China Visa Policy

Foreign nationals who wish to visit China generally need to acquire a visa before entering the country, except for circumstances allowing for visa-free entry. China issues several different types of visas for different purposes.

Chinese visas fall into categories and consist of several types, which are respectively marked as L, F, M, Z, X1, X2, C, J1, J2. G, D, Q1, Q2, S1, S2, and R. 

The Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau have different immigration and visa procedures.

Types of Visas:

1. L Visa - Tourist Visa

2. F Visa – Non-commercial Visit Visa

3. M Visa – Business Visa

4. Z Visa – Work Visa

5. X1/X2 Visa – Student Visa

6. C Visa – Crew-member Visa

7. J1/J2  Visa – Journalist Visa

8. G Visa – Transit Visa

9. D Visa – Residence Visa

10. Q1/Q2 Visa – Family/Personal Visit Visa

11. S1/S2 Visa – Relatives of Foreigners

12. R Visa – Highly Qualified Persons

If you need a visa to visit China, you will probably start by applying for a tourist visa (also known as L visa). This type of visa is issued for those who travel to China for sightseeing, in group tours, or to visit friends and family. It is typically valid for 90-180 days from the date of issue and allows up to 60 days of stay per visit. Most visas will be first issued for 30 days and can be further extended. If you wish to stay in the country for longer than 30 days, it's recommended to make it clear in the application. You may get a single or multiple entry visas.

For those who wish to travel to Tibet, an approval notice from the China Tibet Tourism Bureau is required to apply for a tourist visa. 

You can apply for China L (Tourist) Visa both individually and as a part of the group. There are different fees and document checklists for each type of application. If you apply for a visa as a part of an organized tour group, your visa type will be China Collective Tourist Visa (Tourist Group Visa). 

Required Documents for China L Visa

1. Passport

• Valid for six months after the return date

2. Application Form

3. Passport Sized Photo

4. Invitation Letter (when visiting friends and family)

5. Return Plane Tickets and Itinerary

6. Visa Application Fee (Varies Depending on the Country of Origin)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Travel Visa Checklist for Tour Groups

A collective tourist visa (or Tourist Group Visa) is issued to a group of at least five travelers organized by a travel agency who will enter and exit the country together.

The Tourist Group Visa will be stamped onto the Group Tourist Form and not into individual passports.

Required Documents for Collective Visa to China

1. Invitation Letter

• From the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA)
• From a region or a municipality under the Chinese central government or a travel agency accredited by the Chinese authorities

2. Completed Tourist Group Visa Form in Triplicate (Forms are Available Online or at Chinese Embassies and Consulates)

3. Original Passports Arranged in the Same Order as the Travellers' Names Appear on the Group Tourist Visa Form

Processing Time for the China L Visa

The average processing time for a China L Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

China L Visa Fee

China L Visa fee is 30-145 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for China L Visa?

You will apply for China L Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The F Visa is issued to foreigners who are invited to China for non-commercial purposes, such as research, lectures, and cultural exchanges. The F Visa previously covered a wider range of activities when it was known as China’s business visa, before being largely replaced by the M Visa. Single-entry and double-entry visas are available. The duration of stay typically ranges from 30 days to 90 days.

Required Documents for China F Visa

1.  Application Form 

2. Passport

• With blank pages
• At least 6 months validity left before expiration

3. Photo

• One recent passport-size color photo stuck on the application form

4. One of the Following Documents:

• China F Visa Invitation Letter
• Confirmation Letter of Invitation (with the invitation letter attached)
• Conference notice issued by the relevant entity, individual, or duly authorized Chinese institute

5. The Invitation Letter

• The letter must include:
  • Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
  • Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) of visit, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
  • Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact number, address, official stamp, the signature of the legal representative of the entity or the inviting individual)

6. For China F Visa Multiple Entry

• Copies of previous Chinese visas (on one A4 paper) are required

7. Under Some Circumstances, The Applicants May be Required to Submit

• A copy of the Chinese hotel reservation
• Return air ticket booking
• Financial proof

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for China F Visa

The average processing time for China F Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.  Express service and rush service are also provided in most countries.

China F Visa Fee

Where to Apply for China F Visa?

You will apply for China F Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The M Visa, or business visa, was introduced in 2013. Before the introduction of the M Visa, the F Visa was known as China’s business visa.

Those seeking an M Visa must be invited to the country for business purposes by a China-based company. The M Visa is ideal for foreigners who visit China frequently for short business trips.

