What is an invitation letter for visa application?
When researching Chinese Visa Application Requirements online, you will often come across the mention of a letter of invitation. This letter is a crucial supporting document that must be submitted to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate when applying for a visa. It serves to provide an explanation for your visit to China and outlines the details of your planned trip.
Does China Visa need invitation letter?
An invitation letter is a necessary requirement when applying for most types of Chinese visas, including the China Crew (C) Visa, F Visa, Business (M) Visa, Work (Z) Visa, Family Reunion (Q1/Q2) Visa, and Private (S1/S2) Visa, among others.
China Tourist Visa and Transit Visa are two exceptions to this rule. If you have a confirmed connecting flight ticket, you do not need an invitation letter for a Transit Visa. However, if you are invited to travel to China by friends or a travel agency, a visa invitation letter is required. Independent travelers have the option to submit a travel itinerary (proof of air ticket booking and hotel reservation) instead of an invitation letter. If you do not have any friends, family members, relatives, or inviting party in China, there is no need to prepare an invitation letter. Creating a letter of invitation from strangers may raise suspicions and could even result in visa denial.
What kind of format the invitation letter should be?
Chinese embassies and consulates do not have a specific standard format or size requirement for invitation letters. However, when submitting a letter for a visa application, it is crucial to maintain a formal and professional tone with proper etiquette. In addition to the main body of the letter, a comprehensive visa invitation letter should include a heading, greeting (opening salutation, the title of the embassy, and embassy contact information), complimentary close, signature with an official seal, writer’s contact information, date of writing, and any enclosures. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that your invitation letter is well-received and meets the necessary requirements for visa application.
Invitation Letter Writing Format
The letter must be in paper form, which can be a computer print-out, handwritten letter, or a scanned copy or fax. The specific format may vary slightly depending on the individual or entity extending the invitation.
What to Include in the China Visa Invitation Letter?
There are various types of invitation letters for different visa categories. Typically, a visa invitation letter should include information about the inviter, invitee, and the purpose of the invitation. This requirement is applicable to most Chinese visas. Below, you will find detailed instructions for visa invitation letters for China Tourist and Business Visas, which are the most common visas for visitors to China.
☞ China Tourist Visa (L Visa) Invitation Letter
The invitation letter for a China Tourist Visa should be directly related to the planned tour in China. This letter can be written by an individual or organization and should include the following information:
1.) Information on the Applicant (Invitee)
Please provide the following information for each individual: Full Name, Nationality, Gender, Date of Birth, Passport Number, Contact Phone Number, Email Address, and Relationship with the inviting person or unit (such as pictures together or materials in other formats). Thank you.
2.) Information on the Inviting Person/Unit (Inviter)
Full Name, Residential Status in China (proof of property ownership, lease agreement, etc.), Contact Number, Address, Email, Official Stamp, Signature of the inviting individual or organization, etc., are required for the invitation process.
3.) Information on the Intended Tour
Purpose of Visit
Itinerary of Travel
Planned Departure Date & Arrival Date, Duration; Places to Stay, including hotel reservation record, or statement if you will be staying at a friend’s house; Booked Round-trip Air Tickets.
In order to properly submit the invitation, it is essential to include additional documentation regarding the inviting individual and the invitation itself. This may include proof of identification such as an ID card, permanent residence permit, passport, or Chinese visa, as well as proof of residence. If the tour is being organized by a travel agency, a business license will also be required.
>> A Sample Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa to China in Chinese & English (PDF file)
☞ China Invitation Letter for Business Visa (M Visa)
When applying for a China Business Visa for commercial and trade activities, it is necessary to provide an official invitation letter. This letter must contain accurate information regarding the commercial visit and be issued by a trade partner or host organization in China. The essential content that should be included in the visa invitation letter is as follows:
1.) Information on the Applicant (Invitee)
Please provide the following information for each individual: Full name, nationality, gender, date of birth, passport number, contact phone number, email address, and relationship with the inviting person or unit (such as pictures together or other materials). Thank you.
2.) Information on the Inviting Institution/Person (Inviter)
Please provide the following information for the invitation process: Full Name, Contact Number, Address, Email, Official Stamp, and Signature of the inviting person or legal representative. Additionally, please include photocopies of the Business License and Organization Code of the domestic company affixed with an official seal. Thank you.
3.) Information on the Business Visit
Reason for Visit to China
Schedule (departure & arrival dates, places going to visit and stay, reserved round-trip plane tickets)
Certification of Business Relationship between the two parties (contract, receipt or other business documents)
Evidence of Financial Support
>> A China Business Visa Invitation Letter Sample (Doc File)
☞ Invitation Letter for Hong Kong Visa
If you are applying for a visa or entry permit to Hong Kong for business activities such as trade fairs and exhibitions, you will need an invitation letter to accompany your visa request. This letter must be issued by a local company or trade organization to confirm your intended attendance.
The invitation letter should include the same information required for a China Business (M) Visa application. While there is no specific format required, the letter should clearly, completely, and accurately state all necessary details.
Note: Typically, the official authority only requires a photocopy of the invitation letter, so a scanned copy is acceptable. However, in certain special circumstances, the consulate may request an original letter. Therefore, applicants should submit an original version to ensure compliance.
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Special Notes for China Visa Invitation Letter
When applying for a Chinese Visa, the invitation letter is an important supporting document that serves as strong proof of your purpose of visit. It can help persuade the visa officer to issue your visa, but it does not guarantee approval. Embassies reserve the right to reject visa applications.
It is recommended to book cancellable air tickets and hotels for your visa application. Once you obtain a Chinese Visa, you can make adjustments to your reservations.
If you are invited by a local entity in China, the company may have experience in providing the required visa invitation letter. It is best to use company letterhead paper with the full name and contact information. If you are invited by an individual, such as a friend, remind them of the essential requirements and guidelines for writing the invitation letter.
China Visa Invitation Letter Samples
China Business Visa Invitation Letter Sample
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