China

 

Applying for a Chinese visa is a necessary requirement for almost all foreign nationals who wish to visit or immigrate to China for any length of time.

 

In China, visas are broadly separated into tourist visas and business visas. However, various options exist under both categories and a range of other Chinese visas is available. 

 

If a foreign national wishes to visit China on traveling purpose, they will have to apply for Chinese Tourist Visa. In China, immigration for the purpose of tourism is possible under two types of tourist or visit visas, for either single entry, or double entry. The maximum duration of tourist visas for China is a period of three months.

 

In all cases, candidates must travel to China within three months of being granted entry clearance.

 

a) L Visa: This Visa is granted to foreign nationals who wish to visit China for travel purposes, to meet family members or any other personal purpose. The L Visa in China is valid for a period of 3 months. 

 

b) G Visa: This G Visa is given to those people who transit through China. This visa is mainly given to those foreign residents who intend to be in China for a very brief period. The G Visa almost acts as an airport transit visa. In order to be eligible for a G Visa an applicant has to provide copy of travel tickets and a confirmation from the hotel where the applicant will be accommodated. 

 

A Chinese Business Visa offers both single entry and multiple-entries permits for foreign nationals. The multiple-entries permit is valid for 6 months, 1 year or 2 years. 

 

However, eligibility for these permits is based upon prior visits to China; a first time applicant will be permitted a maximum of a double entry permit. A second time applicant may receive a 6 months multiple entry permit, a third time applicant can get a 1-year permit, and the 2-year permit is available only to fourth time applicants and beyond.

 

a) F Visa:  This visa is issued to an applicant who intends to visit China on an invitation to attend a lecture, research program, conference etc. F Visa is also issued when a person wishes to be in China for a short-term study program or an intern practice for a period of 6 months or less. 

 

A single entry or double entry visa of this category remains valid for entry within 3 months after it is issued. An F Visa of multiple-entry remains valid for 6 months from the date of issue. 

 

Applicants for an F Visa in China have to provide the letter of invitation as evidence. The invitation can be presented in the form of a letter or fax issued from a governmental department or a government authorized company. Incase it is a multiple-entry visa then the applicants have to present the original letter of invitation. 

 

X Visa: This category is essentially a Chinese study visa, issued to those who wish train or study in China for period of six months or more. A letter of acceptance must be provided from a Chinese educational institution. 

 

Z Visa: These are designed for those immigrating to China for an extended period in order to undertake a position of employment.

 

Spouse immigration and dependent immigration are also provided for the family of candidates relocating to China through this route.

 

Applications must include a letter of invitation from the host-company or Government department.

 

C Visa: This category is specifically designed for crewmembers of international aviation, land transportation or navigation missions.

 

J Visa: This visa is issued to the foreign journalists in China. This type of Chinese visa can be divided into J-1 Visa and J-2 Visa. The J-1 Visa is intended for long-term correspondents whereas the J-2 Visa is issued for conducting reports in China for a short period. 

 

To move to China on a permanent basis, a foreign national needs to apply for a D Visa. 

a) D Visa: These permits are intended for permanent residency. Applied for within China, this extended grant of leave is given to those who intend to live and work in China on a long term or permanent basis.

 

To be eligible to secure a visa to immigrate to China, valid documents are essential. For visiting China on purpose of travel applicants has to submit various essential documents. Letter of confirmation from the hotel and travel tickets are to be submitted in case of visitors who have plan to transit through China. 

 

For business visas, prior visits by the applicant are taken into consideration. The eligibility and duration of a business visa is considered on the number of times an applicant has visited China. The applicant has to present the letter of invitation as evidence. 

 

Although processing times are subject to change, applications will normally be processed within four working days. A next day service is available at a premium of £15 and applications may be processed on the same day for an extra £20.

Costs vary based upon the type of application being submitted and the nationality of the applicant. However, costs generally range from around £30 for a single entry visitor visa to around £90 for a 2-year business permit.