely before uploading the application materials as required. You may save a draft of the unfinished application form if you need to sign out during the process.
After filling out the application form and uploading the application materials, you need to make the visa fee payment. There is a separate page for visa fee payment and relevant instructions.
How far in advance should I apply for a visa?
You are advised to apply one month before your planned travel date, but no earlier than three months in advance. The application process may take longer in special cases.
May I cancel my application, and will my visa fee be refunded?
The visa application process is complicated, and normally you cannot cancel the visa application you have submitted. Even if you insist on canceling the application, all the visa fees already paid will not be refunded.
Step 3: Check the result of the preliminary review.
Check the result of the preliminary review: Once your application is submitted, the Embassy/Consulate may require you to provide additional materials at any time. Please track the progress of your application through the "Track My Application" page.
Revise your application form: If problems are found in your application form or materials, the Embassy/Consulate will return your application for revision. You can make relevant revisions or supplements through the "Track My Application" page.
Make an appointment for the next step: After passing the preliminary review, you need to make an appointment for a video interview or a visit to the Embassy/Consulate as required.
Step 4: Submit your passport.
You need to submit your passport by visiting the Embassy/Consulate or by post as required. Your fingerprints may be collected when you visit the Embassy/Consulate.
Does the applicant need to visit the Embassy/Consulate in person to submit the passport?
The applicant may be required to visit the Embassy/Consulate to submit the passport and have the fingerprints taken. Fingerprints of ten fingers will be collected for all applicants for Chinese visas, with the exception of those who are:
① under 14 years old or over 70 years old;
② heads of state or government and their accompanying family members;
③ qualified for a Chinese diplomatic visa, official visa, or courtesy visa (unless the reciprocity principle otherwise requires);
④ members of the staff of foreign diplomatic or consular missions in China and their spouses, parents, and minor children;
⑤ applicants for Chinese visas at the same Embassy/Consulate of China with the same passports and with fingerprints already taken within the past 5 years;
⑥ missing all ten fingers or unable to provide any of the ten fingerprints.
If you have entrusted someone to submit your passport, please confirm the application submission and fingerprint collection arrangements with the entrusted person.
Please track your application progress and follow the instructions on the "Submit Your Passport" page.
Step 5: Collect your passport.
The Embassy/Consulate will make the decision on whether or not to grant the visa based on the result of the final review. Whether the visa is granted or not, your passport will be returned to you.
How do I collect my passport?
When you submit your passport, the staff of the Embassy/Consulate will tell you how to collect your passport later by visiting the Embassy/Consulate or by post.
Please follow your application status and collect your passport according to instructions on the "Collect Your Passport" page.