The L visa, or tourist visa, is issued to aliens seeking entry into the People’s Republic of China for tourism purposes. Tourists may select a single-entry visa or multiple-entry visa, which is valid for one year. A tourist visa is valid for 90 to 180 days from the issue date and allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. You will need approval from the visa office to stay longer than 30 days.
Aliens seeking permanent residency in the People’s Republic of China must obtain a D visa, or resident visa. A visa application form, the residence approval certificate from the Chinese Public Security Bureau, and a passport photo are required to qualify for the D visa.
The F visa, or business visa, is issued to anyone invited to the People’s Republic of China for educational, cultural, professional, or business reasons. The F visa is valid for a maximum stay of six months. Single entry and multiple-entry visa are valid for 24 months. Business visas permit stays of a maximum of 30 days. The visa office can approve stays longer than 30 days.
To apply for the F visa, submit a 2-by-2-inch photograph, an invitation letter from your organization, visa notifications form from the Chinese government and a visa application from the Chinese Consulate website (see Resources).
The Z visa ,or employment visa, is issued to anyone seeking entry into the People’s Republic of China for employment purposes. Aliens must provide the visa application form, visa notification form, and either two copies of the work permit for aliens issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry or the original Foreign Expert's License from the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.
The X visa or student visa is available to international students intending to study in the People’s Republic of China longer than 6 months. Visitors who want to obtain the X visa must submit a passport photo, two copies of an approved Form JW201 or JW201 visa application form from a certified Chinese government agency, and an admissions letter from a Chinese school.
