Tourist (L) Visa Application Process for Americans and Other Aliens to enter China

Updated: 19/09/2008
By Chinese Embassy in the USA

Tourist Visa (L Visa) is issued to an alien who comes to China for sightseeing or visiting family members or friends or for other personal affairs.

Ⅰ.Please submit the following materials for your application:
1.Passport: Your valid passport must have at least six (6) months of remaining validity and at least one blank visa page in it.
2.Application form: One completed Visa Application Form.
3.Photo: one 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 or the photocopy of the information page of the passport. Applicant who was formerly Chinese and has acquired a new US passport, if there is a Chinese visa in the old passport, shall submit his old US passport or the photocopy of the Chinese visa.5.Chinese-American child born in US applying for Chinese visa,please read 在美国出生具有中国血统儿童赴华签证须知.

▲US citizens may apply for a Single Entry (valid for 3-6 months), Double Entry (valid for 6 months), Multiple Entry (valid for 6 months or 12 months) “L” Visa as needed.
▲A Chinese-American born in China (Taiwan, HongKong and Macau included)may apply for a Multiple Entry “L” Visa valid for 24 months.The photocopy of the personal information page of his/her passport is required to provide.
▲Foreign spouse and children of a Chinese citizen may apply for a Multiple Entry “L” Visa valid for 24 months.The original and photocopy of relevant Marriage Certificate,Birth Certificate, Kinship Certificate and other necessary documents are required to provide.
▲ Temporary foreign visitors with a valid US visa or foreign residents with legitimate status in the US, may apply for Chinese visa to the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy. The visa officer may ask the applicant to provide the original and photocopy of their US Green Card,Work Permit,I-20 Form, valid US Visa or other additional documents and make a decision on whether to issue the visa case by case.

Ⅱ.How to apply
1.You may submit the application to the Visa Office of the Embassy or Consulate -General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside;
2.If you cannot come in person, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to drop off your application at the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside;
▲No appointment is required.
▲Mailed applications are not acceptable and will be returned.
▲Mail back service is available (make sure you read INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION MAIL SERVICE) .

Ⅲ.Processing Time
1.The regular processing time is 4 working days.
2.Express service: 2-3 working days processing,additional fee of $20 will be charged per visa.
3.Same day rush service:emergency only, additional fee of $30 will be charged per visa

(applications shouldl be submitted before 12:30pm, and may be picked up between 2:30pm-3:00pm on the same day).

Ⅳ.Visa fees
1.Please pay by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash.Personal checks are not acceptable.
2.Please make the check or money order payable to the Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate-General.
3.Fee list:



Ⅴ.Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
Usually the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry “L” visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa will be expired and is null and void. Normally the duration of stay of a “L” visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry. If your estimated stay in China is longer than 30 days, please make it clear in the application form and ask for the Visa Officer's approval when you submit your application.

Ⅵ.Additional Information
1.If the visa application form is not filled out completely, correctly and legibly, your visa application may be delayed or rejected.
2.Usually applicant submit his visa application one month earlier before his trip.
3.Visa Officers are empowered to make final decision on the validity,duration of stay and times of entry of a visa and may require the applicants provide relevant documents.
4.Any person suffering from a mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.

All regulations are subject to change without notice.

Info from Chinese Embassy in the USA: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/

Business (F) Visa Application Process for Americans and Other Aliens to enter China

Updated: 19/09/2008
By Chinese Embassy in the USA


Business Visa (F Visa) is issued to an alien who is invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or internship for a period of no more than six months.

