A visa is an indication that the individual holding the document is authorized to enter the country that issued it. Nevertheless, the possession of a visa is not in itself a guarantee of entry.  Rather, the issuing country may revoke a visa at any time.  The principal purpose of a visa is to enable the host country to verify the identity of the visa applicant before their entry into the country. 

Chinese Business Visas

Asia has become a common area for U.S. companies to do business, and travel there is often essential.  China necessitates that United States travelers present a valid passport and a valid Chinese visa when entering the country.  In order to obtain a Chinese business visa, which is called an “F” Visa, you must submit an application to the appropriate Chinese Embassy or Consular General, which is based upon your jurisdiction.

United States citizens may apply for an F Visa if they are invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, or to do business.  The normal duration of an F Visa is 30 days, but if the estimated time of stay is greater than 30 days, the applicant can disclose that fact on the application form and get approval from the Visa Officer.

United States citizens may apply for a single entry visa which is valid for three to six months, a double entry visa which is valid for six months, or a multiple entry visa which is valid for twelve months.  United States citizens may also apply for a multiple entry F Visa that is valid for 24 months if they (1) submit documents showing an investment in China or have collaborated with a Chinese company; and (2) they have been issued an F Visa two previous times (in which case they need to submit copies of those visas).

How to Apply

In order to qualify for a Chinese F Visa, you have to first fill out the application, which can be found online.  After the application has been completed, you must print, sign, and bring it to the aforementioned Embassy or Consulate General.  If you cannot come in person, you must have someone else drop it off, or hire a travel/visa agent to do so for you.  Mailed applications will be returned to the sender. 

The regular processing time for an F Visa is four business days, but express service is available for an additional $20 fee.  In case of an emergency, same day rush service can be purchased for a $30 fee.

In addition to the application form, the following is required of the applicant:

Passport - Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of application and have one visa page left blank.

Photographs – One recent two square inch photo must be glued or stapled to the application form.

Fees – Fees vary based on the type of visa and the citizenship of the applicant.  Yet, the fee for every type of visa for American citizens is $130.

A first time applicant who was formerly a citizen of China must write his or her Chinese name on the application and submit his or her original Chinese passport along with a photocopy of the information page.