The visa is issued for a period ranging from one month to one year. This can be extended under certain conditions. Single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas are available. Applicants from the US and Canada may obtain M Visas valid for up to 10 years.

Required Documents for China M Visa

1. Passport

• Valid for at least six months
• With at least two blank pages

2. Two Photos

• With a blue background sized 4.5 x 3.5

3. An Invitation Letter

• From either a trade fair you will be attending (like Canton Fair) or a registered Chinese company

4. A Copy of the Chinese Firm's Business License (in case you are receiving an invitation from a Chinese company);

5. Your Company's Information

• With its name and contact details (your business card would do)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for China M Visa

The processing time for China M Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your application country. Express service and rush service are also provided in most countries.

China M Visa Fee

Where to Apply for a China M visa?

You will apply for China M Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

You can also apply for a business visa through a travel agency. In this case, they will probably be taking care of your invitation.

Note that you can also apply for a Chinese business visa in Hong Kong. The following criteria apply:

• You must have at least two Chinese visas issued outside of China already in your passport

• At least one of the previously issued visas must have been issued in your country of origin

The business visa is primarily intended for conducting business activity in China and does not give one the right to seek employment in the country. If you plan to work in China, you will need to apply for a work visa.

The Z Visa is issued to foreigners who are taking up a post or employment in China and their accompanying family members. The Z Visa is the most common type of visa used by foreigners working in China.

When applying for the work permit, the employer’s business license, organization code certificate, tax registration certificate, and FIE approval certificate (if the employer is foreign-invested) must be provided, among other required documents.

Where a foreigner changes his/her job but continues to hold a valid work permit, he/she can undertake an “employer change” procedure with the government to renew the work permit. The actual procedure for the renewal may vary from city to city.

Note that the work visa allows for the duration of stay of up to 30 days. During this time, your employer will need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for you for the duration of your work contract with the company.

A working visa is typically issued for a period from three months to five years.

Note that as of April 2017, all foreign professionals applying for work in China are classified into three categories:

1. Class A

• High-level talent

2. Class B

• Professional personnel

3. Class C

• Non-technical and service workers hired for seasonal/temporary projects

Thus, specific requirements and application procedures may differ for each category. We strongly recommend that you consult your Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Required Documents for China Z Visa

1. Two Copies of the Foreigner Employment Application Form

2. A Release Letter from the Previous Employer

• If the foreigner is relocated to Shanghai from a different city:
  • Government-released proof of work permit relocation/cancellation shall be provided

3. Valid Business License

4. Organization Code Certificate

5. FIE Approval Certificate (If the Employer is Foreign-invested) of the New Employer

6. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Chinese

• Including:
  • The highest academic degree obtained
  • Complete work experience

7. Work-Related Qualification Certificate or Proof of Past Work Experience (Issued by Previous Employers) That is Related to the New Employment;

8. Academic Qualifications

9. Employment Contract with the New Employer

10. The Current Work Permit

11. Valid Passport 

12. Residence Permit

13. Employer’s Employment Permit

14. Three Passport Photos

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for China Z Visa

The average processing time for a China Z visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

China Z Visa Fee

China Z Visa fee 30-145 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for China Z Visa?

You will apply for China Z Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

China X Visa - Student Visa has three subcategories:

1. The X Visa

• Is issued to foreigners who come to China for studies or fieldwork. While holders of X Visas do not have working rights, they may be able to undertake internships if authorized by their educational institution and other relevant authorities.

2. The X1 Visa

• Is issued to students whose study period is more than 180 days.

3. The X2 Visa

• Is issued to students who intend to study for less than 180 days

The validity of both is 90 days from the date of issue, while the stay duration for the X1 visa is usually 000, which needs to be determined after the applicant enters China, and that for the X2 visa is not more than 180 days.

For international students, it’s necessary to find an organization accredited for offering courses or internships to foreigners so that they will send a JW201 or JW202 form and an admission letter.

Required Documents for China X Visa

1. Passport

• Valid up to at least six months
• With at least one blank page

2. Application Form

• One accurately and truthfully completed China Student Visa Application Form

3. Recent Photo

• Affix one recent passport-style color photo with a full face, front view, no hat, and against a plain light background onto the application form

4. Admission Notice

• Original and a copy of Admission Notice from the Chinese university or school.

