Asian American Guide to Applying for a Chinese Visa 2025

According to Chinese nationality law, Any person born abroad whose parents are both Chinese nationals or one of whose parents is a Chinese national shall have Chinese nationality. But a person whose parents are both Chinese nationals and have both settled abroad, or one of whose parents is a Chinese national and has settled abroad, and who has acquired foreign nationality at birth shall not have Chinese nationality.

For many Asian Americans, China might be where their ancestors came from, or a place deeply connected to them through culture, family, or business. These countries including but not limited: Vietnam，South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia，Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Timor-Leste, Nepal, Bhutan.

Therefore for first-time Asian applicants applying for a Chinese visa, a nationality assessment is required to determine whether the applicant qualifies as a Chinese citizen under China’s Nationality Law. If the applicant is confirmed to be a Chinese national, no visa is required.

This comprehensive guide explains the steps, required documents, and important considerations for Asian Americans applying for a Chinese visa, helping you navigate the process smoothly and start your journey to China.

Tourist Visa (L)
As of January 1, 2024, US-based applicants for a Chinese tourist visa (L) are no longer required to provide round-trip tickets, hotel reservations, itineraries, or invitation letters.

Business Visa (M)
For business-related visits, applicants must provide an invitation letter from a Chinese partner. The invitation must include: personal info, purpose of visit, dates, duration, and address of stay in China.

Family Visit Visas (Q1, Q2, S1, S2)

• Q1/S1: For reunions (>180 days) with Chinese nationals or permanent residents. Requires an invitation letter, copies of the inviter’s Chinese ID or residence permit, and original and copies of relationship proof (marriage/birth certificates). Q1/S1 are single-entry valid for 90 days; after arrival China, you must convert to a residence permit within 30 days.
• Q2/S2: For short family visits (≤180 days). Invitation letter and inviter’s ID are needed; relationship proof is typically not required for Q2/S2.

Exchange Visa (F) -Non-Business Visa
For official visits, Exchanges, Conference or Academy visit , an invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual in China is required. The letter should include detailed personal and visit information.

Work Visa (Z)
To work in China, applicants need to provide a valid Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit.

Student Visa (X1/X2)

• X1: For long-term study (>180 days); requires a JW201/JW202 form (university document) and admission notice.
• X2: For short-term study (≤180 days); requires admission notice and DQ application form.

General documents:

1. Original passport (valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank “visa” pages)
2. Copy of passport info page
3. Online COVA Visa Application Form, printed and signed (fill at https://cova.mfa.gov.cn), You can refer to Step- by- step COVA filling guidance.
4. Proof of US address (driver’s license or utility bill or bank statement)
5. Where You Stay Form: Download, fill out, and sign this form by hand.
6. Copy of Birth Certification or Naturalization Certification(Some applicants may be required to submit copies of their parents’ passport information pages. )

Invitation Letter Requirements (by visa type):

• Tourist visa (L): No invitation required
• Family visit visa (Q1/Q2/S1/S2): Invitation letter and inviter’s ID
• Business visa (M)/ Study visa(X1/X2)/ Work visa (Z)/ Exchange visa(F): Invitation letter from Chinese organization or company

Additional documents (as needed):

• If you had Chinese visa, provide Copy of Previous Chinese visas and Copy of old passport if issued on prior document
• Proof of legal stay in the US for foreign nationals (Copy of green card, visa, I-20, etc.)
• Employer letter for US government/non-profit workers
• Military service statement for former military personnel
• Travel history for applicants born in/visited specific countries (Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Syria) in the past 12 months

Note: As of October 23, 2023, appointments are not required for Chinese visa applications in the U.S.

• Complete Online Application
  Fill out the COVA form at https://cova.mfa.gov.cn. Ensure all details (name, sex, nationality, passport number, etc.) match your passport. Once submitted, no edits are allowed; inaccuracies may result in rejection and require a new application.
• Submit Application Documents
  Submit the hard copies in person at the Visa Office; applications by mail are not accepted. If you cannot apply in person, you may authorize a trusted agency or expediting service such as Visit China Visa Center to handle your application.
• Processing Time: Regular service: 4 working days; Express service: 3 working days (extra fee; only for urgent needs).
  Note: Processing times are average estimates. Some applications may require additional time. The pick-up date may not be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.
• Collect Your Visa
  Bring your pickup slip to receive your visa in person, or via a representative. Carefully check all details (name, validity, number of entries, duration) when collecting, If you spot any errors, notify the staff immediately to avoid future inconvenience.
• Pay Application Fee
  Visa fees for US citizens:v$140 for regular visas. Accepted payment methods: MasterCard, Visa, money order, or cashier’s check

Jurisdiction Rules
Apply to the consulate or embassy responsible for your US state of residence. Applications outside your jurisdiction will be rejected. Please refer to latest jurisdiction adjustment.

Document Authenticity
Ensure all documents submitted are real and complete. False materials may lead to refusal and negatively affect any future visa applications.

COVA Form Accuracy
Attention to detail is critical—check all information before submission. The COVA form cannot be modified after it is submitted.

Special Cases
Applicants facing special circumstances (lost old passports/visas, name changes, US-born children of Chinese descent) must provide relevant additional documentation as required by consular guidance.

Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
After receiving your visa, note the entry validity and the permitted length of stay.

By following these steps and preparing all documentation carefully, Asian Americans can successfully apply for and receive a Chinese visa, paving the way for smooth travels to China.

If you are unable to apply in person, Or Time is limited, or prefer to avoid paperwork, you may use a trusted agency or expediting service like Visit China Visa Center. Once your documents are received, your visa will typically be issued within 3–5 business days.

Why Choose Visit China Visa Center

1. Convenient, Nationwide Access
   No matter where you are in the U.S., you can mail your documents to us. We handle the legwork with the Chinese consulates so you don’t have to travel.
2. Fast, Reliable Service
   Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or family visits, we offer standard and expedited processing options to meet your timeline — often as fast as 3–5 business days after receiving your documents.
3. Expert Application Review
   Our experienced team thoroughly reviews your documents to prevent errors and avoid unnecessary delays, increasing your chance of quick approval.
4. Save Money
   We provide unbeatable prices coupled with speedy, top-tier service. f you reside in a state without a Chinese embassy or consulate, applying on your own would incur round-trip airfare and at least three nights of accommodation expenses.
5. Trusted by Thousands
   Our satisfied clients consistently refer us to friends and family. We’re proud to maintain a strong reputation through quality service and genuine care.
6. Safe and Secure Shipping
   Your passport and visa are returned to you quickly and securely, with tracking and assurance throughout the process.

Visit China Visa Center strive to make your China visa application process as smooth, secure, and stress-free as possible. Entrust your visa needs to us and experience true peace of mind. If you have any questions about Chinese visas, please feel free to contact us at 202-202-2888 or service@visitchinavisa.com.