Vietnamese nationality application for Chinese visa processing guide

1、 Visa Introduction
A visa is a permit issued by a government authorized authority for foreigners who apply for entry, exit or transit in accordance with its laws and regulations. According to international law and practice, any sovereign country has the right to decide on its own whether to allow foreigners to enter or leave its country (frontier), issue visas, refuse to issue visas or declare the issued visas invalid in accordance with its own laws
The embassies and consulates of the People’s Republic of China stationed abroad or other institutions stationed abroad entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are responsible for issuing entry visas for foreigners abroad. Chinese visa authorities, in accordance with Chinese laws and relevant regulations, decide on the type, frequency, validity period, and duration of visas to be issued. They have the right to reject visa applications from individuals or declare visas that have already been issued invalid. According to Chinese law, even if the individual holds a Chinese visa, they may still be denied entry
In addition to visa exemption according to relevant agreements and regulations, foreigners need to apply for and complete a Chinese visa before entering China. Aliens who meet the relevant provisions of Article 20 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Administration of Exit and Entry may apply to the port visa authority entrusted by the Ministry of Public Security for port visas at the ports approved by the State Council for port visa business
Individuals from certain countries and regions can enter Hong Kong and Macau without a visa when traveling to the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions. Those who do not enjoy visa free treatment must apply for a visa or entry permit in accordance with the regulations of the SAR government. Foreigners who need to travel to the Mainland of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Macao Special Administrative Region at the same time must apply for a Mainland visa and a Hong Kong and Macao visa respectively

2、 Visa type, validity period, number of entries, and duration of stay
The types of Chinese visas are divided into diplomatic visas, hospitality visas, official visas, and ordinary visas. Among them, ordinary visas are divided into 12 types and 16 categories.
The validity period of the visa upon entry,It refers to the valid time range for the visa holder to enter the country. Unless otherwise specified by the issuing authority, the visa becomes effective from the date of issuance and expires at 24:00 Beijing time on the day of expiration. If there are still unused entries, the holder can enter before the expiration of the validity period (including the day).
Number of entries for visa，It refers to the number of times the holder can enter the country during the validity period of the visa. A visa that has been used up or has not been used up but has expired is considered invalid. If you need to travel to China, you must reapply for a visa. If the holder holds an expired visa to China, they will be refused entry.
The duration of stay on the visa，It refers to the time limit allowed for the holder to stay after each entry, calculated from the day after entry.
Residence procedures：Foreigners who enter China with visas D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z (except those marked “30 days’ stay after entry” on the visa) shall, within 30 days from the date of entry, apply for residence certificates to the exit and entry administration of the public security organ at or above the county level for their intended residence; Aliens who enter China with W-series diplomatic, courtesy, official or ordinary visas shall, within 30 days from the date of entry, go through residence formalities with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the local foreign affairs department entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3、 Visa types and applicant scope

4、 Visa application materials:
（1） Basic application materials
1. Passport: Original passport with a validity period of more than 6 months and blank visa pages, as well as copies of passport information pages
2. Visa application form and photo: 1 copy of the “People’s Republic of China Visa Application Form” and 1 recent, frontal, color (light background), bareheaded, passport photo (pasted on the application form). The application form information must be filled in truthfully and completely
Please note: Starting from May 10, 2021, visa applicants must log in through https://cova.mfa.gov.cn Or the website of China Visa Application Service Center https://bio.visaforchina.org/HAN2_ZH/ Enter the online form filling page and fill out the electronic visa application form online. After completing the online form, pass the“ Go to make an appointment; Link directly to the visa appointment interface, or you can log in later https://avas.mfa.gov.cn Or the website of China Visa Application Service Center https://bio.visaforchina.org/HAN2_ZH/ Enter personal information and visa application form number to schedule a visa application time. The applicant needs to download and print the application form (full form) and sign on the confirmation page. After completing the online filling and appointment, the applicant needs to bring their passport and other visa application materials to the China Visa Application Service Center according to the appointment time to submit the application and collect fingerprints
3. Legal stay or residence certificate (applicable to visa applicants who are not in their country of nationality): If you are not applying for a visa in your country of nationality, you need to provide valid proof of legal stay, residence, work, or study in your country, or the original and photocopy of a valid visa
4. Original Chinese passport or original Chinese visa (applicable to those who previously held Chinese nationality but later acquired foreign nationality): If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you must provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of the passport photo information page; If you have previously obtained a Chinese visa and applied for a visa with a newly issued foreign passport, you must provide the original foreign passport photo information page and a copy of the Chinese visa you have previously obtained (if the name recorded on the new passport does not match the original passport, you must also provide relevant official proof of name change).
（2） Other application materials
C visa
A guarantee letter issued by a foreign transportation company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant unit within China.

