How to Get Your 5-Year Free Chinese YES Visa in 3-6 Days

Visit China Visa Center is proud to be the first agency to assist students in applying for the new China YES Program visa. We remain committed to providing high-quality, affordable services for more students heading to China for their studies.

In November 2023, during a landmark event in San Francisco, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a significant new initiative aimed at fostering deeper cultural ties. The initiative invites 50,000 young Americans to participate in exchange and study programs in China over the next five years. Designed to broaden horizons and foster global understanding, this initiative creates an enriching environment for young people to explore the world. In support of this vision, the ‘Young Envoys Scholarship’ (YES) program was established to provide critical support and opportunities for participants. (YES) Program led by China Educational Association for International Exchange (CEAIE). To support the initiative and YES program, the Chinese Embassy and the Consulates-General in the US will issue five-year F visa with multiple entries to applicants with exclusive YES Invitations issued by CEAIE are eligible. At the same time, visa processing fees (including express service fees) will be waived. U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a 5-year multiple-entry Chinese YES visa , allowing a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.

Important note:

New China Visa Application System officially launched by the China Embassy in the United States on September 30, 2025. Applicants could enjoy more convenience using the system to fill out forms, upload materials for online pre-review and track the status of application.

To help applicants adapt to the new system, we are offering a Limited-Time All-Inclusive Service for $155 (regularly $195).  Consulate visa fee will be waived for YES visa. This service is available to applicants in all U.S. states and is ideal if you:

• Don’t have time to handle the process yourself

• Prefer to avoid complicated paperwork

• Need your visa urgently

All you need to do is fill out this short form: China visa Short Form, and then mail us your passport. That’s it—everything else is taken care of for you.

China YES Visa Requirements and Document Checklist

A. Standard Application Documents for China visa

1. Original Passport

Provide your original U.S. passport, which must:

• Have at least six months of remaining validity.

• Be in good condition, with no torn, frayed, detached, or otherwise damaged pages.

Note for U.S. passport holders: If your passport has less than one year of remaining validity, a 10-year multiple-entry visa may not be issued. A shorter-validity visa may be issued instead.

2. Passport Biographical Page

Upload a clear copy of your passport’s biographical page showing:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Place of birth

• Passport number

• Photograph

• Passport expiration date

The entire page must be visible and legible. Avoid glare, reflections, shadows, or cropping that obscures any information.

3. Two Blank page of Passport

• Visa” Pages Only: The pages must explicitly say “VISAS” at the top
• No Amendment Pages: The “Amendments” or “Endorsements” pages at the very back of your passport do not count and cannot be used for visa placement.

4. Digital Visa Photo

Provide a recent digital photo taken within the last six months. You may take the photo with a smartphone, provided it meets the applicable visa photo requirements.

Position and Expression

• Face the camera directly, with your head centered.

• Include your full head and shoulders.

• Maintain a neutral expression, with your eyes open and mouth closed.

• Keep your forehead and facial features clearly visible.

• Keep hair away from your face and tucked behind your ears.

Background, Lighting, and Clothing

• Use a plain white background.

• Ensure even lighting across your face.

• Avoid shadows on your face or the background, as well as strong backlighting.

• Do not wear a white shirt, as it may blend into the background.

Accessories

For the photo submitted to our service:

• Remove eyeglasses.

• Remove earrings, necklaces, and facial piercings.

• Do not wear hats, headbands, or hoods. Religious headwear may be permitted, provided your face remains fully visible.

Our all-inclusive service includes complimentary photo editing. If you need assistance, upload your original photo and we will help prepare it for submission.

5. Proof of U.S. Residence

You may be asked to provide documentation showing your name and current U.S. residential address, such as:

• Driver’s license

• Utility bill

• Bank statement

• Other acceptable proof of residence

6. Invitation Letters

China YES program invitation letter

B. Additional Documents for China visa Based on Your Circumstances

Not every applicant needs the documents below. Review the sections that apply to you.

1. Previous Chinese Visa and Previous passport’s biographical page

If you have previously received a Chinese visa, upload a clear copy of your most recent Chinese visa.

If that visa was issued in a previous passport, also upload a copy of that passport’s biographical page.

