China Introductions Chinese Visa
Last updated: June, 2009
This report was produced by the China-Britain Business Council. Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this report is accurate, the China-Britain Business Council accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or misleading statements in that information and no responsibility is accepted as to the standing of any firm, company or individual mentioned.
China Introductions Chinese Visa
What is a Chinese Visa? Overview
This report provides a guide to UK businesses on the visa requirements for visiting and conducting business in China. It gives an overview of the different visa categories, the application process and the preparation required for making an application. In response to increasing demand for China visas, the Chinese embassy in the UK has set up the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). The CVASC is responsible for receiving and processing visa applications within the UK. Although we make every effort to ensure the information we have disclosed in this report is accurate, visa specifications and the required process frequently change. Where there is any doubt, please contact us or the CVASC directly.
The Chinese visa is a permit issued by a visa authority of China to a foreigner for entry into, exit from or transit through China.
Do you need a visa?
UK citizens will generally require a visa in order to enter China. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of your activities. Foreigners directly transiting through China, who have confirmed onward tickets and seats on international flights, and who stay for no more than 24 hours within the airport boundaries, will not need to apply for a visa.
Which type of visa do you need?
There are four categories of visa, determined according to the applicant’s status, type of passport and the purpose of their visit. These are diplomatic visas, courtesy visas, service visas and ordinary visas. The majority of visitors will enter China under an ordinary visa. Ordinary visas can be sub-divided into the following eight categories:
(1) Tourist and family visit visa (L-visa)
Issued to a foreign citizen who travels to China for tourism purposes, to visit family or for other personal affairs.
(2) Business Visa (F-visa)
Issued to a foreign citizen who is invited to China for a business visit, or to participate in research, lectures, knowledge exchanges (in the fields of science, technology, education, culture and sports), trade fairs and exhibitions. This is also the accepted visa for foreigners invited to China for short-term study or internships. To apply for an F-visa, the applicant should ask their Chinese partner company to provide an invitation letter, authorised by a local Commerce department or its subsidiary department. The invitation letter can take one of three forms: i. Single entry invitation letter - suitable for one-off business activities. The permitted duration of stay is 30 days and entry must occur within 3 months of the issue date.
ii. Double entry invitation letter – allows two separate entries into
China during a half year period. Each stay is normally limited to 30 or 45 days, depending on the prevailing embassy policy.
iii. Multi entry invitation letter - issued to foreign citizens who have
frequent business activities in China. The letter may be issued to cover a half year or one year visa validity period.
CBBC Visa service
CBBC provide a free visa consultation service for UK companies wishing to enter China. We can advise you on the most appropriate visa for your planned entry, together with the required process and administration. Companies planning an initial familiarisation visit to China will most likely require an F-visa. In order to apply for an F-visa, an invitation letter, authorised by the local Commerce department, is required. For a fee, CBBC can help you to obtain the invitation letter. You will need to complete CBBC’s visa application form (please contact us for a copy) and provide a scanned copy of your main passport page. Other documentation may be required depending on the visa policy at the time. The best time to apply for an invitation letter is one week in advance of applying for an F visa. The processing time will depend on the latest local policy, but it should take no more than 5 working days. We welcome any queries you may have about visa applications for China. Please contact Kerrie Dyer in our London office (Kerrie.Dyer@cbbc.org) and Serena Li in our Beijing office serena.li@cbbc.org.cn.
To be eligible for a half year multi entry visa, the applicant must have entered China at least three times in the past 12 months under a double or single entry F-visa, or have held a multi entry visa previously. To apply for a one year multi entry visa, the applicant must have entered China more than six times in the past twelve months, or provide a previously held multi entry visa. The permitted period of each stay under multi entry F-visas varies, but has most recently been limited to 30 days.
(3) Student Visa (X-visa)
Issued to a foreign citizen who travels to China in order to study for a period of six or more months.
