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China Non-Commerce Visa Application Requirements (F Visa)

F visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for research, scientific, cultural exchange on behalf of a US employer. The applicant is not supposed to be paid by company or institution in China, otherwise Z visa is needed. F visa is currently issued for single entry only. In order to apply for China F Visa, please prepare your application according to the detail requirement explained below.

Please prepare all required items below accordingly:

1 Actual passport, plus a photocopy of the name page
2 Proof of Residence
A photocopy of the driver's license or major utility bill with your name and address is required.
3 One recent passport-type photograph
4 Fill out China Online Visa Application Form (COVA) online
5 Submit the Visa Service Request Form Online
6 Payment for visa processing, service and shipping
Chose A
Service Level
Time needed
All Fees
Review and Prepare
Consular Processing
Embassy Fee
Service Fee
Price Regular Pre-check Only Service
5-10 days
N/A
N/A
From $149*
Price Express Pre-check Only Service
2-5 days
N/A
N/A
From $259*
Price Regular Service (Pre-check+Submission)
5-10 days
2 - 3 Weeks*
$140
From $249*
Price Express Service (Pre-check+Submission)
2-5 days
8-10 days
$165
From $349*
Price Rush Service (Pre-check+Submission)
1-3 days
4-6 days
$165
From $449*
Remarks:
7 Where You Stay Form
8 Photocopy of Your Previous Chinese Visa
9 The Formal Invitation Letter From China
One of the following invitation letters is required.
invitation from china An Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or a Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by Chinese Government.
invitation from china An Formal Invitation Letter issued by an institution in mainland China.
 
The invitation letter issued by the Chinese institution must include all the 8 elements below:
  1. Applicant's personal information such as: name, date of birth, passport number, full name of the institution which the applicant works for in the US and the job title.
  2. Major purpose of the visit (academic exchange, research, etc.). Please note "teaching" is not accepted as purpose for F visa.
  3. City the applicant will visit
  4. Date of arrival and departure
  5. What kind of relationship between the Chinese institution and the US institution?
  6. Who will bear the cost of the applicant's accommodations in China?
  7. China inviting person's information such as: full name, job title, detail institution address, fax , phone number of the inviter
  8. Official seal of the institution and signature of the inviter.
 
  • Invitation letter from Chinese institution must be printed on their official letterhead, showing institution address, phone and fax number. The letter must also bear the official seal of the institution.
  • Your name on the invitation letter must match exactly the name in your passport.
  • Good quality scanned or fax copy of the invitation letter is acceptable in most cases. However, original invitation and/or personal interview may be requested at Consulate's discretion.
 
Click for a sample invitation letter for China F Visa
Invitation FAQs

A Additional requirement based on jurisdiction
B Additional requirement for Chinese descendants
Pre-check Available Pre-check by email before mailing