For Indians nations, whether you are working, studying, or doing business in the United States, if you wish to travel to China for business or tourism, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa.
1. Confirm Your Jurisdiction
Please refer to our latest consular jurisdiction adjustment guide.
2. Complete the China Online Online Application(COVA)
Please refer to our step-by-step guide on how to fill out the China Visa Application Form to complete your application.
After completing the COVA forms as required, please make sure to single side paper print the full set of COVA forms (8-9 pages) and sign on the Confirmation Page and 9.1 section on the 7th page. If the COVA forms are not prepared as guided, the application will not be accepted.
3, Prepare Your Required Documents
Here are the documents generally required. Different applicants may need different documents. You can check our visa section to see the latest document checklist for the type of visa you are applying for.
Please note : Starting from January 1, 2024, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States have simplify application documents required for China visa. all visa applicants within the US will no longer be required to submit round-trip air tickets , proof of hotel reservation, itinerary, for tourist visa, there is no invitation letter required. However, if you plan to choose expedited service, some consulates still require a flight reservation to China within one week.·
A, Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages marked “visa.”
Note: For Indian passport holders applying for a Chinese visa in the United States, you will typically receive a visa that is valid for 6 months and allows two entries.
B, One copy of passport information page
C, Legal stay in US: Please provide a photocopy of green card, visa, I20, or I94 to prove their legal stay in the US.
D, Proof of U.S. Residency: photocopy of the applicant’s driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement，If the applicant is a minor, please provide a copy of one parent’s proof of residence.
E, Where You Stay form: Download and fill out this form (handwritten signature required).
4, Additional Supporting Documents:
(1), Invitation letter(if apply business visa) : Copy of business invitation letter.
(2), If you have traveled to certain countries, such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia, Turkey, or Syria within the past 12 months, please contact us to request a template and provide a travel history record.
5. Submit Your Application In Person
Note: Starting from October 23, 2023, appointments are no longer required for Chinese visa applications in the United States. Applicants may go to the visa section of the corresponding Embassy or Consulate-General to submit the hard copies of visa application documents.
You can submit your application in person at the embassy or consulate. If it’s not convenient for you to go in person, you can also authorize a trusted agency or expediting service like VisitChinaVisa.com to handle the entire process on your behalf.
Note: The consulate does not accept applications by mail.
Processing Time
Regular service: 4 working days
Express service: 3 working days (urgent situation)
Note: The above processing time is average and for reference only. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.
6. Pay the Visa Fee and Collect Your Visa
Return to the Visa Office on your pick-up date, you must have your pick up receipt with you.
Right after pick up your visa, Please check all the information on the visa is correct, If there is any inaccuracy, please tell the staff immediately in case inconvenience brought by the incorrect information.
For payment, Credit card (Master or Visa card only), money order or cashier’s check are accepted for on-site pick-up.
This guide is current as of July 2025 and reflects the latest procedures and document requirements for China visa applicants in US.
Applying for a China visa a is straightforward if prepared. Following these steps closely will help ensure a smooth process and minimize delays in your travel plans.
If it’s not convenient for you to go in person, Or if you’re on a tight schedule or simply tired of dealing with complicated paperwork, you can also authorize a trusted agency /expediting service like VisitChinaVisa.com to handle the entire process with a very reasonable price. Once we receive your documents, your visa will be issued within 3–5 business days.