2. Lost Previous Passport or Chinese Visa

If the passport containing your previous Chinese visa has been lost, additional documentation or a written explanation may be required.

Contact us at 202-202-2888 for a lost China visa statement template and instructions.

3. Non-U.S. Citizens: Proof of Legal Stay in the United States

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are applying in the United States, you may need to provide evidence of your lawful immigration status, such as:

• U.S. Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card

• Valid U.S. visa

• Form I-20

• Form I-94

• Other applicable immigration documents

The required documents depend on your immigration status.

4. Former Chinese Citizens Applying for Their First Chinese Visa

If you previously held Chinese nationality and are applying for your first Chinese visa after acquiring U.S. citizenship, you may need to provide:

• Your most recent original Chinese passport, mailed to our office

• A copy of that Chinese passport’s biographical page

• A copy of your U.S. Certificate of Naturalization

5. U.S.-Born Applicants of Chinese Heritage

If you were born in the United States, have Chinese heritage, and are applying for your first Chinese visa, you may need to provide:

• A copy of your birth certificate

• Copies of both parents’ passport biographical pages

• Copies of your parents’ Green Cards or naturalization certificates, depending on their immigration status at the time of your birth

Contact our visa specialists for assistance in determining which documents apply to your circumstances.

6. Additional Requirements for Applicants Under 18

For applicants under 18, provide:

• A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate

• Copies of both parents’ passport biographical pages

Additional documents may be requested based on the applicant’s circumstances.

7. Additional Requirements for Applicants Legal Name Changes

If your name has legally changed since your previous passport or Chinese visa was issued, provide official documentation supporting the change, such as:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree documenting the name change

• Court-issued name change order

8. U.S. Citizens Born in Asian Countries

U.S. citizens born in Asian countries may be required to provide a copy of their U.S. Certificate of Naturalization.

9. Additional Requirements for Government Employees

If you work for a government organization, Some applicants may be asked to provide:

• An employer letter

• A personal statement

The documents should accurately describe your employment and address any information requested for your application.

10. Additional Requirements for Applicants with Previous Military Service

If you previously served in the military, a military service statement may be required.

Contact us for a statement template and instructions.

11. Recent Travel to Certain Countries

If you have traveled to certain countries within the previous 12 months, you may be asked to complete a travel history form:

These countries include, but are not limited to, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.

Contact us for the appropriate template and instructions before submitting your application.

12. Additional Requirements for U.S. Citizens Born in Certain Countries

U.S. citizens born in a certain countries may be asked to complete a travel history form.

These countries include, but are not limited to, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.

13. Additional Requirements for NGO or NPO Employees

If you work for a nongovernmental organization (NGO) or nonprofit organization (NPO), you may be asked to provide:

• An employer letter

• A personal statement

Additional documentation may be requested based on your application.

14. Additional Requirements for Media & Religious Workers

If you work in the media or religious sectors, the Chinese Consulate requires extra documentation. This applies even if you are traveling for tourism or personal reasons and are not on official business. You must submit the following two documents:

• Personal Statement: A signed letter written by you stating the purpose of your trip.
• Employer Letter: An official letter from your employer on company letterhead.

Both documents must explicitly state:

1. You are traveling for personal reasons (not on company business).
2. You will not perform any media, journalistic, or religious-related work during your stay.

All statements must accurately reflect your intended activities. Additional documentation may be requested.

15. Applicants with a Criminal History

If you have a criminal history, additional review may be required. This may include:

• An in-person interview at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate

• Fingerprints or other biometric information

• Additional documentation or a longer processing time

Contact our visa specialists before submitting your application for guidance on the documentation that may be requested.

16. China-Born Applicants of Tibetan or Uyghur Ethnicity

Applicants born in China who are of Tibetan or Uyghur ethnicity may be asked to attend an in-person interview before a final decision is made.

Contact our visa specialists before submission to confirm any case-specific requirements.

