How to Apply for Chinese Non-Business Visa (F Visa) 2023

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Chinese Non-Business (F) visa is required for those who are traveling to China for research, academic or cultural exchange on behalf of an institution or employer in the US.

1: Original Passport Plus a Photocopy of the Name Page

• Please include the original passport. The visa will be printed on your passport.
• It is recommended that passports have at least 6 months left before expiration.
• The passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages. Please keep in mind, this does not include the last 3 pages, as those are reserved by the US Department of State.
• Non-US passport holders must provide a photocopy of their proof of legal stay in the US. Green card, full copy off I-20 or long term US visa such as: L, H, F, TN. B1/B2 visa will not be eligible.
• Please do not send original unless the Chinese Consulate specifically request it.

Certain Non-US passport holders cannot apply for a visa through third parties or are blocked entry to China: we recommend to send an email inquiry or wait for Consulate announcements.

2: Your Visa Application Form

• Link to form: cova.mfa.gov.cn
• Complete the application on your computer, print it out, and sign it. Do not fill out this application by hand. Do not use digital signatures.
• All fields must be completed. If a section does not apply to you, type in “None” or “N/A.”
• Once the form is completed, do not click on continue. Click on Save and provide us with the application number and passport number. Your application form must be reviewed by us.

3: One Recent Passport Photo

• The photo needs to contain your full face on a white background.
• The photo cannot be older than 6 months.

Please see: Chinese Visa Photo requirements

For further detailed information, please visit: Chinese Non-Business (F) Visa Application Requirements

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