The Visa Notification Form is a pre-approval document issued by the Chinese government needed by all foreigners traveling to China on business or to work there for an extended period of time. Obtain a completed Visa Notification Form from the Chinese company inviting you to do business with them. The Chinese company is responsible for getting the form, completing it and sending it to you for submission with your visa application. The Chinese company contacts one of the following agencies to obtain a form: Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, Municipal Bureau of Commerce, Foreign Economic Relations & Trade Commission, International Trade Promotion Commission, or Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau. To smooth the process, send a photocopy of your passport for the sponsoring company to use when listing your name and passport number properly on the form.
Sometimes invitation letters from the host company, meeting or exhibition organizers in China, or an introduction letter from the applicant's U.S. company can be substituted for the official form, but it is better to use the form if you can as it may avoid processing delays.
Apply for the F Visa and Visa Notification Letter at the same time as they go to the same office, and the notification letter is a requirement for being granted a Business Visa.
Assemble the required documents, photographs and fees. Mail or deliver them to the Chinese Consulate General office assigned to your state of residence. Allow seven to 14 days for processing and approval of the visa and visa notification form. Personal checks and cash are not accepted for payment of fees.
Apply for an Employment Visa (Visa Z) if you are going to teach or work in China. Follow the steps above for getting a Visa Notification Letter, which you will need in order to enter China. The sponsoring Chinese company or organization will provide the visa notification form.
Family members accompanying an Employment Visa holder also need Z Visas. Inform the sponsoring company or organization so they can provide forms for each family member as well.
Submit the required documents, photographs and fees as directed above in Step 4.
