China Visa Services is the core official service system to protect foreigners’ legal entry into China and carry out tourism, work, study and other activities. Relying on the global service network, standardised process and digital service platform, the system continuously optimises service experience and provides efficient and convenient support for transnational personnel exchanges. Understanding its service framework, core content, and advantages is the key premise for successfully opening the trip to China.
1. The core system and service subjects of China visa service
China’s visa service adopts the service mode of “official leading + professional institutions collaboration”, forming a global service network. The core service subjects are divided into two categories to jointly guarantee the professionalism and convenience of services:
1. The core official body: Chinese embassies and consulates
As the official authority of visa approval and issuance, Chinese embassies and consulates abroad undertake the core functions of visa policy formulation and interpretation, application material review, visa final approval and issuance, and are responsible for issuing the latest service instructions and adjusting service standards (such as fees, time limits, etc.). Applicants can get the latest service requirements in the jurisdiction through the official website of the consulate, and directly handle or book visa-related services.
2. Cooperative service organisation: China visa application service centre
In response to the growing demand for visa applications, China has set up dozens of Chinese visa application service centres in Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America and Africa. As a transactional service institution recognised by the embassy and consulate, its core responsibilities include: receiving applicants, sorting out application materials, information entry, transferring documents, collecting and paying related fees, issuing visa results, and providing convenient services such as consulting guidance and online booking. The centre has the advantages of a superior geographical location, short waiting time and user-friendly service. Some areas also have special service windows and VIP reception rooms to enhance the applicant’s experience.
Two, the core content and standardised process of China visa services
China’s visa service takes “process standardisation and service transparency” as the core, forming the whole process service chain of “online pretreatment + offline verification and certificate”, covering the whole process from application preparation to visa issuance:
1. Online core service platform: COVA online form-filling system
COVA system (China Online Visa Application) is an official online visa application entry operated by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. It is also the core digital carrier of visa services, providing the whole process of online preprocessing services for applicants. Its core service functions include:
- Account management: support personal email registration and login, realise long-term storage and query of application information;
- Standardised form filling: provide a unified template of the visa application form of the People’s Republic of China, support the automatic identification of passport information page, covering nine core modules such as personal information, visa types and itinerary planning, and the filling process can be temporarily stored at any time;
- Material upload audit: guide applicants to upload electronic materials such as passport information pages and certificate photos according to the requirements, clarify the required and optional items, and perform the online preliminary audit of application materials.
- Progress query: the applicant can check the application status in real time (such as “to be modified”, “under review”, “to be submitted passport”, etc.), and master the service progress;
- Confirmation sheet generation: after the application is submitted, a confirmation sheet with a barcode is automatically generated as the core voucher for offline processing.
It should be noted that the system is only responsible for online pre-processing, and the final visa approval power is still vested in Chinese embassies and consulates abroad. The online audit does not mean that the visa is approved.
2. Offline entity service process
Offline services focus on material verification, biological information collection, fee payment and visa issuance, which are specifically undertaken by the China visa application service centre or the consulate and consular certificate hall. The core services include:
- Material verification service: the staff check the original passport, application confirmation form and various certification materials of the applicant to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the materials and avoid the impact of material issues on the approval.
- Biological information collection services: fingerprint collection services will be restored globally from 2024, providing ten-finger fingerprint recording services for applicants aged 14 to 70, with a total time of no more than 3 minutes. The collected data will be used for identity verification, and visa security will be improved.
- Fee collection and payment service: according to the visa type (single / multiple entry) and service level (ordinary / urgent / special), the corresponding fee is charged, and multiple payment methods such as cash, Master/Visa credit card and Money Order are supported. The charging standard follows the principle of reciprocity, and there may be differences in different areas.
- Visa issuance service: after the visa is approved, the passport and visa are issued by on-site collection or mailing (support from some regions), and the collection guidance and information verification service is provided at the same time.
Three, customised China visa services: matching diversified needs in China
China visa services provide customised services according to the purpose of going to China, and accurately match various needs. The core content is as follows:
1. Regular travel scene services (tourism, business, family visit)
- L tourist visa: simplified materials from 2024 in the U.S. collar district. American applicants do not need air tickets and hotel bills, but submit passports, statements and residence certificates online;
- M/F business visit visa: the Chinese partner is required to provide a formal invitation letter, including the source of expenses and the place of visit, and provide material guidance services.
- Q1/Q2 and S1/S2 visiting visas: the core is to verify the kinship certificate, clarify the inspection requirements of scanning copies and originals, and provide material preparation consultation.