How to Get Your 10-Year Chinese Visa Quick and Easily with Visit China Visa Center

Step 1: Place Your Order And Complete China visa  Short Form

Place your order online and complete China visa short form. You do not need to manage the full application alone. Start your China visa order or complete the China visa Short form. Our service includes:

• COVA form-filling
• Document review
• Free consultation
• Free Chinese visa photo assistance
• Free Printing assistance
• China Consulate office submission
• Passport pickup
• Secure return shipping
• Processing status guidance

Step 2: Mail Your Passport And Documents

After ordering, You will  be guide to send your passports and supporting documents to the address provided by Visit China Visa Center. Note： Use trackable shipping. Your passport is required for the final visa issuance. From this step on, you don’t need to take any further action; just sit back and wait for your passport with the China visa to be mailed back to you

Step 3: We Submits The Passport In China consulate office

After receive your passport, We takes the required materials to the China consulate office. We generally submits:

• Original passport
• Printed COVA application information page
• Required supporting documents
• Any original documents requested by the Consulate

The China Consulate office decides whether to approve the visa and determines the final validity, entries, and duration of stay.

Step 4: We Pick Up And Return Your Passport

After consular processed, We picks up your passport , then same day we send it out to your address with trackable shipping. For expedite service, Total target: 3-6 business days start when we received your passport Some applications take longer because of holidays, missing documents, interviews, additional security review, or Consulate requests.

Documents For A 10-Year M Business Visa

Applicant should prepare:

• Valid passport
• Two blank visa pages
• Passport information page
• Proof of  residence
• Recent photo
• YES Program invitation letter
• Previous China visa copies, if applicable

Why Use An All-Inclusive Service?

Applying Chinese visa in US can be difficult when you live in no China consulate city. You must complete the online application correctly, wait for pre-review, travel to China consulate office city, and collect the passport after processing. Visit China Visa Center provides:

• All-inclusive service
• All visa types
• Regular Service fee  $155 only
• Fast 5-8 business day processing target
• No hidden fees
• Form-filling assistance
• Free consultation
• Free Photo assistance
• Free Document review
• Consulate office submission and pickup
• Secure return shipping
• 100% refund guarantee if the visa is not granted

You remain responsible for providing true, complete information and valid documents. We cannot control a consular decision, request for interview, holiday closure, or additional security review.

Important Notes For US Applicants

1. Do not mail your application directly to the China Consulate office. It does not accept direct mailed-in applications.
2. The 3-6 day timeline starts after we receive complete documents and your passport. Shipping delays or missing information can extend processing.
3. A 10-year visa is not guaranteed. U.S. citizens may request it, but the Consulate makes the final decision.
4. Check passport validity before ordering. A passport with limited remaining validity less than 1 year may not qualify for a 10-year visa.
5. Use the correct visa category. L is for tourism. M is for business. Q2 is for Family Visit.
6. Notify us about special circumstances, including prior Chinese nationality, military service, government employment, nonprofit employment, criminal records, or travel to certain countries.
7. Review the latest official requirements from the China embassy before submitting.

Have Questions :

For questions, call 202-202-2888 or email service@visitchinavisa.com.

FAQ

• Q: What is the processing time for a China YES Visa?
  • A: We offer two tiers of service: Regular Service typically takes 7–10 business days, while our Expedited Service accelerates the process to 3–6 business days after all correct documents are received.
• Q: Do I need a physical hotel booking and flight itinerary to apply?
  • A: No, 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 for their Chinese visa application, However, if you request 3 days express service, some consulates may still require a flight reservation to China in 10 days.
• Q: How long can I stay in China on an YES Visa?
  • A:  For US Citizens, typically you will get 5 year multiple visa, allow stays of 90 days per entry.
• Q: Do I need to mail my physical passport to you?
  • A: Yes, For most jurisdictions, the Chinese consulate requires the physical passport to stamp the visa. 

Important Disclaimer

Visit China Visa Center is a private visa application assistance and courier service. We are not a government agency, law firm, or representative of the Chinese government. Processing times, visa requirements, fees, and eligibility rules are subject to change and remain under the control of the Chinese embassy or consulate. All visa decisions are made solely by the appropriate Chinese embassy or consulate. Our service fees are separate from official government visa fees. For the latest official requirements, applicants should always refer to the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for their jurisdiction.