I.Please submit the following documents for your application:
1.Passport: Your valid passport must have at least six (6) months of remaining validity and at least one blank visa page in it.
2.Application form: One completed Visa Application Form
3.Photo: one photo of 2x2 squre 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 or the photocopy of the information page of the passport. Applicant who was formerly Chinese and has acquired a new US passport, if there is a Chinese visa in the old passport, shall submit his old US passport or the photocopy of the Chinese visa.
5.Visa Notifications Form from an authorized Chinese Unit, or invitation letters from the host company, meeting or exhibition organizers in China, or an introduction letter from applicant's US company, etc.
▲US citizens may apply for a Single Entry (valid for 3-6 months), Double Entry (valid for 6 months), Multiple Entry (valid for 6 months or 12 months) “F” Visa as needed.
▲US citizens may apply for a Multiple Entry “F” Visa valid for 24 months, if 1) they submit documents proving that they have made an investment in China, or have established a collaboration with a Chinese company, e.g. business license, contracts, a letter of appointment, etc.; or 2) they have been issued “F” visa at least twice times, and shall submit copies of the visas.
▲Temporary foreign visitors with a valid US visa or foreign residents with legitimate status in the US, may apply for Chinese visa to the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy. The visa officer may ask the applicant to provide the original and photocopy of their US Green Card,Work Permit,I-20 Form, valid US Visa or other additional documents and make a decision on whether to issue the visa case by case.


Ⅱ.How to apply
1.You may submit the application to the Visa Office of the Embassy or Consulate -General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside;
2.If you cannot come personally, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to submit your applicaion to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside;
▲No appointment is required.
▲Mailed applications are not acceptableand will be refused.
▲Mail back service is available (make sure you read INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION MAIL SERVICE) .

Ⅲ.Processing Time
1.The regular processing time is 4 working days.　
2.Express service: 2-3 working days processing, $20 will be charged per visa.　
3.Same day rush service: emergency business only, with additional fee of $30 for 1 working day processing
(applications shall be presented before 12:30pm may be picked up between 2:30pm-3:00pm on the same day).

Ⅳ.Visa fees
1.Please pay by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash. Personal checks are not acceptable.
2.Please make the check or money order payable to the Chinese Embassy.
3.Fee list:　　



Ⅴ.Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
Usually the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry “L” visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa will be expired and is null and void.

Normally the duration of stay of a “F” visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry. If your estimated stay in China is longer than 30 days, please make it clear in the application form and ask for the Visa Officer's approval when you submit your application.

Ⅵ.Additional Information
1.If the visa application form is not filled out completely, correctly and legibly, your visa application may be delayed or rejected.
2.Usually applicant submit his visa application one month earlier before his trip.
3.Visa Officers are empowered to make final decision on the validity,duration of stay and times of entry of a visa and may require the applicants provide relevant documents.
4.Any person suffering from a mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.

All regulations are subject to change without notice.

Info from Chinese Embassy in the USA: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/

Employment/Work (Z) Application Process for Americans and Other Aliens to work in China

Employment/Work (Z) Visa

Updated: 19/09/2008
By Chinese Embassy in the USA


Employment Visa (Z Visa) is issued to an alien who comes to China for a post or employment, and his/her accompanying family members.

I.Please submit the following documents with your application:
1. Passport: Your valid passportmust 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 photo of 2*2 square inch (black & white or color is acceptable) glued or stapled on the application form.
4.Temporary foreign visitors with a valid US visa or foreign residents with legitimate status in the US, may apply for Chinese visa to the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy. The visa officer may ask the applicant to provide the original and photocopy of their US Green Card,Work Permit,I-20 Form, valid US Visa or other additional documents and make a decision on whether to issue the visa case by case.
5. First time applicants whose former nationality was Chinese, shall write down his Chinese name in the application form and submit his original Chinese passport or the photocopy of the information page of the passport. Applicant who was formerly Chinese and has acquired a new US passport, if there is a Chinese visa in the old passport, shall submit his old US passport or the photocopy of the Chinese visa.
6. A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit.
7. An originial and a photocopy of the Work Permit for Aliens issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry or the original of Foreign Expert's License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.
8. A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit or proof of kinship, e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc, is required for the accompanying family members.

Ⅱ.How to apply
1.You may submit the application to the Visa Office of the Embassy or Consulate -General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside;
2.If you cannot come in person, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to drop off your application at the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside.
▲No appointment is required.
▲Mailed applications are not acceptableand will be refused.
▲Mail back service is available (make sure you read INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION MAIL SERVICE, please click here for more details ).

Ⅲ.Processing Time
1.The regular processing time is 4 working days.　
2.Express service: 2-3 working days processing, $20 will be charged per visa.　
3.Same day rush service: additional fees of $30 for 1 working day processing
(applications presented before 12:30pm may be picked up between 2:30pm-3:00pm on the same day).

