Your Canadian passport must have at least 6 months of validity when you apply for a Chinese visa, and it must have blank pages available where the visa can be inserted.
You need to fill out the application form thoroughly and properly. The application can be acquired by mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope or in person from the Chinese embassy or the consulate-general. The application can also be downloaded at chinaembassycanada.org.
A 2-inch by 2-inch passport photo must be attached to the application form. The photo must show your full face and shoulders and be in front of a white background. You must not be wearing any head cover.
Depending on the type of visa that is being applied for, other documents may be required to complete the application. Tourist visas require no further documents, whereas business visas require an official invitation letter from the government, agency or company the applicant will be working for. Check chinaembassycanada.org for the requirements of the type of visa you need.
Along with the documents, you'll need to pay a visa application fee. A single-entry visa costs 50CAD, double-entry 75CAD, 6-month multiple entry 100CAD and 12-month multiple entry 150CAD. Processing time is usually 4 days, but you may encounter delays. Same-day rush service is available for an extra 50CAD, and second- or third-day service is available for 35CAD.
All application materials must be submitted in person to your local Chinese embassy or consulate-general. There are no exceptions. (If you cannot go in person, you can hire an agency to submit the visa application for you.) To find the required embassy or consulate, go to chinaembassycanada.org.
