Business Visa Requirements

China “M” business visas are issued for commercial and trade activities, such as visiting clients, meeting with business partners, and attending trade fairs. These visas are typically valid for 3 months. US citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple entry visa. The category “F” business visas are for academic exchange including conducting research, attending conferences, and University collaboration. These are typically valid for 3-6 months with 1-2 entries.

If you’re planning on accepting a position in China, check out our Chinese work visa application.

Passport

You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. Your passport must:

Be valid for six months beyond the length of your requested visa (for example, if you are requesting a 12 month visa your passport must be valid for 18 months )

If your passport has less than 1-year validity remaining, you must provide a signed letter stating you are aware that the consulate will not grant a visa greater than 6 months validity. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining upon entry into the country.

Have at least one blank visa page (amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used to fulfill this requirement)

Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way

Photograph(s)

The Chinese Consulate requires a photograph that meets very strict requirements. We strongly recommend that you submit your photograph electronically to China Visa Service Center so we can ensure it meets the stringent characteristics mandated by the Chinese Consulate.

All electronic photo submissions must be taken within the last six months against an all-white background. It must show a full frontal view of your head, face centered in the middle, the tops of your shoulders, and display a neutral (non-smiling) expression with eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible. No background light or shadows are permitted. You may not wear eyeglasses, jewelry, or headwear except for religious purposes. Do not wear a white shirt.

Should you elect to submit an actual photograph then it must meet all of the above criteria and:

Be exactly 48 mm tall by 33 mm wide
Be printed on high-quality photo paper
Not be affixed to your application, with no evidence of adhesive tape or staples

Note that most passport photo vendors produce photos that are 2 inches by 2 inches and are not acceptable. China Visa Service Center cannot submit applications with incorrectly formatted photographs.

You may not wear jewelry in your photograph.
Both ears must be showing in the photograph.

Copy of Passport Bio Page

You must provide a copy of your passport bio information page.

Business Cover Letter

The Business Cover letter will be provided to you. Please refer to the Important Information section above for more details.You are required to provide a Business Cover Letter from your U.S.-based company. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a U.S. mailing address. Use the included sample Business Cover Letter to complete your letter.

Letter of Invitation

You must provide a letter of invitation. Use the included template in this kit as a guide to the content and format of the invitation. All components are of the template are required.

Visa Application Form

One fully completed and signed visa application form. The application must:

Be completed online
Include answers for all required fields
List the name of the traveler exactly as it is written in the passport
Be printed single-sided
Be dated and signed in blue or black ink
Be enclosed with all other documents in your visa application kit
Have your signature on the declaration confirmation page, as well as in section 9.1A

Proof of State Residency

You must provide a proof of your current address of residency. The document must either be a copy of the front and back of your driver's license or government ID, or a utility bill. The document must:

Display your name as it appears on your passport
Display the current residence address as provided on your visa application

Please note, if you must submit a utility bill the consulate requires electric, gas, or a water bill; phone and cable bills are not accepted.

Former PRC Nationals or Individuals Born in Chinese Territories

If you are a former PRC passport holder or were born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau:

You must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.6H on the visa application form
You must present copies of any previously issued China visas in your current or expired passport, as well as the expired passport
If you have never been issued a China visa you must submit your original passport and birth certificate showing your name in Chinese characters
If you are a minor who was adopted from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau you must also include your original adoption papers and a copy of them as well
If applicable, include a copy of your naturalization papers and U.S. birth certificate.
The Chinese Consulate may request an additional form for first time visa applicants.

Travel to Hong Kong or Macau

Visiting Hong Kong or Macau is considered leaving China. You must obtain a multiple entry visa if you leave Mainland China to visit Hong Kong and Macau with the intention to re-enter the mainland before finally departing from China.

Travel to Tibet

If your itinerary includes Tibet, travel to the region of Tibet requires a permit. This permit is mandatory and will be secured by your tour operator on your behalf. The requirements and instructions in this application kit are intended to guide you through the process to secure your China visa only.

Previous Visas

If you have visited China before, you must provide copies of previous China visas. You must submit an the actual passport if holding a valid China visa. If you do not have copies, then you must provide a letter of explanation.

First-Time Applicants

If you are a first-time applicant who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, please provide a copy of your naturalization certificate.

TJ VISA