The first step for a China visa is picking the right type. The wrong type gets sent back and costs you days. Below, each type lists who it is for, the documents you need, and how long it takes. Not sure? Ask us — we will help you figure it out, free of charge.
The document lists below are for typical cases. The exact requirements follow the consulate's latest rules. If your case has anything unusual (previous travel to certain countries, an old visa, a past refusal), we review it before submission.
For: traveling to China for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends — no business or work plans.
Documents: passport original, passport photo, COVA online application, and trip information (which cities, approximate dates).
Timeline: submitted within 3 business days of receiving your passport; regular pickup per the Embassy Visa Section schedule, expedited on the 3rd.
For: commercial activities in China: meetings, negotiations, signing contracts, exhibitions, business visits.
Documents: passport original, passport photo, COVA online application, trip information, plus an invitation letter from the Chinese host (purpose of visit, dates, who pays the costs).
Timeline: submitted within 3 business days of receiving your passport; regular pickup per the Embassy Visa Section schedule, expedited on the 3rd.
For: visiting relatives who live in China, for a short stay.
Documents: passport original, passport photo, COVA online application, trip information, plus an invitation letter and proof of family relationship (such as the inviter's ID and relationship documents). How to write the invitation letter? See our invitation letter guide →
Timeline: submitted within 3 business days of receiving your passport; regular pickup per the Embassy Visa Section schedule, expedited on the 3rd.
For: moving to China for family reunion and long-term residence, or for foster care with relatives in China.
Documents: passport original, passport photo, COVA online application, plus an invitation letter, proof of family relationship, and other residence documents as required by the consulate.
Timeline: follows consulate review and instructions; reunion cases involve residence procedures and take longer than tourist or business visas, so start early.
For: working, taking up employment, performing, or lecturing in China.
Documents: passport original, passport photo, COVA online application, plus a Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit and other work-related permits.
Timeline: the work permit is arranged first by the employer in China; once it is ready, the visa is picked up on the Embassy's pickup schedule (regular) or the 3rd (expedited).
For: studying in China (long-term X1 / short-term X2).
Documents: passport original, passport photo, COVA online application, plus the school's admission letter; long-term study also requires the forms the consulate asks for.
Timeline: submitted within 3 business days of receiving your passport; regular pickup per the Embassy Visa Section schedule, expedited on the 3rd.
For: traveling to China with children: each child needs their own visa or travel document — the parents' visa does not cover them.
Documents: the child's passport original, photo, and online application, plus birth certificate or other proof of the parent-child relationship.
Visa or travel document? For a child born in the US, it depends on whether the child holds Chinese nationality
Timeline: submitted together with the parents; regular pickup per the Embassy Visa Section schedule.
If your trip mixes purposes (tourism plus meetings, family plus business), or you have a past refusal or travel to certain countries — message us with your trip details and we will help you pick the right type. Free of charge.
⚠️ Note: documents and timelines above are for typical cases; the exact requirements follow the consulate's latest rules. The consulate may ask for extra documents or an interview. Approval is the Embassy's decision — we never promise a guaranteed approval.
The letter is written by your relative in China and should state the inviter's name, ID number, address and phone number; your name, passport number and relationship to the inviter; the purpose of the visit, your dates of stay, and who pays the costs. Attach a copy of the inviter's ID and proof of the family relationship. We have a template and will check it line by line for you.
A Tourist (L) visa is for sightseeing and visiting friends — no invitation letter needed. A Family Visit (Q2) visa is for visiting relatives who live in China and requires an invitation letter plus proof of the family relationship. Visiting family? Q2 is the right fit.
Once your documents are complete, the consulate's initial review takes about 3 business days (if you have had a China visa before) or 4–5 business days (first-time applicants). After submission, pickup timing follows the Embassy Visa Section schedule (regular and expedited).
A 33mm × 48mm color photo on a white background, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses, both ears visible. Just take a selfie with your phone and send it to us — we process it free, no printing needed.
It depends on the child's nationality status at birth. A child born in the US to Chinese-national parents generally applies for a Travel Document, not a visa.
Tell us your purpose and travel dates — we'll confirm the visa type, fee and fastest timeline
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