Planning a trip to China from Seattle, Washington state in 2025? While Seattle itself doesn’t host a Chinese consulate, but getting your visa doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a detailed, up-to-date guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Why You Can’t Apply Locally in Seattle
Seattle doesn’t have a Chinese embassy or consulate. Instead, visa applications for residents of Washington state must be submitted to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco, That means completing the process from Seattle involves either traveling to San Francisco or using a trusted courier service like Visit China Visa Center to submit your documentation on your behalf.
The same situation for residents in Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, or Alaska, you will apply for your China visa through the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco.
This step-by-step guide explains the 6 easy steps U.S. citizens in the Seattle area can follow to successfully apply for a China visa in 2025.
1, Determine Your Jurisdiction
Note: When filling out the COVA application form, you must select the correct embassy or consulate. If you make the wrong choice, the system will not allow changes—you will need to restart and complete a new form.
| Embassy/Consulate | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Embassy of China in the United States (Washington, D.C.) | District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Delaware |
| Embassy of China Also covers the former Houston Consulate jurisdiction) | Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Puerto Rico |
| Consulate-General of China in New York | Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island |
| Consulate-General of China in San Francisco | Northern California, Alaska, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming |
| Consulate-General of China in Los Angeles | Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, Pacific Islands |
| Consulate-General of China in Chicago | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota |
2, Select Visa types for US Citizens:
1. L Visa – China Tourist Visa
- Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends.
- Validity: 10 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year
- Duration of stay: 90 days per entry.
2. M Visa – China Business Visa
- Purpose: Commercial and trade activities.
- Validity: 10 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year
- Duration of stay: 90 days per entry.
3. Q /S Visa – China Family Reunion Visa
- Purpose: Visiting family relatives who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
- Q1/S1: Long-term family stay (Stay more than 180 days, single entry visa, valid 30 days upon entry, then residence permit required).
- Q2/S2: Short visits (stay less than 180 days, 10 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year).
4. F Visa – China Non business visa
- Purpose: Exchanges, visits, and study tours
- Validity: 6 months
- Duration of stay: 30-90 days per entry.
5. YES Visa – China YES program visa
- Purpose: Exchanges, visits, and study tours for young Americans
- Validity: 5 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year
- Duration of stay: 90 days per entry.
6. Z Visa – China Work Visa
- Purpose: Employment in China.
- Validity: Single-entry, valid for 3 months.
- Duration of stay: 30 days upon entry, then must apply for a work-based residence permit.
7. X Visa – China Student Visa
- X1: Long-term study (>180 days). Requires residence permit after entry.
- X2: Short-term study (≤180 days). Duration granted based on admission letter.
7. Other China Visa Types
- R Visa: China high end talent visa
- G Visa: Transit visa (short stay).
- C Visa: Crew members (aviation, shipping, international transport).
- J Visa: Journalists (short-term or long-term).
- K Visa (new): Foreign youth talents in science & technology.
3, Complete the China Online Application Form (COVA)
- Follow our step-by-step guide to fill out the China Visa Application Form (COVA) online.
- After completing the form, Download and print the full set of COVA forms (8–9 pages) and sign both the Confirmation Page and Section 9.1 on page 7.
- Applications that do not prepare correctly will not be accepted.
Important: Online submission does not complete your application—you must physically submit passport and printed documents to Chinese Consulate or hire agencies like Visit China Visa Center to to handle your application.
Note: If you use the services of Visit China Visa Center, you can enjoy expedited processing with visa approval in 3-5 business days from this step/.
4, Prepare Your Required Documents
Required documents may vary depending on your visa type. Refer to our visa guide for the latest document checklist for your specific visa category.
Important Note:
As of January 1, 2024, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States have simplified required documents for China visa applications. U.S.-based applicants no longer need to submit round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, and itineraries; An invitation letter is also not required for a tourist visa .
However, if you opt for express service, some consulates may still require a flight reservation to China within one week.
Basic documents required for most applicants:
- Valid Passport: At least 6 months’ validity with at least two blank “visa” pages.
- Note: For U.S. passport holders, if the passport’s validity is less than one year, the consulate will not issue a 10-year multiple-entry visa. In most cases, a 6-month double-entry visa will be issued instead.
- Copy of Passport Information Page
- Proof of U.S. Residency: (e.g., photocopy of a driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement). For minors, provide one parent’s proof of residence.