2. Long-term residence scene services (work, study, high-end talents)
- Z work visa: it is necessary to obtain the relevant pre-work permit documents, remember to apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry, and provide special services for short-term work applications.
- X1/X2 study visa: according to the requirements of the length of study, the JW201/202 form + admission notice is required for more than 180 days, and the DQ form is required for less than 180 days.
- R word high-end talent visa: provide 3 working days of urgent approval, special personnel docking materials and progress tracking, simplify the application process.
3. Special convenience services: visa-free and transit benefits
Special convenience services: bilateral agreements, 30 days of short-term visit, transit, etc., the official channel released a list of policies and applicable conditions for query.
Four, the core advantages of China visa services and value-added services
The core advantages of China’s visa services are prominent, the value-added services are improved, and the application experience is improved:
1. Efficient approval services
Efficient approval: regular applications are signed in 4 to 6 working days, and can be reduced to 3 working days in off-season; Hot cities provide the next day urgent forensic services, and some leading areas set up special emergency services (2 working days).
2. Global service guarantee
Globalisation guarantee: the visa centre covers the main regions of the world and unifies the service standards; Some regions support mailing service, and set up a calling and reservation system to shorten the waiting time.
3. Full cycle consulting and tracking services
Full cycle service: multi-channel application full stage consultation, support visa progress real-time query, and help applicants grasp the approval dynamic.
Five, China visa service instructions and FAQs
1. Core instructions
- Material preparation: the passport should be valid for more than 6 months and have at least 2 blank visa pages. The scanned copy should be a clear colour version of more than 300dpi, avoiding reflection and cutting corners. The red font documents need to be submitted to the original for verification, and a single PDF does not exceed 2MB, and multi-page materials can be split and uploaded.
- Information check: the application form can’t be modified online after it is submitted, and the basic information, such as name and passport number, should be carefully checked. After getting the visa, you need to check the key information, such as the number of entries and the duration of stay. If you have any mistakes, you can contact the consulate or the visa centre in time to apply for a renewal.
- Follow-up procedures: if you want to stay for more than 90 days, you need to complete the public security accommodation registration within 24 hours after entering the country. You can query the relevant requirements and processing process through the “immigration bureau” App. The App supports the English interface, and can query the remaining number of stay days and the extension of the residence permit in real time.
2. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Can I still apply for a visa if the passport is less than 6 months old? No, the system will directly refuse the application, and the passport needs to be renewed before it can be submitted. Most airline check-in counters will also refuse passengers with passports less than 6 months old to board.
- Is it possible to change the number of entries or the period of stay after the visa is approved? No, the relevant information can’t be changed after the visa is approved. If you need to adjust, you need to resubmit the application and pay the fee.
- Can I still sign a flight to China after the expiration of the visa? You can change the flight, but you can’t enter the country after landing, and the relevant return expenses need to be borne by yourself.
- Can visa L be changed to visa Z? Yes, but you need to reapply for the Z visa after you leave the country, or reapply for the work permit and other materials for conversion in the jurisdiction of the new unit, according to the requirements.
Sixth, conclusion: let the China visa service help you go to China smoothly
China visa service has always been aimed at optimising the experience of transnational personnel exchanges. Through digital upgrading, process simplification, classification customisation and other initiatives, it provides efficient and convenient official services for global applicants. It is recommended that applicants learn the latest service requirements through authoritative channels such as the official website of the China visa application service centre and the official website of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad in advance, and make full use of online preprocessing, appointment processing and other convenient services, and prepare materials according to the process. As long as you plan reasonably and match the type of service accurately, you can smoothly enjoy the visa handling experience of Silk Slide, and put more energy into the exploration and experience after you go to China – from the Great Wall morning mist to Shanghai night snacks, everything will be fine after you pass the customs.
(Find more visa related articles in tag visa. )
References
- China Consular Service Network (2025). Brief introduction of visa to China derived from https://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/
- Chinese Embassy in Tonga (2025). Time limit and charging standard for certificate derive from https://tl.china-embassy.gov.cn/lsfw/lszj/fhqz/202505/t20250528_11635238.htm
- China visa application service centre (2025). About the visa centre derived from https://bio.visaforchina.cn/GOT3_ZH/guanyuwomen/guanyuqianzhengzhongxin
- China visa application service centre (2025). Visa type and material list derive from https://www.visaforchina.cn/EDI3_ZH/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/banliliucheng
- Chinese Embassy in the United States (2,025, September 20). Instructions for visa application to China (updated in September 2025) derive from https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/lsfw/zj/qz/202509/t20250920_11712381.htm