Ⅳ.Visa fees
1.Please pay by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash. Personal checks are not acceptable.
2.Please make the check or money order payable to the Chinese Embassy.
3.Fees:$130 for American, and $30 for Citizens of other countries.

Ⅴ.Additional Information
1. If the visa application form is not filled out completely, correctly and legibly, this can cause a delay in processing or refusal of the requested visa.
2. ( Z ) visa is valid for one entry, three months. The holder of a (Z) visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.
3. Visa Officers may require some other relevant documents.
4.Any person suffering from a mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.

All regulations are subject to change without notice.

info from Chinese Embassy in the USA: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/

外教求职北京手续及证件办理程序

“外国专家来华工作许可”办理指南

一、申请条件

外国专家受聘在京工作，应取得“外国专家来华工作许可”。申请“外国专家来华工作许可”的外国专家应遵循中国法律法规，身体健康，无犯罪记录，并符合下列条件之一：

（一）为执行政府间、国际组织间协议、协定和中外经贸合同应聘在京工作的外国籍专业技术或管理人员；
（二）应聘在京从事教育、科研、新闻、出版、文化、艺术、卫生、体育等工作的外籍专业人员；
（三）应聘在京的企业中担任副总经理以上职务，或享受同等待遇的外国籍高级专业技术或管理人员；
（四）经国家外国专家局批准的境外专家组织或人才中介机构常驻中国代表机构的外籍代表；
（五）应聘在京从事经济、技术、工程、贸易、金融、财会、税务、旅游等工作，具有特殊专长、北京紧缺的外国籍专业技术和管理人员。

本条第2、第3款外国专家应具有大学学士以上学位和5年以上相关工作经历（其中语言教师应具有大学学士以上学位和2年以上相关工作经历，一般应具有教师资格证书）。

二、申请材料

1．登录“引进国外智力工作信息服务系统” （http://210.73.77.3/bjpyzb）填写“申请《外国专家来华工作许可证》”一栏中《外国专家来华工作许可证申请表》，打印并导出数据，发电子邮件至wzsq@bjp.gov.cn 。

2. 将下述书面材料邮寄或送至市外专局：

1) 通过系统打印的《外国专家来华工作许可申请表》；
2) 用人单位申请办理“外国专家来华工作许可”的公函（加盖单位公章）；
3) 中外文个人简历；
4) 最高学历证书或专业资格证明材料复印件（须附有中文译本）；
5) 经中国驻外使、领馆认证的外国卫生医疗机构或中国政府指定的卫生检疫部门出具的健康证明书（复印件），或外国专家入境后进行体检的申请（加盖单位公章）；
6) 聘用协议或合同：
7) 护照复印页

北京市外国专家局

地址：东城区台基厂大街三条3号市人事局2号楼203室 100005
电话/传真：65590180
信息来源-北京市外国专家局网站：http://beijing.caiep.org/faq/content.php?id=14887

《外国专家证》办理指南

一、申请条件

（一）为执行政府间、国际组织间协议、协定和中外经贸合同应聘在京工作，具有大学学士以上学位和5年以上相关工作经历的外国籍专业技术人员或管理人员；

（二）应聘在京从事教育、科研、新闻、出版、文化、艺术、卫生、体育等工作，具有大学学士学位以上和5年以上相关工作经历的外籍专业人员（语言教师应具有大学学士学位以上和2年以上相关工作经历，一般应具有教师资格证书）；

（三）应聘在京企业中担任副总经理以上职务，或享受同等待遇的外国籍高级技术或管理人员（具有大学学士以上学位和5年以上相关工作经历）；

（四）应聘在京从事经济、技术、工程、贸易、金融、财会、税务、旅游等工作，具有特殊专长、中国紧缺的外国籍专业技术或管理人员；

（五）经国家外国专家局批准的境外专家组织和人才中介机构常驻京代表机构的外籍代表。

二、申请材料

（一）用人单位为外国专家已申请过《外国专家来华工作许可证》，持工作签证（Z）入境的，

1．登录“引进国外智力工作信息服务系统” （http://210.73.77.3/bjpyzb）填写“申请《外国专家证》”一栏中“已申请《外国专家来华工作许可证》”信息，导出数据，发电子邮件至wzsq@bjp.gov.cn。