D visa
The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form of Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.
Please note that:After entering China, the holder must apply for a residence permit from the exit and entry management agency of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level where they intend to reside within 30 days

F-visa
1. Invitation letter issued by relevant units or individuals within China. The invitation letter must include the following content:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc
(2) Invited person’s visit information: reasons for coming to China, arrival and departure dates, visit location, relationship with the inviting unit or person, source of expenses, etc
(3) Inviting unit or inviter information: name of inviting unit or inviter, contact phone number, address, unit seal, signature of legal representative or inviter, etc
2. Applicant’s business license or letter of work assignment from their employer

G Visa
A connecting flight (car, boat) ticket with a confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region
Crew transit visa: invitation letter, company certificate

J1 Visa
The visa notification letter issued by the Information Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the official letter issued by the media where the journalist works
The applicant should first contact the press office of the Chinese embassy or consulate to complete the relevant procedures
Please note that:After entering China, the holder must apply for a residence permit from the exit and entry management agency of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level where they intend to reside within 30 days.

Notification letters from the Information Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant visa exempt entities, as well as official letters issued by the media where the journalist is located
The applicant should first contact the press office of the Chinese embassy or consulate to complete the relevant procedures

L visa
1. Travel materials such as round-trip airfare and hotel bookings, or invitation letters issued by domestic units or individuals in China. The invitation letter must include the following content:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc
(2) Invited person’s itinerary information: arrival and departure dates, tourist destinations, etc
(3) Inviting unit or inviter information: name of inviting unit or inviter, contact phone number, address, unit seal, signature of legal representative or inviter, etc
2. For first-time applicants without entry and exit records, they must provide proof of household registration or proof of their employer

M-visa
1. Invitation letters such as business activity documents and trade fair invitations issued by domestic trade partners in China. The invitation letter must include the following content:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc
(2) Invited person’s visit information: reasons for going to China, arrival and departure dates, visit location, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, source of expenses, etc
(3) Inviting unit or inviter information: name of inviting unit or inviter, contact phone number, address, unit seal, signature of legal representative or inviter, etc
2. For first-time applicants without entry and exit records, they must provide proof of household registration or a letter of work assignment from their employer
3. Business license or letter of work assignment from the unit must be provided
4. Multiple visa applicants are required to provide copies of their previous business visas

Q1 Visa
If it is a family reunion reason, the following must be provided:
1. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen living in China or a foreigner with permanent residence status in China, which must contain the following contents:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc
(2) Invited person’s visit information: reasons for coming to China, intended arrival date, intended place of residence, intended duration of residence, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc
(3) Inviter Information: Inviter’s name, contact phone number, address, signature, etc
2. Copy of the inviter’s Chinese ID card or passport and permanent residence permit
3. The original and photocopy of the proof of the family relationship between the applicant and the inviter (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouse, brothers and sisters, grandparents, grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren and parents of the spouse) (marriage certificate, birth certificate, kinship certificate or kinship notarial certificate issued by the police station)
If it is for foster care, the following must be provided:
1. A foster care authorization notarized by Chinese embassies and consulates abroad or a foster care authorization letter notarized and certified by the host country or China
2. The original and photocopy of the client’s passport, as well as proof of their family relationship with the foster child (marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of family relationship issued by the police station or notarized certificate of family relationship, etc.)
3. The letter of consent and a copy of the ID card issued by the trustee accepting foster care
4. If both or one of the parents of a foster child is a Chinese citizen, a copy of the certificate of Chinese parents’ overseas settlement at the time of the child’s birth should also be provided
Please note that after entering China, the holder must apply for a residence permit from the public security exit and entry management agency of the local people’s government at or above the county level in the intended place of residence within 30 days

Q2 Visa
1. Invitation letter issued by Chinese citizens residing within China or foreign citizens with permanent residency in China. The invitation letter must include the following content:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc
(2) Invited person’s visit information: reasons for coming to China, arrival and departure dates, visit location, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc
(3) Inviter information: name, contact phone number, address, inviter’s signature, etc
2. A copy of the inviter’s Chinese ID card or a copy of the foreigner’s passport and permanent residence permit
3. The original and photocopy of the proof of the family relationship between the applicant and the inviter (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouse, brothers and sisters, grandparents, grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren and parents of the spouse) (marriage certificate, birth certificate, kinship certificate or kinship notarial certificate issued by the police station)

R Visa
Meet the introduction conditions and requirements for foreign high-level talents and urgently needed specialized talents determined by the relevant competent departments of the Chinese government, and submit corresponding proof materials in accordance with regulations.