5. JW201 or JW202 Form

• For X1 application only

6. Original and a Copy of Approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form JW201 or JW202

• The JW201 or JW202 form should be obtained through the school you are to enroll.
• JW201 form is issued to international students dispatched by the government or funded by Chinese government scholarships, while JW202 is for self-sponsored international students.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for China X Visa

The average processing time for China X Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

China X Visa Fee

The fee for an X visa is the same as the fee for other types of Chinese visas. Since X1 visa only has one entry and seldom do Chinese embassies and consulates issue multiple-entry X2 visas, here we only list single-entry and double-entry X visa fees for reference.

Where to Apply for China X Visa?

You will apply for China X Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Things to Know for X1 Visa Holders

X1 visa holders shall apply for a Temporary Residence Permit from the local Exit and Entry Administration within 30 days upon entry into China. The temporary residence permit can be issued with a validity of up to 5 years. Documents required include a passport, admission notice, JW201 or JW202 form, Foreigner Physical Examination Record, a registration of accommodation, and a passport-style white-background photo.

Within the validity of the Temporary Residence Permit, students can travel into and out of mainland China freely.

When the study in China ends, X1 visa holders should go to the local Exit and Entry Administration to cancel the Temporary Residence Permit and apply for a 30-day tourist visa with zero entry to avoid problems.

Things to Know for X2 Visa Holders

X2 holders shall stay in China within the duration period as indicated on the visa, and it is not necessary for them to apply for a temporary residence permit. In case they need to extend the X2 visa, please go to the local Exit and Entry Administration to handle this affair 30 days before the expiration date.

Working on X Visa Is Not Allowed

You are not permitted to work on an X type visa. But part-time work and internships off-campus may be authorized. You should contact your university or employer after you have settled in China to see what can be arranged.

For international students who work in violation of Chinese regulations or beyond the prescribed scope of jobs or time limits, they shall be deemed unlawful employment and will probably have to stop or be expelled.

The C visa is issued to crew-members on international aviation, sea navigation, and land transportation missions and their accompanying family members.

Crew (C) visa is issued to crew members working onboard international trains, airliners, or vessels to China.

Required Documents for China C Visa

1. A Valid Passport as well as a Copy of Its Information Page

• Your valid passport must have at least six (6) months of remaining validity
• With at least one blank visa page in it.

2. Application Form 

• One completed Visa Application Form (Q1)

3. Photo

• One recent photo of 2x2 square inch (black & white or color is acceptable) glued or stapled on the application form.

4. First Time Applicants Whose Former Nationality was Chinese:

• Shall write down his Chinese name in the application form and submit his original Chinese passport and the photocopy of the information page of the passport.

5. Applicant Who was Formerly Chinese and has Acquired a New Passport:

• If there is a Chinese visa in the old passport, shall submit his old passport or the photocopy of the Chinese visa.

6. Formal Application Letter

• Issued by the airline or shipping company

7. The Original and Photocopy of The Employee ID of the Applicant

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing time for China C Visa

The average processing time for China C Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

China C Visa Fee

China C Visa fee is 30-145 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to apply for China C Visa?

You will apply for China C Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The J Visa is issued to foreign journalists who work in China on either a temporary or permanent basis.

The J-1 Visa is issued to foreign journalists who posted to China for at least one year. Holders of J1-visa must apply for a residence permit from the Immigration Department of the Local Public Security Authority in the place intended to stay within 30 days of entry to China.

The J-2 Visa is issued to foreign journalists who are on temporary assignments in China for up to 30 days.

Required Documents for China J Visa

1. Original Passport

• Valid for at least 6 months
• With 2 or more blank visa pages

2. Photocopy of the Information Page and Extension Page (if Applicable) of the Passport

3. One Visa Application Form

• Completed online and signed by hand
• Attached with a recently-taken within 6 months, color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background

4. A Visa Notification Issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an Official Letter Issued by the Media Organization for Which the Journalist Works

5. Applicants Must Contact the Press Section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General or the Relevant Press Authorities in China in Advance and Complete Relevant Approval Formalities

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Please provide the appropriate additional documents if you are in one of the following situations:

1. If You are Applying in A Country Different from Your Nationality:

• You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid permanent resident card, work permit, study permit, or another legal resident certificate.

2. For Applicants Who Previously Had Chinese Nationality and Have Obtained Foreign Citizenship

• If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time:
  • The last Chinese passport held
  • Two photocopies of its data page together with the data page of the present passport (the data page of the previous Chinese passport and the data page of the present passport need to be shown on the same paper);
  • The ID Card
• If you have obtained Chinese visas before and apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed passport that does not contain any Chinese visa:
  • The photocopy of the previous passport's data page
  • The photo page if it is separate
  • The previous Chinese visa page (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change)
• If you cannot provide the documents mentioned above, please prepare documents as you apply for the first time.