(4) Work Visa (Z-visa)
Issued to a foreign citizen (together with his or her accompanying family members) engaged in employment or other commercial activities in China. The applicant must obtain his or her employment license prior to applying for a Z visa. The order of events is as follows: i. The employer applies for the Employment License and provides this to the employee. The Employment License is valid for 6 months. ii. The employee submits their Z-visa application to their local embassy (i.e. CVASC for UK applicants), including their Employment License in the application. iii. Once the employee enters China, the employer applies to have the Employment License replaced by an Employment Permit. This permit is renewable annually. iv. The employee applies for a Work Permit from the local security bureau. This permit is renewable annually.
(5) Transit Visa (G-visa)
Issued to a foreign citizen who is will transit through China on his or her way to a third country (or region).
Issued to a crew member (and his or her accompanying family) performing duties on board an international train, airliner, ocean-liner or freighter.
Issued to a foreign journalist, under two categories. A J-1 visa is issued to resident foreign journalists in China (and their accompanying spouses and under-age children). A J-2 visa is issued to foreign journalists who visit China for temporary news coverage.
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(7) Journalist Visa
J-visa
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(6) Crew Visa
C-visa
Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC)
The CVASC is located in the City of London, close to Chancery Lane and St. Paul’s tube stations. A map of its exact location can be found on the CVASC website. The centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9am until 3pm for visa applications, and from 9am until 4pm for payments and passport collection. Please be aware that both Chinese and UK national holidays may affect the centre’s opening times. Details of these holidays are also available at the CVASC website.
Issued to a foreign citizen who has been approved by China’s public security authority to reside in China permanently. There are several grounds on which an individual may receive such approval, including marriage to a Chinese citizen. A list of potentially qualifying circumstances can be found on the Public Security Bureau website (http://www.bjgaj.gov.cn/eng/wsgsAction.do?methodname=getSubList Wsgs&id=col1947).
When is the best time to apply for a visa?
It is advisable to apply for a visa 1-2 months prior to your planned date of entry into China. It is unwise to apply more than 3 months in advance since your visa will most likely have a finite period of validity. If you apply too early, there is a risk that it will already have expired by the time you enter China.
Where should you apply for a visa?
The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) is responsible for the receipt and processing of visa applications from ordinary passport holders, who are UK citizens, and citizens of other countries possessing UK permanent residence or work permits. It is possible to apply for a visa by visiting the CVASC or by post. The application procedure for each method is shown in the flow diagrams on the next two pages. These application procedures are sourced from the CVASC website.
CVASC Contact details: Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, Morley House, 26 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2AT United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 7842 0960 F: +44 (0)20 7842 0961 E: ukcentre@visaforchina.org Website: http://www.visaforchina.org.uk
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(8) Permanent Residence Visa
D-visa
Application Procedure 1: Visa Processing
The current costs, quoted by the China Visa Application Service Centre, for UK citizens applying for a visa are as below. The costs for non-UK citizen applications differ and are available on CVASC’s website. The total visa cost is equal to the visa fee plus the application service fee.
Visa Fees Single Entry Double Entry Multiple Entry 6 months Multiple Entry 1 year Extra visa fee for third working day collection £30.00 £45.00 £60.00 £90.00
Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London
£15.00
Application Service Fees Regular Service Express Service (third working day collection) £34.50 £46.00
Application Forms To download the visa application forms, payment forms and application instructions, visit CVASC’s form download page (http://www.visaforchina.org.u k/visaen/visaView.html?metho d=readNotify¬ifyId=1121# Menu=ChildMenu2).
Source: http://www.visaforchina.org.uk
Application Procedure 2: Contact us
China-Britain Business Council (head office and registered address) 1 Warwick Row, London SW1E 5ER T: +44 (0)20 7802 2000 F: +44 (0)20 7802 2029 Please address enquiries to enquiries@cbbc.org Please visit our website www.cbbc.org for more information on our services and our offices in the UK and China.
Apply to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre by Post
China - Britain Business Council, a limited company registered in England and Wales. Company no.: 06291886
Source: http://www.visaforchina.org.uk