Updated: 12/27/2005

F Visa is issued to an alien who is invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.

How to apply

1. You must come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction where you live to submit the application; or
2. If you cannot come personally, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction where you live for application process.

• Mail applications are not acceptableand will be refused.
• No appointment is required.

Documents to be included with application:

1. Your valid actual passport. The passport must have at least six (6) months validity left before expiration and at least one blank page left in it.
2. One completed Visa Application Form with one  passport-size photo(black & white or color is acceptable).
3. An applicant born in China who applies for a Chinese visa with a new foreign passport is required to submit his /her Chinese passport or last foreign passport with a Chinese visa.
4. A company letter or an invitation letter from the host company or unit in China.

• If the visa application form is not filled out completely, correctly and legibly, this can cause a delay in processing or the denial of visa.

Visa fee and processing time

Number of Entry	American	Citizens of other countries
Single Entry	$130	$30
Double Entry	$130	$45
Multiple Entry for 6 Months	$130	$60
Multiple Entry for 12 Months	$130	$90

 

• The regular processing time is 4 working days. For express service, additional fees of $30 for 1 working day processing, and $20 for 2-3 working days processing will be charged.
• Please pay by Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash. Personal checks are not acceptable. Please make the check or money order payable to Chinese Consulate in Chicago.

Additional information

• Usually, the period of validity of a Single Entry or Double Entryies visa is 90 days from the date of visa issuance, which means the person who gets the visa may enter into China no later than 90 days from the date of visa issuance, otherwise the visa is expired and is null and void. The duration of stay of a visa is 30 days, which means the person who gets the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry.
• Any person suffering from mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.
• The Validity, Duration of Stay, and Number of Entries of the visa is at the discretion of the Consular Officers, whose decisions are based on the laws and regulations of China. The Consular Officers have the authority to refuse any visa applications inconsistent with Chinese laws and regulations, or revoke issued visas.

 

 

u      Visa Application Form