Timeline for Visa Processing: What to Expect
The timeline for visa processing can vary depending on multiple factors. On average, the total visa processing time for China is around 3-4 weeks after we have a complete application package. However, it can take longer if there are any issues with your application or if there is a high volume of applications being processed at the Embassy.
It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel dates to ensure that you have enough time for processing. It is recommended to apply at least six weeks before your planned travel date.
What you need: Please view details
Valid Passport
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- Passport with at least 1 year validity and two side-by-side available visa pages.
- If you don’t have at least 1 year validity or available pages in your passport, please click here.
Application Form
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- TIPS to complete COVA form
- Choose North America on the right-hand side
- Scroll down until you see United States and then choose your jurisdiction
- Your jurisdiction depends on the state that issued your driver’s license
- The jurisdiction for Texas is Washington DC, for all others please CLICK HERE
(All states under the Houston Consulate jurisdiction will now be issued in Washington DC) - You will need to upload a 33mm x 48mm digital photo. Both a digital and hard copy photo will be required. **Please refer to Photograph for full details.
Photograph
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- If you need assistance sizing your photo you may email one taken with your phone against a plain background and we will digitally size it and email it back to you
- No smiling, no glasses, against a light-colored background. Include head and shoulders, photos that are zoomed in too close to your face may not be possible to size correctly.
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Both the a digital and hard copy photo will be required. If you size your own photo, please email us the digital version so we can print it here.
Copy of Driver’s License
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Prior China visa if applicable*
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If you no longer have your previous Chinese visa please include a letter to the Chinese consulate explaining when and where you received your previous visa and how the passport and visa were lost. Issuance of a new visa will be at the discretion of the consulate.
Where You Stay Form
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Please CLICK HERE for the Where You Stay Form
Travel Record Form
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Application Fee
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$185 Routine Service (7-10 business days once it is submitted with the Embassy)
$210 Expedited Service (5-7 business days once it is submitted with the Embassy)
Most Foreign Passport Holders:
$45 Double Entry/ $70 Express Processing
$90 Multiple Entry/ $115 Express Processing
** Fees are for US passport holders.
- PLEASE NOTE: it can take several weeks to secure an appointment for submission to the Embassy after we have a completed application package.
- AVERAGE TOTAL PROCESSING TIME IS APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 3-4 WEEKS.
PLEASE NOTE:
FEES, PROCESSING TIMES, AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Austin Passport Express Fee
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Tourist: $375
Fees include photos, hand courier service, document assistance and review, and all shipping charges and are payable by cash, check, or credit card.
Business (M)
Items 1-9 above plus:
China Invite Letter
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One of the following:
A. An Invitation Letter from the organization to be visited in China (click here for sample letter)
The invitation letter must include the following items:
- Personal information of the applicant: name (as in passport), gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Information concerning the applicant’s visit to China: purpose of the visit, date of arrival and leaving, places to visit, relationship between the applicant and the inviter, and who will bear the cost of the applicant’s accommodations in China.
- Information of the inviter: name of the unit, phone number, address, seal and signature of the legal representative, letter can be e-mailed or faxed.
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B. An Invitation Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa notification form).
This invitation letter needs to be obtained by the host company in China. The letter can be sent via e-mail.
Complete Employment Record
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TOURIST (L)
Items 1-9 above plus:
Flight Itinerary
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Lodging Confirmation
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Please provide one of the following:
Hotel confirmation- Provide a copy of your confirmed hotel reservation with your name listed.
Invitation from Chinese resident- If you are staying with someone residing in China and do not have a hotel reservation, please click here for a Sample Invite Letter. The inviter will need to include a photocopy of the FRONT and BACK of their valid Chinese ID card or resident permit. This may be emailed to us for your convenience.
Tourist invitation- If your travel is being organized by a tour group in China, an official signed and stamped Invitation Letter for Tourist issued by Duly Authorized Tourism Unit in China can be used in place of the hotel reservation.
Student (X1, X2)
Items 1-9 above plus:
Form JW201 or JW202
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Enrollment Letter
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Work Visa (Z)
Items 1-9 above plus:
Work Permit
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Invitation Letter
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Instructions to Apply
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Please start by gathering the required supporting documents for the category of visa you want to apply for (ie: Business, Tourist, Student). Then you can begin the online COVA Application. TIPS to complete form.
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DO NOT FINALIZE THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM until we have had a chance to review your work. You will email us your application ID and scan of passport so that we can do the review your application for accuracy.
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Prior to starting the application you will need a digital photo to upload. If you take a photo against a light colored wall with a neutral expression and no glasses and then email it to us, we can digitally size it and email it back to you
Additional Information
– ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS BORN IN CHINA, HONG KONG, TAIWAN, OR MACAU:
• Submit copy of previous Chinese visa or copy of information page from your expired foreign passport. If your foreign passport has not been cancelled you will be required to submit it with your application
• Please write your name in Chinese characters on 1.2 of the application
• If the applicant’s name has changed since birth, please provide a copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the name change.
– FOREIGN NATIONALS:
Require the same items listed plus:
• Photocopy of green card (front and back) or visa in U.S.
– MINORS:
Require the same items listed plus:
• Copy of birth certificate
• Copy of both parents’ passport and IDs
• Application must be signed by both parents
• If child has Chinese parents, the applicant must also provide proof of parents’ status in the United States.
– MISCELLANEOUS:
• If you wish to pay with a credit card and someone is dropping off the application on your behalf, please fill out the Credit Card Authorization Form.
• If you would like your visa to be shipped to you directly, please provide us with a return air bill or fill out the Return Shipping Form.
PLEASE NOTE: PROCESSING TIMES, REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, AND FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Our offices
Thank you!
We greatly appreciate your business, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to e-mail or call us at:
Phone: (512) 479-0805
Email: info@AustinPassport.com