Crew Visa

Personal Appearance May Be Required

The Consulate of China may request that applicants come in person to the consulate for an interview and/or fingerprinting. This is a random process and we will not know if you have been selected to appear in person by the consulate until they notify us when we return on the scheduled date they provide to check the status of your visa. We will notify you if the consulate is requesting that you appear in person in support of your visa, as soon as we are made aware.

Also, please note that travelers submitting their visa applications in Chicago must appear in person if they are media professionals, have religious affiliations, or have a criminal record.

Passport

You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. Your passport must:

• Must be valid for 66-120 months if requesting a 5 year visa. Passports with less than 66 months validity will get a shorter duration visa as set by the Consulate

All visa validity is granted at the Consulate's discretion. 5 year validity is not guaranteed.

• Be valid for the next six months

• 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

If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact China Visa Service Center at 1-800-799-6560 for further details.

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. Follow https://www.mychinavisa.com/photo-service to upload your photo.

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.

• Must not be taken in uniform
• Must be taken with a neutral expression, no smiling

• 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.

Business Cover Letter

A Business Cover Letter issued by China Visa Service Center is included in this kit.You are required to provide a Business Cover Letter from your U.S.-based company. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a U.S. mailing address. Use the included sample Business Cover Letter to complete your letter.A Business Introduction Letter issued by American Airlines DFW is included in this kit.

China Visa Service Center Order Form

You must provide one completed China Visa Service Center Order Form.

Provide the China Visa Service Center Order Form included in this kit.

Previous China Visa

If you have a valid China visa in an expired passport you must submit the original expired passport containing the visa, along with your current passport. If you had a previous China visa, but no longer have the passport in your possession, you must include a statement letter addressed to the Consulate to explain.

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

China Visa Service Center provides a guide to assist you in completing the application. To access the guide follow this link: https://www.mychinavisa.com/forms?formname=China Application Guide.pdf or type the address into your browser.

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
  

Copy of Front and Back of Airline Crew Identification

You must provide a copy of the front and back of your airline crew identification badge.

Government Employees

If you are a government employee, you must submit a job description letter from your employer with your visa application. For example, if you work for a local fire or police department, then you must submit a letter from the fire or police department. All letters must display your full name and be written on an official letterhead for the specific department or agency that you work for.

Travelers Working Out of State

If your work and residential addresses are located in different states, then you must provide a copy of your current driver’s license with your visa application.

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.

Additional Processing Time

Travelers with a military background who have traveled to Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan will have an extended processing time.

Dual Citizens

Applicants with dual nationality must provide your other nationality passport. If you cannot provide your other passport, please provide a signed and dated Statement letter explaining why you cannot provide the physical passport.

"Where You Stay" Form

You must provide a completed and signed "Where You Stay" form included in this kit.

Urgent Applications

If you have an urgent visa application that carries a tight deadline, China Visa Service Center can help you to save valuable time and avoid expensive delays. A China Visa Service Center expert will review all of your documents to certify your application is accurate, complete and ready for submission. We will contact you personally to quickly handle any mistakes ensuring your application is submitted correctly. Visit https://www.mychinavisa.com/visa-pre-check-service to learn more about this service.

First-Time Applicants

If you are a first-time applicant who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, please provide a copy of your naturalization certificate.

Travelers Who Have Undergone A Name Change

You must provide a copy of the legal document which shows proof of your name change.
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