2. 将下述书面材料邮寄或送至市外专局：

1) 《外国专家来华工作许可证》复印件;
2) 有效护照和（Z）签证的复印件；
3) 临时住宿登记复印件；
4) 本人/家属2寸正面免冠照片1张。

（二）已持有“外国人居留许可”，申请变更工作单位，且所持工作证件非北京市外专局签发的《外国专家证》；或已持有北京市的《外国人就业证》，继续在同一单位工作，申请《外国专家证》；或申请将“随行家属”类居留许可变更为“任职”或“就业”类居留许可的，

1．登录“引进国外智力工作信息服务系统” （http://210.73.77.3/bjpyzb）填写“申请《外国专家证》”一栏中“已持有外国人居留许可”栏目信息，打印并导出数据，发电子邮件至wzsq@bjp.gov.cn。
2. 将下述书面材料邮寄或送至市外专局:
1) 通过系统打印的《外国专家证》申请表;
2) 用人单位申请办理专家证的公函（加盖单位公章）；
3) 中外文个人简历；
4) 聘用协议或合同；
5) 有效护照和居留许可复印件;
6) 最高学历证书或专业资格证明材料复印件（须有中文译本）；
7) 本人/家属2寸正面免冠照片1张；
8) 原工作单位出具的“外国专家和外籍专业人员推荐信”；
9) 原工作证件原件；

注：继续在同一单位工作的，可不提交第8）项材料；持有“随行家属”类居留许可的，可不提交第8）、9）项材料。

（三）已持有“外国人居留许可”和北京市外专局签发的《外国专家证》，申请变更工作单位的，用人单位将下述书面材料邮寄或送至市外专局:

1) 用人单位申请办理专家证变更的公函（加盖单位公章）；
2) 聘用协议或合同；
3) 原工作单位出具的“外国专家和外籍专业人员推荐信”；
4) 有效护照和居留许可复印件;
5) 《外国专家证》原件。

三、《外国专家证》延期

用人单位将下述材料邮寄或送至市外专局：

1．用人单位申请延期公函；
2．聘用协议或合同；
3．有效护照和居留许可复印件；
4. 《外国专家证》原件。

四、《外国专家证》的注销程序

聘请单位与被聘专家因合同期满或因其他原因解除服务关系的，聘请单位应及时到发证机关予以注销。

北京市外国专家局
地址：东城区台基厂大街三条3号市人事局2号楼203室 100005
电话/传真：65590180
信息来源-北京市外国专家局网站：http://beijing.caiep.org/faq/content.php?id=14888

居留证

外国文教专家、外籍教师应持“Z”字签证入境，入境后于30日内到北京市公安局外管处办理居留证（地址：安定门东大街2号；电话：64047799）。任教一学年以上的办理长期居留证，一学年以下的办理临时居留证，办理临时居留证不需要《健康证明书》。

办理居留证时须提供以下文件及证明材料：

（1）专家证及其复印件
（2）护照
（3）二寸近期正面免冠相片二张
（4）提供北京卫生检疫所出具的《健康证明书》。
（地址：和平里北街20号；电话：64221872；64221873）
（5）居留申请表，并加盖单位公章
以上信息摘自华北电力大学网站：http://web.ncepu.edu.cn/icd/zhuanjia/y5.htm

居留证延期

办理居留证延期、工作单位变更时须提供以下证明材料：
（1） 办理居留证延期时须提供延聘的《专家证》
（2） 填写外国人签证、证件延期申请表，并加盖单位公章
（3） 办理居留证件工作单位项目变更时，须提供原单位结束工作证明和新单位的《专家证》
（4） 填写外国人签证、证件变更申请表，并加盖单位公章。
（5） 护照
以上信息摘自华北电力大学网站：http://web.ncepu.edu.cn/icd/zhuanjia/y6.htm

Requirements for the animal entry into China

GAQSIQ’s requirements for the animal entry into China: one person can only take one animal with the appropriate quarantine certificate from the country of origin; the animal is supposed to get 30-day quarantine period by the Chinese Quarantine authority at the port of entry, if everything is OK, then you can take it to your destination.

