How to Correctly Fill out China Online Visa Application Form (COVA)
Applying for a Chinese visa online can seem daunting, but by following these steps and paying close attention to detail, you can successfully complete the China Online Visa Application Form (COVA).
Step 1: Select the Correct Consulate
- Go to www.visarite.com and find the China Visa page.
- Select the type of visa you need.
- Click on the visa application form link.
- On the COVA form starting page, select "North America" and choose the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state. Each consulate serves a specific area, so it's crucial to select the correct one. You can find jurisdiction information on visarite.com.
Step 2: Upload Your Photo
This step can be tricky. The COVA system has specific photo requirements, and unclear error messages can be frustrating. You won't be able to proceed with your application until your photo is uploaded correctly.
- Background: The most common reason for photo upload failure is an incorrect background color. The COVA system requires a pure white background. Even slightly off-white backgrounds will be rejected.
- Editing: Use photo editing software, smartphone apps, or professional services to ensure your photo has a pure white background.
Completing the COVA Form
The COVA form has 10 sections that must be completed in sequence. Save each section before moving on to the next. You must complete the personal information section first before you can save and retrieve your application later. Be sure to copy and save your application ID, which is a long number used to access your application.
Key Points to Remember:
- Name: Your name on the COVA form must match your passport exactly. Pay close attention to the order of your given name and surname. Your surname is your last name. Your given name includes your first and middle names (if applicable). Double-check your passport for any errors in your name, passport number, date of birth, and place of birth. Incorrect information will lead to application rejection.
- Work History: Provide at least 5 years of work history, unless you recently graduated from college. Don't leave the job position and duty sections blank.
- Phone Numbers: Enter phone numbers correctly. The first blank is for the country code, and the second is for your phone number without hyphens.
- Trip Itinerary: Refer to the sample form on visarite.com for guidance on filling out the itinerary section. You need to provide a possible address for each city on your itinerary, even if you end up staying somewhere else.
- Review Carefully: After submitting the COVA form online, you cannot make any changes. Thoroughly check for errors before submitting. If you need assistance, VisaRite can pre-check your application.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, please email us at service@visarite.net.
Important: Save Application ID
Given Name should be first name + middle name as appear in your passport
Choose photo with pure white background to avoid upload problems.
Work experience (at least 5 years) is required. Highest education received is required.
This Section is a little tricky. Follow the sample.
After confirm, you won't be able to make any changes. Do not click Confirm and Next button, until we pre-check your application.
Please pay attention to the following:
- Personal information: Your name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, etc. must match exactly those on the passport information page.
- Given name: Please note that in US passports, the middle name is part of Given names, and should be entered here exactly as shown in your US passport.
- Other names: Enter any other names you used, if you changed your name before.
- Name as written in native language: For Chinese descendants, write name in Chinese characters. For others, please write your full name here.
- National ID number: please use your driver's license number or passport number, not SSN.
- Former nationality(ies):If you are a naturalized citizen, enter your original citizenship here (e.g. China).
- Visa details: Enter 120 months for 10-year visa, and select Multiple Entries (For M, L, Q2, S2).
- Work experience
- Provide work history after college, or at least recent 5 years.
- The?“position” and “duty”?(form fields 3.3D and 3.3E) are needed, even though it shows optional online.
- Phone number section: Enter 1 as country code for the US and 86 as country code for China. When you enter phone number, do not enter space or dash, enter only digits.
- Education
- Highest education only.
- Major?in 4.2D is needed.
- Address
The address of the spouse is asking for the current address, not the place of birth.
- Parents
For deceased parents, check "Not applicable", then enter "Deceased".
- Phone Numbers
Country code for USA is 001, Country code for China is 0086. When you enter the phone number, please do not type in space or dash. Enter the digits only.
- Itinerary under information About Your Intended Trip: Please enter the address in the city of your stay.
- Accompanying person(s):
For US passport holder,?always answer No?(even for a baby).
- Sign and date?on both the Confirmation Page and page 8: must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself.
- Signatures for 18 or younger: sign by their guardian
- Confirmation page: write child's name, then sign your name, then add (by mother or father)
- Page 8: write child's name in the Applicant's signature, then sign your name in 9.1A, then add (by mother or father). You will need to complete 9.2A-D and sign your name in 9.2E.
Quick link for the China Online Visa Application Form