- Where You Stay Form: Download, fill out, and sign this form by hand.
- COVA: Signed China online visa application form .
Note: till now, If you are applying for a tourist visa, like most applicants, your China visa documents are already ready for submit, unless you meet the conditions below that require additional documents:
Invitation letter by visa type:
- Tourist Visa (L): No invitation letter required.
- Family Visit (Q1/Q2/S1/S2): Invitation letter and a copy of the inviter’s ID required. For Q1 and S1, original documents are also needed; please consult our visa experts for details.
- Business/Study/Work/Exchange/High-Talent Visas (M/F/Z/X/R): Invitation letter from the Chinese company/institution is required.
Supplementary documents (as applicable):
- Previous Chinese visas: If available, provide a photocopy. If on a previous passport, include a copy of that passport. If lost, contact us for a template and provide a visa loss statement.
- Evidence of legal stay in the U.S.: Foreign nationals may provide a photocopy of a green card or visa or I-20 or I-94.
- For applicants formerly of Chinese nationality: If this is your first Chinese visa after naturalization, provide two copies of the Chinese passport bio page, a copy of your naturalization certificate, and the last physical Chinese passport.
- Government or non-profit employees: Provide an employer letter.
- Former military service: Please contact us for a template and submit a military service statement.
- Recent travel to specific countries: If you have visited Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia or Syria in the past 12 months, contact us for a template and provide a travel history record.
- U.S. citizens born in specific countries: (Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia or Syria) must provide a travel history record. An in-person interview may be required.
- NGO or NPO employees: Submit both an employer letter and a personal statement.
5, Submit Your Application
Note: As of October 23, 2023, appointments are not required for Chinese visa applications in the U.S.
- Complete your application online and prepare all required 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.
San Francisco Consular Visa Office Address:
1450 Laguna Street (Entrance on Geary Blvd),
San Francisco, CA 94115
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday (except holidays): 9:30am—2:30pm
Processing Time
- Regular Service: 4 working days
- Express Service: 3 working days (for urgent situations)
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.
6, Pay the Visa Fee and Collect Your Visa
- Return to the Visa Office on your assigned pick-up date with your pick-up receipt.
- Upon receiving your visa, verify that all information is correct. If you spot any errors, notify the staff immediately to avoid future inconvenience.
- Accepted payment methods: MasterCard, Visa, money order, or cashier’s check.
Conclusion
Although applying for a China visa in Seattle may seem complicated, careful preparation and accurate online submission will ensure a smooth process. For Washington applicants, 3-5 days efficient services of Visit China Visa Center offer great convenience. If you want peace of mind, professional review, and fast turnaround (3–5 business days), consider letting us handle the process.
China Visa in Seattle FAQs
Q:Do i need submit a paper photo?
A: No, as long as you successfully upload a digital photo when filling out the COVA application form, a paper photo is not required.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Not for applications in the US. Starting from October 23, 2023, appointments are no longer needed for in-person Chinese visa applications in the U.S. You can simply walk in.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Standard processing: 4 business days. Expedited service (2–3 business days) available at additional cost.
Q: What is the visa fee for U.S. citizens?
A: Fees vary by nationality and type. For U.S. citizens, China visa fee costs $140.
Q: Can I get a 10-year visa?
A: Under the U.S.–China agreement, most Q2 (family), L (tourist), M (business), and R (talent) visas for U.S. citizens are issued for 10 years multiple-entry, each stay 90–180 days. Final approval is at the discretion of the consulate officer.
Q: Do I need an agency?
A: You can apply on your own. However, if you’re busy or unfamiliar with the process, a professional service like Visit China Visa Center can save time and avoid costly mistakes.
To See Why Other Applicants Choose Visit China Visa Center:
- Full Refund Guarantee – If your visa is not approved, you pay nothing.
- Nationwide Service – Serve you anywhere in the U.S.
- Fast Turnaround – As quick as 3–5 business days.
- Professional Review – Avoid mistakes and delays.
- Step-by-Step Guidance – Clear instructions and support.
- Trusted by Thousands – Excellent customer reviews.
- Secure Shipping – Trackable passport with Visa return.
📞 Call: 202-202-2888
📧 Email: service@visitchinavisa.com
✨ Wishing you a smooth visa application and a wonderful trip to China!