Work 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.

If you hold dual citizenship, the consulate requires that you apply in person. China Visa Service Center can pick the completed visa for you with the original receipt issued at the time you apply in person. Please note that the personal appearance requirement for those who hold dual citizenship is waived for applicants who are 70 years of age and older.

All applicants who are required to appear in person at the consulate must take an additional photo with them to the interview and/or fingerprinting. The photo must meet the photograph requirements listed below and must be the same photo as the one attached with the visa application form.    

Passport

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

• 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)

You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://www.mychinavisa.com/photo-service to upload your photo.

 

Alternatively, you may provide one color, passport-type photograph that meets the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against an all-white background and printed on high-quality photo paper; be two inches by two inches; provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may not wear eyeglasses or headwear except for religious purposes. Your photo should not be affixed to your application and the photograph may not display evidence of adhesive tape or staples.

Supporting Documents

You must provide one of the following documents:

• Foreign Employment Permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in China
• Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries issued by the Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration
• Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts
• An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs

Note: If your intended work or performance period is 90 days or less, you need to provide an Approval for Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in China, which must be obtained before the commencing work/performance date indicated on the approval. Also, you will be allowed to work or perform only within the period of time indicated in the approval.

China Visa Service Center Order Form

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

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.

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.

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
  

Chinese Labor Ministry Documentation

You must provide a "Work Permit for Aliens" issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry or a "Foregin Experts License" issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.

Previous China Visa

Travelers who have previously held a visa for China must submit the passport containing that visa along with the traveler’s current passport.  If the traveler no longer possesses the passport containing the previous visa, then the traveler’s employer must provide a letter attesting that the traveler is employed in the United States and no longer possess the passport.  This letter must be written on company letterhead.

Academic Credentials of Teachers

If you are applying for a work visa for China with the purpose of teaching, you must provide the following documents:

• A copy of your resume
• Your original diploma

Previous Travel to Turkey

If you have traveled to Turkey, then you must include a detailed statement about your travel. The letter must:

• Include dates of entry and exit from Turkey
• Specify purpose of travel for each visit
• Be signed and dated

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.

Applicants with Different Former Nationality and/or Dual Citizens

Applicants with a "former nationality" that differs from their current nationality, on page 1 of the visa form, must complete section 1.6 on page 4 of the visa application form to declare the following:

• Indicate whether or not they are currently holding dual citizenship U.S. and former nationality listed.

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.

"Where You Stay" Form

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

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.

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.
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