1, Introduction
Planning to travel from Boston to China for tourism, business or family visits? Massachusetts falls under the jurisdiction of the Chinese Consulate-General in New York. As a Massachusetts resident, you must apply for your China visa through the New York Consulate, including residents of Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Cambridge, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Quincy, Lynn, Newton, Lawrence, Somerville, and other cities in the state of Massachusetts. This updated 2025 guide will provide detailed step-by-step instructions to help you efficiently and smoothly complete the entire 10-year multiple-entry China visa application process, avoiding unnecessary delays and errors.
| 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 |
3, Visa types eligible for 10 years:
- Tourist Visa (L): 10 year multiple 90 days
- Business Visa (M) 10 year multiple 90 days
- Short-Term Family Visit Visa (Q2) :10 year multiple 180 days
- Private Affairs Visa (S2) :10 year multiple 180 days
- High-Level Talent Visa (R) :10 year multiple 180 days
4, 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 point.
5, 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. If you
- 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.
6, 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.
Visa Office of the Chinese Consulate-General in New York:
520 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday (except holidays): 9:00am—3:00pm
7, 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.
8, 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.
This guide is current as of August 2025 and reflects the latest procedures and document requirements for Chinese visa applicants at the Washington DC
9, Boston China Visa FAQs
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.
Conclusion
Although applying for a China visa in Boston may seem complicated, careful preparation and accurate online submission will ensure a smooth process. For New England 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.
10, To See Why Other Applicants Choose Visit China Visa Center:
- ✅ Full Refund Guarantee – If your visa is not approved, you pay nothing.
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- ⚡ Fast Turnaround – As quick as 3–5 business days.
- 🔍 Professional Review – Avoid mistakes and delays.
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📞 Call: 202-202-2888
📧 Email: service@visitchinavisa.com
✨ Wishing you a smooth visa application and a wonderful trip to China!
Sir
can you send me your address in Boston visit so that i can visit
hi， Dear Churchille, if your resident at Boston, so you will need mail your passport to our New York office, your visa will be processed at NY consulate, thanks