S1 Visa
1. Letters of invitation issued by foreigners residing in China. The invitation letter must include the following content:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc
(2) Invited person’s visit information: reasons for coming to China, intended arrival date, intended place of residence, intended duration of residence, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc
(3) Inviter information: name, contact phone number, address, inviter’s signature, etc
2. Copy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit
3. Original and photocopy of proof of family relationship (spouse, parents, children under 18 years old, spouse’s parents) between the applicant and the inviter (marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of family relationship issued by the police station or notarized certificate of family relationship, etc.)
Please note that after entering China, the holder must apply for a residence permit from the public security exit and entry management agency of the local people’s government at or above the county level in the intended place of residence within 30 days

S2 Visa
If it is a short-term visit, the following must be provided:
1. Photocopies of the passport and residence certificate of the inviter (specifically referring to foreigners staying in China for work, study and other reasons)
2. Invitation letter issued by the inviter. The invitation letter must include the following content:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc
(2) Invited person’s visit information: reasons for coming to China, arrival and departure dates, visit location, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc
(3) Inviter information: name, contact phone number, address, inviter’s signature, etc
3. Copies of the proof of the family relationship between the applicant and the inviter (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouse, brothers and sisters, grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren and parents of the spouse) (marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of family relationship issued by the public security police station or notarial certificate of family relationship)
If it is a personal matter, relevant proof of personal affairs must be provided according to the requirements of the consular officer

X1 Visa
1. The original and photocopy of the admission notice issued by the recruiting unit within China
2. Original and photocopy of the “Application Form for Foreign Students’ Visa to China” (JW201 or JW202 Form)
(After entering China, the holder must apply for a residence permit from the public security exit and entry management agency of the local people’s government at or above the county level in the intended place of residence within 30 days.)

X2 Visa
The original and photocopy of the admission notice issued by the recruiting unit within China.

Z Visa
One of the following supporting documents must be provided:
1. Employment Permit for Foreigners issued by the Human Resources and Social Security Department; If the working period does not exceed 90 days, the applicant shall also provide the Certificate of Foreigner’s Short term Work in China, and the applicant must apply for a visa before the starting date indicated on the Certificate of Foreigner’s Short term Work in China, and the working period shall not exceed the period indicated on the Certificate of Foreigner’s Short term Work in China
2. Work Permit for Foreign Experts in China or Notice on Work Permit for Foreigners issued by the Foreign Experts Bureau
3. Registration Certificate of Permanent Representative Office of Foreign (Regional) Enterprises issued by the Administration for Industry and Commerce
4. The commercial cultural performance permit issued by the cultural administrative department (only applicable to applicants who come to China for commercial performances); If the duration of the performance does not exceed 90 days, the Foreigner’s Certificate of Short term Work in China shall also be provided, and the applicant must apply for a visa before the starting date indicated on the Foreigner’s Certificate of Short term Work in China, and the duration of the performance cannot exceed the period indicated on the Foreigner’s Certificate of Short term Work in China
5. Letter of Invitation for Foreigners to Engage in Offshore Oil Operations in the People’s Republic of China issued by CNOOC
Please note that:After entering China, the holder must apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the exit and entry management agency of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level where they intend to reside, and the visa must be marked with the words “ldquo; You can stay for 30 days after entering the country; Except for

5、 Special Reminder
（1） Invitation letters can be faxed, photocopied, or printed, but consular officials may require applicants to provide the original invitation letter
（2） When necessary, consular officers may request the applicant to provide other supporting documents or supplementary materials, or request the applicant to undergo an interview based on the situation
（3） Consular officers decide whether to issue visas, the validity period, duration of stay, and number of entries based on the specific circumstances of the applicant
（4） Applicants should ensure that the application materials provided are true and accurate. Any falsehood, misleading or incomplete information may result in the visa application being rejected or entry into China being denied

6、 Processing time
（1） Ordinary parts: 4 working days
（2） Urgent delivery: 3 working days
（3） Urgent delivery: 2 working days
Please note that:
1. The above processing time is general, and some applications may take longer to process, so the processing time is uncertain. In such cases, applicants need to wait for notification
2. Excluding applying for visas for Hong Kong and Macau in China.