Can I Apply for a Chinese Visa Online?
The process of applying for a Chinese Visa varies depending on the country and type of visa you are seeking. Currently, it is not possible to apply for and receive a Chinese Visa solely through the Internet. However, there are certain cases where you can save time by completing the application form online in advance and booking an appointment for offline submission.
1.) If you are planning to apply for a Chinese Visa in the United States, Afghanistan, Armenia, Bahrain, Lebanon, Pakistan, Bulgaria, Norway, Guyana, or other countries, you must submit your application directly to the Chinese Embassy and Consulates using the COVA (China Visa Online Application) and AVAS (Appointment for Visa Application Submission) systems. Visit https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn to determine if you are eligible to complete the visa application form online.
2.) If you are a resident of one of the 46 countries/regions, such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, or France, you must submit your China Visa Application to the CVASC (China Visa Application Service Center). Check http://www.visaforchina.org/ to see if you should submit your application through the visa service center.
For all other applicants, you must download the latest application form (v 2013) from the official website, fill out the electronic form in PDF/Word format, print it, and submit it along with all required documents to the consular office of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates.
Apply China Visa Online to the Chinese Embassy and Consulate
Once your eligibility for visa submission at COVA has been confirmed, you will need to complete the China Visa Application Form and schedule an appointment online. After that, you must submit all necessary application documents to the visa offices of the Chinese Embassies and Consulates. Below, you will find a detailed outline of the processes involved:
Homepage of the China Visa Online Application System (COVA)
To apply for a visa to China, follow these steps:
1. Visit the official website of COVA (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn) and select the country and city where you will be submitting your application.
2. Create a new China Visa Application Form online. Fill out the electronic form accurately and completely, providing all personal information truthfully. Make sure to note down the application ID number for future reference and appointment booking. Once you have carefully reviewed the form, save and submit it. Please note that the form cannot be changed once it has been submitted.
3. Print out the completed form, sign and date it.
4. Visit https://avas.cs.mfa.gov.cn to schedule an appointment for submission to the embassy. Print the confirmation page. (Use your Application ID to book the China Visa Online Appointment)
5. Arrive at the embassy visa office at least 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Submit the paper form, confirmation page, and any other required documents when it is your turn.
6. Once you are notified by the visa officer, pick up your passport and visa (if approved). Pay the China Visa Fees to the embassy upon collection.By following these steps, you can successfully apply for a visa to China in a professional and efficient manner.
Notes:
– It is advisable to make an appointment online in advance when visiting most Chinese embassies and consulates. Walking in to submit a visa application without an appointment may result in refusal by the embassy or consulate. If you prefer walk-in service, it is recommended to contact the Chinese embassies and consulates to inquire about availability.
– You have the option to submit and retrieve documents in person, or you may choose to have another person or agent represent you.
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China Visa Application Submission to China Visa Application Center
To enhance the efficiency of visa application processing, Chinese Embassies and Consulates in Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Malaysia, and 41 other countries have authorized local China Visa Application Service Centers to accept visa applications. Therefore, applicants must submit their Chinese Visa applications through the designated service center and adhere to all required procedures. Please refer to the instructions below for guidance on submitting your application:
To apply for a Chinese visa, the first step is to visit the website of CVASC (http://www.visaforchina.cn/) to find the country/city where you reside. Here, you can access information about the visa center, such as office hours, location, and contact numbers and emails.
Next, take a look at the “Step by Step Guidance” and “Visa Knowledge” sections to familiarize yourself with the required documents, frequently asked questions, tips, and general procedures.
After that, head to the “Quick Access” section to begin filling out a new China Visa Application Form. Make sure to complete all the necessary information and submit the form online. Remember to jot down the form number once it’s generated, as you may need it to make changes, cancel, or reschedule your appointment.
Once you’ve completed the application form, return to the “Quick Access” section to schedule a China Visa Online Appointment. Keep in mind that the center is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Before your appointment, print out the visa application form and the confirmation page of your appointment. Arrive at the service center at least 10 minutes early and submit all required documents, including your passport, printed form, confirmation page, and any other supporting materials. You’ll have the option to choose express or rush service, as well as mail-back service if available. Be prepared to pay the visa fees and service charges at this time.
Finally, keep track of your visa processing status online. Once you receive notification that your visa is ready for collection, you can retrieve your passport and other documents either in person or through a third party.
Notes:
– Additional service fees will be charged by the visa center, in addition to the visa fees charged by the embassy. This means that the total cost will be higher than if you were to submit your application directly to the embassy.
– If an urgent application is available, it must be submitted before 11:30 am on the same day.
– Please note that many visa centers require appointments for visa applications and do not accept walk-in submissions. It is important to plan ahead and schedule an appointment before visiting the center.
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Useful Advice on China Visa Online Application
1. It is mandatory for all foreign applicants to submit a completed China Visa Application Form, whether it is done online through the Chinese Embassy or China Visa Application Service Center. A high-quality photo is also a necessary requirement.
2. When submitting your application, it is important to do so at the embassy or service center that serves the area where you reside, rather than the closest one. If your home is located far from the embassy/visa center, you can have a friend or agent submit your application on your behalf.
3. It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment in advance, if possible. This will make the process much more convenient and time-efficient.
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