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China: (GAQSIQ)

GAQSIQ’s brief info in English may be found at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/.

外国人携带宠物来华申报规定

检疫申报：携带伴侣动物，每人限一只，须持有输出国（或地区）官方兽医检疫机关出具的检疫证书和狂犬病免疫证书向海关申报。

携带出境的，物主应在家庭所在地县以上检疫部门出具动物健康证书及狂犬病疫苗接种证书到离境口岸报检，每人限一只。

检疫程序：口岸检疫机构对伴侣动物在指定场所进行为期30天的隔离检疫。

以上信息来源：http://www.hhxue.com/cj/CaiJing/baojian/fudao/200608/42956.html

GAQSIQ’s requirements for the animal entry into China: one person can only take one animal with the appropriate quarantine certificate from the country of origin; the animal is supposed to get 30-day quarantine period by the Chinese Quarantine authority at the port of entry, if everything is OK, then you can take it to your destination.

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China: (GAQSIQ)

GAQSIQ’s brief info in English may be found at http://www.aqsiq.gov.cn/.

中国签证简介及申办程序

中国签证是中国签证机关发给外国公民入、出或过境中国的许可证明。中国签证机关根据外国人的身份、来华目的，并参照护照种类，分别发给外交签证、礼遇签证、公务签证或普通签证。以下着重介绍普通签证的有关情况以及申办普通签证的程序。
　　普通签证分为八个类别，分别用八个汉语拼音字母（D、Z、X、F、L、G、C、J-1、J-2）作代码。
　　D字签证：发给来中国定居的人员。申请D字签证，须持有定居身份确认表。定居身份确认表由申请人或者委托其在中国的亲属向申请定居地的市、县公安局出入境管理部门申请领取。
　　Z字签证：发给来中国任职或就业的人员及其随行家属。申请Z字签证，须提供《中华人民共和国外国人就业许可证书》（学校类就业许可证书由中国聘雇单位向各省、市外事部门和/或外国专家局申请办理，非学校类就业许可证书由中国聘雇单位向各省、市劳动部门申请办理，）和被授权单位的签证通知函电。 外教来华任教须申请此类签证。
　　X字签证：发给来中国留学、进修、实习六个月以上的人员。申请X字签证，须有接受单位或者主管部门的证明，即《外国留学人员来华申请表》（JW201表或JW202表）、《录取通知书》和《外国人体格检查记录》。
　　F字签证：发给应邀来中国访问、考察、讲学、经商、进行科技文化交流及短期进修、实习等活动不超过六个月的人员。申请F字签证，须提供中国邀请单位的邀请信或被授权单位的签证通知函电。
　　L字签证：发给来中国旅游、探亲或因其他私人事务入境的人员。申请L字签证，来华旅游的，原则上须提供有足够来华旅费的证明，必要时须提供离开中国后前往国家（地区）的飞机票、车票或者船票；来华探亲的，有些须有国内亲属的邀请信。
　　G字签证：发给经中国过境的人员。申请G字签证，须持有前往国家（地区）的有效签证和联程客票；
　　C字签证：发给执行乘务、航空、航运任务的国际列车乘务员，国际航空器机组人员及国际航行船舶的海员及其随行家属。申请C字签证，按双方协议或中方规定提供有关证明。
　　J-1字签证：发给来中国常驻的外国记者。
　　J-2字签证：发给临时来中国采访的外国记者。申请J-1、J-2字签证，须有国内主管部门的证明。
　　申请上述各类签证除提供上述有关申请文件外，还须回答被询问的有关情况并履行下列手续（协议另有规定者除外）：
　　提供有效护照或者能够代替护照的证件；
　　填写签证申请表一份，交本人近期二寸正面免冠半身照片一张；
　　交纳签证费。 　　 　　
中国的签证机关，在境外是中国驻外国大使馆、总领事馆、签证办事处、驻香港特派员公署领事部或外交部授权的其他驻外机构。外国人入境或过境中国，应向中国的上述签证机关申请办理签证。有关申请签证的具体手续可就近向中国签证机关咨询。