Apply for a Chinese Visa Abroad

Z is issued to those who intend to work in China (Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit, Foreigner's Work Permit or Commercial Performance Approval). X1 is for study of more than 180 days (JW201/JW202 and the Admission Letter); X2 for study of no more than 180 days (Admission Notice or Form DQ). Q1 is for family reunion exceeding 180 days; Q2 for visits of no more than 180 days. S1/S2 cover family members of foreigners working or studying in China (spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law) — over 180 days for S1, no more than 180 days for S2 — or private affairs. Basic documents: a passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, a photo, and the category-specific invitation or admission documents.

⏱ days · varies by category; invitation letters and relationship certificates take the longest

💰 · document preparation costs vary

Visit the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, fill out the form, upload the materials, and submit the order, then wait for the online review. After online submission, keep track of your application's review progress and watch for email updates. All sections of the Visa Application Form must be completed truthfully, completely, and accurately; false, incorrect, or incomplete information may cause delays or rejection.

⏱ 1 days · online review time varies

💰 0 CNY · no fee at this stage

If the status shows "Online review completed", print the "Visa Application Confirmation" from the email attachment, then bring it along with your physical documents to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to submit them, provide fingerprints and pay the fee. The Chinese Embassy and Consulates collect ten-finger fingerprints from all visa applicants in person; applicants under 14 or over 70, and holders of certain diplomatic/service visas, are among those exempt. Some missions have temporary fingerprint exemptions for short-term visas (duration of stay up to 180 days) — check your local embassy or consulate.

⏱ 1 hours

💰 · varies by nationality, entries and consulate; an express/urgent surcharge and a Visa Application Service Center service fee may apply

After submitting your physical documents in person, check your visa application status through the "My Account" page of the Visa Application Service Center website. Once the status shows "Pending Collection", collect your visas at the Visa Application Service Center using the Visa Collection Slip issued at submission.

⏱ 4 days · regular processing is 4 working days from successful submission of physical documents (express 3, urgent 2); not guaranteed

💰 0 CNY

Foreigners holding D, J1, Q1 or S1 visas shall, within 30 days from the date of entry, apply to the exit-entry administration of the public security organ at or above the county level in the intended place of residence for residence documents. Z and X1 visa holders likewise apply for a residence permit after entry: under Article 30 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, those staying beyond 30 days on a work or study visa shall apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry. See the residence permit guides for details.

⏱ 30 days · from the date of entry

💰 0 CNY · residence permit fees apply per regulations