Visa categories are assigned letters: "L" for a Tourist visa (for temporary touring and visiting), "F" for a Business Visa (for business visits, lectures and research), "Z" for a Work Visa (for employment in China), "X" for a Student Visa (for study lasting six months or more) and "D" for a Residency Visa (for living in China).
Download and completely fill out the visa application from the Chinese Embassy's website. Include all of the requested information, especially the reason for the visit, the number of entries requested and a complete itinerary listing accommodations. If you are a guest of Chinese citizens, a letter confirming this fact must accompany the application. Since the embassy does not accept mailed applications, you must apply in person at the Visa Office at the Embassy or your nearest Consulate. The Visa Office doesn't require an appointment, so someone else can drop off your application for you.
The Chinese government requires a passport for travel; this must be valid for at least six months after leaving China. If your passport expires before that date, the government will not issue the visa. There must also be one completely empty page in the passport, since the Visa Office will not stamp a page with anything else written on it. An application for a Work Visa also requires a copy of an Alien Employment License or Foreign Experts Permits.
As of 2010, Visa processing fees are $140 for Americans wanting single, double or multiple entries into China. Pay with Visa, MasterCard, a cashier’s check or a money order; the Visa Office does not accept cash or personal checks. Processing normally takes approximately four business days after the office receives the payment. Pay an additional fee of $20 or $30 for express service (two to three business days) or same day rush service, respectively.
Single- and double- entry visas are normally valid for six months from the date of issue (not the date you enter China). For example, if the Chinese Embassy issues your visa on January 1, then you must enter China no later than July 1. The duration of each stay is usually 30 days, but you can request a 60- or 90-day stay on the visa application. If you do not specify a length of stay on the application, the Visa Office will assume you are requesting a 30-day visa. The visa official has the final approval on whether the visa is granted and for how long.
