Start with your real purpose of travel
The visa category should match what you will actually do in China. Choosing based on hoped-for validity or entries can create inconsistencies elsewhere in the application.
Tourism (L)
For travelers whose primary purpose is tourism.
Family visit (Q1/Q2)
For qualifying visits to or reunion with family in China.
Business (M)
For qualifying commercial and trade activities.
Study, work, and other purposes
These categories have different supporting-document rules; verify the current category before starting.
The application workflow
- Confirm jurisdiction and current instructions. Washington residents are currently within the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco's district.
- Create the online application. Use the current China Online Visa Application system, complete the form, and upload the requested material for preliminary review.
- Resolve review requests. Correct or supplement material when the online system asks for it.
- Submit the passport and required originals. Follow the status and the relevant consulate's instructions; an applicant or agent may submit after online review reaches the appropriate stage.
- Track the application. Do not make non-refundable plans based on an assumed decision date.
Official references: San Francisco Consulate requirements and procedures and the China Online Visa Application system.
Information to organize before you begin
The exact upload list depends on visa type and personal history. A preparation folder commonly starts with:
- Current passport information and clear scans of requested passport pages.
- Prior Chinese visas and previous passports, when applicable.
- Proof that you reside within the relevant U.S. consular jurisdiction.
- Travel purpose, intended dates, destinations, and contact details.
- Purpose-specific invitations, relationship evidence, school records, or company material.
- Information about work, education, family, and travel history requested by the online form.
Consistency checks that prevent avoidable delays
Identity
Names, birth details, nationality, and passport data must match the passport exactly.
Purpose
The selected category, invitation, employer explanation, and itinerary should tell the same story.
Dates
Arrival, departure, invitation, event, and accommodation dates should not conflict.
History
Prior nationality, residence, travel, and previous visa information should be complete and truthful.
The current online system warns that a submitted application cannot simply be edited. If information is wrong or incomplete, follow the system's instructions to cancel, correct, and resubmit.
Timing and cost: separate the moving parts
“How long does a visa take?” has at least three components: your document-preparation time, online preliminary review, and consular processing after passport submission. Additional-document requests can extend the total.
Likewise, distinguish the private service fee from government or consular fees and optional third-party costs such as photographs, mailing, notarization, or translation. We confirm our scope and fee in writing before paid work begins.
Want a second set of eyes before submission?
Tell us your travel purpose, timing, residence, and whether you have held a Chinese visa before. We can outline a document-review scope without promising a result.
Request an initial assessment