Before you can have a business visa issued, you must first obtain either: (1) an introduction letter from your U.S. company; (2) an invitation letter from the company, organization or group hosting you in China; or (3) a visa notification form from the Chinese company or organization that is seeking your participation.
Business visas are valid for 180 days from the date that they are issued. However, once you enter China, they are only good for a stay of up to 30, 60 or 90 days. If it is your first trip to China, you will likely be issued a business visa for a 30-day stay unless you explain when you apply for the visa that you will need more time in China. However, if you frequently travel to China, you may be able to obtain a 90-day visa.
If you frequently travel to China, you can apply for a double- or multiple-entry business visa. This allows you to enter China more than once during the validity of your visa for up to the maximum duration of your stay. For example, if you were issued a multiple-entry visa on January 1, 2010 for 90 days per stay, you could enter China multiple times for up to 90 days each until December 31, 2010.
A business visa can be obtained from most Chinese embassies or consulates located in your home country. The application process involves filing a visa application form, a passport, an invitation/introduction letter and two photographs, along with an application fee, directly in person with the visa section of the embassy or consulate or with a travel agency/visa service. Generally, once the application is submitted, you will be issued your visa within a week. The fee for the visa is $130, although it may be more if you use a travel agency/visa service.
While multiple-entry visa are valid for a year, a double-entry visa is valid for only 180 days. Accordingly, if you have a double-entry visa, your second entry into China must be before the 180 days have passed. Moreover, with a multiple- or double-entry visa, staying in China past the duration of your stay is grounds for a fine.