3. For A Child Under 18 of Chinese Origin:

• Please refer to the additional classification and documentation

If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials or require an interview with the applicant. The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay, and the number of entries in light of the specific conditions of the applicant.

Processing Time for the China J Visa

The average processing time for a China J Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

China J Visa Fee

China J Visa fee is 30-145 USD.  The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for China J Visa?

You will apply for China J Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The G Visa is issued to foreigners who transit through China. Since the cost and application procedure to acquire a G Visa is similar to acquiring an L Visa, travelers tend to opt for an L Visa rather than a G Visa. Several cities in China also offer visa exemptions for travelers in transit. This visa is valid for 3 months and with a stay in China 7-10 days.

Required Documents for China G Visa

1. Valid and Original Passport

• With at least one blank visa page
• Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application

2. One Complete Filled out Visa Application Form with One Passport Photo

• Only color photo with a light background like light blue and white is acceptable
• US passport holders need two photos and two Application Forms.

3. A Valid Visa of the Country of Destination, and A Final Destination Airline Ticket

4. An Applicant Born in China Who Applies for a Chinese Visa with a New Foreign Passport is Required to Submit His/Her Chinese Passport or Last Foreign Passport With a Chinese Visa

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for the China G Visa

The regular processing time is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country. 

China Visa-free Transit Countries List (for 2019) 

Which countries can apply for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) while passing through China? Different from 24-Hour Transit Visa Exemption valid for any foreign countries, China 72-Hour and 144-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy only applies to citizens from 53 specified countries abroad. Accordingly, Americans, Canadians, and Australians are eligible for application, while Indian and Malaysia passport holders do NOT. Check the below list carefully to determine if your nationality is qualified for China's transit visa exemption.

China 72-Hour/144-Hour Visa-free Transit Countries

To offer equal convenience for international transits, China has unified the object of China 72-Hour and 144-Hour Visa-free Transit to 53 countries on 4 continents. That means, once meeting all requirements, citizens coming from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and else mentioned countries may apply for a 6-day ”no-visa” transit tour in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, etc., or 3-day transit visa-free layover in Xian, Guilin, Harbin, Chongqing, Changsha at appointed ports of entry.

China G Visa Fee

China G Visa fee is 30-145 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for China G Visa?

You will apply for China G Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The D visa is issued to foreigners who plan to live in China permanently. This visa is also known as “the Chinese green card” and is notoriously difficult to acquire.

Required Documents for China D Visa

1. Passport

• Original passport with at least one blank visa page and valid for at least 6 months.

2. Passport photocopy

• One photocopy of the data and photo pages of the passport.

3. Visa Application Form

• One truthfully, correctly, and completely filled Visa Application Form (Form V.2013).
• The application form must be typed in black capital letters. Hand-written application forms are not accepted.

4. Photo

• One recently-taken, color, passport photo against a light background.

5. Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status

• An original and a photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

6. Proof of Legal Status Of Residency

• Copy of status proof, such as a certificate of residence, employment, student, or another legal status.

7. Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa

• When applying for a Chinese visa with a new passport, an applicant who used to be of Chinese citizenship should submit the original and a copy of the data page of the last Chinese passport or a copy of the previous Chinese visa on the previous foreign passport.
• If the name on the current passport differs from that on the previous passport, an official document of name change should also be submitted.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for the China D Visa

The average processing time for a China R Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

China D Visa Fee

Where to Apply for China D Visa?

You will apply for China D Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The Q Visa is issued to foreigners who are visiting family members of Chinese citizens and to foreigners who are spouses of Chinese citizens, including those who intend to visit China for personal purposes, including foster care.

The Q1 Visa is issued to family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents of China who intend to stay in China for longer than 180 days. The Q1 Visa has a single entry. Upon entry, the holder must apply for a residence permit within 30 days.

The Q2 Visa is issued to family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents of China who intend to visit China temporarily. The Q2 Visa can be multiple entry and valid for up to 10 years for US and Canadian citizens, carrying a stay of up to 180 days per visit.

Required Documents for China Q Visa

1. Passport

• Original passport valid for more than 6 months and a copy of the information page.
• US citizens can apply for a 10 years China Q2 visa if their passport is valid for one year or longer.

