L tourist visas are issued to visitors who go to China for sightseeing, to visit family or for other personal reasons. To obtain an L visa, you will need a valid passport with six months' validity, a completed application form, a recent 2-by-2-inch passport-type photo, the visa fee and copies of any itinerary information (such as hotel reservations and plane tickets).
F business visas are issued to visitors who are invited to China to do business, give a lecture or conduct short-term studies or cultural exchange for no more than six months. To obtain an F visa, you will need a valid passport with six months' validity, the completed application form, a recent 2-by-2-inch passport-type photo, the visa fee and an invitation letter from a host company or organization.
Z employment visas are issued to visitors who are taking up employment posts in China, including teachers. To obtain a Z visa, you will need: a valid passport with six months' validity, a completed application form, a recent 2-by-2-inch passport-type photo, the visa fee, visa notification from an authorized Chinese work unit and either a Work Permit for Aliens issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry or a Foreign Expert's License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.
X student visas are issued to those who visit China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months. To obtain an X visa, you need a valid passport with six months' validity, the completed application form, a recent 2-by-2-inch passport-type photo, the visa fee, admission notice from a Chinese school or university and an approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form (JW201 or JW202) issued by a relevant Chinese government unit.
