"F" Visa is issued to an alien who is invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or internship for a period of no more than six months.

• You may apply for a Single Entry, Double Entry or Multiple Entry "F" Visa as needed.
• You may apply for a Multiple Entry "F" Visa valid for 24 months, if

(1) you submit documents which certify you have made an investment in China, or have established a collaboration with a Chinese company, e.g. business license, contracts, a letter of appointment, etc.; or

(2) you have visited China at least twice with the "F" visa within the past 12 months , or have been issued a multi-entry "F" visa, and shall submit a copy of the visa(s)
 

. Please submit the following documents for your application:

1. Passport: Your valid passport must have at least six (6) months of remaining validity and at least one blank visa page in it.
2. Application form: One completed Visa Application Form can be downloaded here
3. Photo: one photo of 2x2 squre inch (black & white or color is acceptable) glued or stapled on the application form.
4. First time applicants whose former nationality was Chinese, shall write down his Chinese name in the application form and submit his original Chinese passport or the photocopy of the information page of the passport. Applicant who was formerly Chinese and has acquired a new US passport, if there is a Chinese visa in the old passport, shall submit his old US passport or the photocopy of the Chinese visa.
5. Visa Notifications Form from an authorized Chinese Unit, or invitation letters from the host company, meeting or exhibition organizers in China, or an introduction letter from applicant's US company, etc.

1. You must go to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction in which you live to submit the application; or
2. If you cannot come personally, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction in which you live for the application process.

Note:

• Mailed applications are not acceptable and will be refused. Mail back service is available (make sure you read INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION MAIL SERVICE).
• No appointment is required.
• If the visa application form is not filled out completely, correctly and legibly, this can cause a delay in processing or the denial of visa.

1.The regular processing time is 4 working days.

2.Express service: 2-3 working days processing, $20 will be charged per visa.

3.Same day rush service: emergency business only, with additional fee of $30 for 1 working day processing (applications shall be presented before 12:30pm may be picked up between 2:30pm-3:00pm on the same day).

NOTE:
The processing time commences from the day the application submitted to the consulate. Saturdays, Sundays and Consulate scheduled holidays do not count as processing day.
 

Please pay by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash. Personal checks are not acceptable.
Please make the check or money order payable to the Chinese Embassy.
Fee list:

Number of Entry	American	Citizens of other countries*
Single Entry	$130	$30
Double Entry	$130	$45
Multiple Entry for 6 Months	$130	$60
Multiple Entry for 12 Months	$130	$90
Multiple Entry for 24 Months	$130	$90

Usually the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry "L" visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa will be expired and is null and void. Normally the duration of stay of a "F" visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry. If your estimated stay in China is longer than 30 days, please make it clear in the application form and ask for the Visa Officer's approval when you submit your application.

1. If the visa application form is not filled out completely, correctly and legibly, your visa application may be delayed or rejected.
2. Usually applicant submit his visa application one month earlier before his trip.
3. Visa Officers are empowered to make final decision on the validity,duration of stay and times of entry of a visa and may require the applicants provide relevant documents.
4. Any person suffering from a mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.

For any additional information please visit the Chinese Embassy Website Click Here