2. Application Form 

• China Q Visa Application Form

3. Recent Photo

• Recent color passport-sized photo affixed to Application Form

4. Invitation Letter

• An invitation from the family member residing in China who is either a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with a Chinese permanent residence permit.
• The invitation letter should contain:
  • Information regarding the applicant, including full name, gender, date of birth, etc.
  • Information about the visit, like the purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, the applicant's relation to the inviting entity or individual, and financial source for expenditures.
  • Information regarding the inviting individual, including name, contact number, address, official stamp, the inviting individual's signature, etc.

5. Documents of Inviter: 

• Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport
• Permanent residence permit of the inviter

 6. Proof of Family Relationship - For Q1 Visa Application Only

• Original and copy of kinship proof such as Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for the China Q Visa

The average processing time for a China Q Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

China Q Visa Fee

Where to Apply for China Q Visa?

You will apply for China Q Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The S Visa is issued to relatives of foreigners who are working or studying in China. It is the equivalent of the Q Visa for the family of foreigners living in China long-term.

The S1 Visa is issued for a stay of more than 180 days. The S1 Visa has a single entry, and holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry.

The S2 Visa is issued for a stay of 180 days or less. The S2 Visa can be multiple entries and valid for up to 10 years for US and Canadian citizens, carrying a stay of up to 180 days per visit.

Required Documents for China S Visa

1. Passport

• Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least six months validity left
• US citizens wishing to apply for a 10-year S2 visa should provide a passport valid for at least one year

2. Application Form

• One truthfully completed China S Visa Application Form attached with a recent color photo

3. Invitation Letter from the Foreigner Who Works or Studies in China

• The letter should contain:
  • Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
  • Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, address of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source of living expenditure, etc.)
  • Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature, etc.)

4. The Inviter's Passport and Chinese Residence Permit

• A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit of China.

 5. Kinship Certification between the Inviter and Invitee

• Original and a photocopy of certification such as:
  • A marriage certificate
  • Birth certificate
  • Certification of kinship issued by the Public Security Bureau
  • Or other notarized certification of kinship showing their family relationship

6. For Private Affairs:

• A document explaining personal details such as marriage, heritage, adoption, and medical treatment is required.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for the China S Visa

The average processing time for a China S Visa is 4 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

China S Visa Fee

Where to Apply for China S Visa?

You will apply for China S Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The R Visa is issued to highly qualified individuals whose skills are urgently needed in China. This refers to Tier A talents under China’s new tiered work permit classification system. Determining who is regarded as ‘high-level personnel’ is strictly regulated.

Recently, the government relaxed rules for foreign top talents, enabling them to obtain multiple-entry R Visas valid for either five or 10 years, with a maximum stay per entry of 180 days. Spouses and children of R Visa holders will also be allowed to enter the country on an R Visa. Visa processing time in this category has also been expedited.

Who Count as High-Level Talents?

Indubitably, eligible applicants for the R visa must have the highly-skilled and specialized qualities that are urgently needed due to a short supply among Chinese. Here we list major types of talents qualifying for the China talent visa but not all of them.

1. Those who have been selected to join China’s talents introduction programs accredited by talent management authorities, such as the Program for the Introduction of Renowned Overseas Professors, 1,000 Talents Plan, 100 Talents Plan, and CAS Hundred Talents Project.

2. Those who have accomplished achievements in professional fields recognized internationally, including Nobel Prize winners, scholars from Academy of Science or Academy of Engineering in foreign countries, professors, and vice professors taking a position in the world’s top 200 universities, etc.

3. Foreigners who are capable of taking market-oriented positions in enterprises encouraged by the government, including senior management staff in China’s state-owned enterprises, Fortune Global 500 Enterprises, etc.

Required Documents for China R Visa

1. Passport

• Your original passport valid for at least 6 months
•  A copy of its information page

2.  Application Form

• One accurately and truthfully completed China Talent Visa Application Form signed by the applicant.
• If the form is filled out by an entrusted travel/visa agent, both the applicant's signature and the stamp of the agent are required.

3.  Recent Photo

• One recently-taken colored photo
• The size of the photo should be 48mm x 33mm, with head width 21mm - 24mm and head length 28mm - 33mm,
• In white, light grey, or light blue background

4. The Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talents

• To be obtained from China’s provincial-level Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs. (Download Sample of the Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talents)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for the China R Visa

The average processing time for a China R Visa is 4 working days and can be shortened to two working days only upon the request of the applicant. The same applies to the applicant’s spouse and minor children. It depends on your visa application country.

China R Visa Fee

The talents and their accompanying spouses and minor children can get the visa for free. They do not need to pay the express service fee either. However, if applying through the CVASC, they may need to pay some money to the CVASC.

Where to Apply for China R Visa?

You will apply for China R Visa in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.