Work Visa Requirements

This visa is issued to foreigners who are going to China for a paid job or to undertake commercial entertainment performances in China. Though this visa only allows a stay duration of 30 days, it allows you to remain in China while you and your employer seek a temporary residence permit for the duration of your contract.

Note: to apply for a Chinese work visa, you will need to have accepted a job offer in China

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.

Letter of Invitation

You must obtain an official letter of invitation from your sponsor or host. The organization you will be visiting is responsible for obtaining the invitation. This letter must:

Include the dates and length of your stay
Include your name as printed in your passport

Specifically request a 'Z' visa

Supporting Documents

You must provide one of the following documents:

Foreign Employment Permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in China
Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries issued by the Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration
Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts
An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs

Note: If your intended work or performance period is 90 days or less, you need to provide an Approval for Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in China, which must be obtained before the commencing work/performance date indicated on the approval. Also, you will be allowed to work or perform only within the period of time indicated in the approval.

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.

Academic Credentials of Teachers

If you are applying for a work visa for China with the purpose of teaching, you must provide the following documents:

A copy of your resume
Your original diploma

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.

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.

TJ VISA