The Consulate General of China in Los Angeles officially launch the China Online Visa Application on September 30, 2025. Please visit: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/ to submit applications through the new platform.
If you have submitted your application through the China Visa Online Application System (old version COVA system), please follow the original procedures and requirements to submit your paper documents to the Consulate General before October 8.
The latest requirements, procedures, and materials for online Chinese visa applications are as follows:
I. Application Requirements
1. The Consulate General of China in Los Angeles only accepts visa applications from foreign nationals who reside within its consular district which includes: Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands(click here to view district divisions). Applicants not physically in the United States cannot apply for a visa at Chinese embassy or consulates in the U.S.
2. If you have previously obtained a Chinese visa, you must ensure that your prior visa is no longer valid or about to become unusable before applying for a new one, such as in the following cases:
--- The previous visa has been lost or damaged;
--- Personal information (name, gender, date of birth, etc.) on the previous visa has changed. If only your passport has been renewed but personal information remains the same, the old visa may still be used along with the new passport;
--- The purpose of travel to China has changed;
--- The previous visa has less than 6 months’ validity remaining. If it is still valid for more than 6 months and otherwise usable, the Consulate will not issue a new visa.
3. Individuals eligible under bilateral agreements, the 240-hour transit visa exemption, or unilateral visa exemptions are not required to apply for a visa (click here to see exemption situations).
4. According to Chinese law and international practice, the Consulate reserves the right to refuse any visa application without providing reasons.
II. Visa Application Procedure
Applicants should log into the China Online Visa Application Website (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/) to fill out the application form and upload documents online, then have themselves or others (no appointment needed) submit the original materials to the Consulate.
It is strongly recommended that you use a computer to log in the website,click the“Guidance on Visa Application”on the website for detailed instructions and lists of required documents for different visa categories.
Step 1. Complete Information Online
Register an account using your email at the top-right “Login”button. Each account may submit applications for multiple individuals, with no limit.
On the homepage, click “Start My Application” select “Los Angeles” fill in information truthfully, upload documents, and submit for initial review.
Step 2. Follow Up Online
If supplementary materials or corrections are required, the system will notify you with messages such as “Supplementary Materials to be provided” or “Rejected and to be modified” Log in periodically to check“Track the status of my application”to upload additional documents, or amend information as required. Do not email supplementary documents,all documents must be uploaded through the system.
Step 3. Submit Materials in Person(no appointment needed)
When the status changes to “Passport to be Submitted” ,applicants (You may also entrust someone else or an agency to submit the application on your behalf) should submit the following physical materials in person:
1. Please take a screenshot of the page showing the barcode of the application form and the status “Passport to be Submitted” then print it out (see example below);
2. Original passport;
3. Other documents required by the Consulate (see Section III: Whether physical documents need to be submitted to the Consulate).
Step 4. Collect Visa or Returned Passport(no appointment needed)
When the status changes to “Passport to be Collected” or “Review Failed” ,please bring the Pick Up Slip (issued when submitting materials) to collect the visa and pay the fee by credit card, or retrieve the returned passport.
Regular processing takes 4 business days after submitting physical materials, while express service takes 2–3 business days. Some cases may take longer time depending on individual review. Please follow the progress updates on the website.
Important Notes:
--- No mail service is provided.
--- Fingerprints are not required for visa applications. Submissions and pickups can be made by the applicant or others.
--- Consular office hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, weekdays (click here for the VISA OFFICE address). Avoid peak hours such as Mondays, Fridays, and the first workday after public holidays. The hours from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm are also busy.
--- Check your visa carefully upon receipt.
--- For information on visa fees, collection, and payment, click here.
--- For FAQs regarding cancellations, lost collection slips, etc., click here.
---If you apply through a visa agency, we recommend that the agency complete the online application on your behalf. Alternatively, you may fill it out yourself and click “Save,” then let the agency review and confirm the information before submission to improve processing efficiency.
Please note that the Consulate is not affiliated with any visa agency. Applicants are responsible for their choice of agency. The Consulate will not be held liable for any disputes arising between applicants and agencies.
III. Required Documents
Visa applications require a combination of Category A:Basic Documents and Category B:Additional Documents. The list below is for reference only. Please follow the online system’s instructions and the Consulate’s review comments for exact submission requirements.
Category | Required Documents | Submission Method |
Whether upload on the website is required | Whether physical documents need to be submitted to the Consulate |
Category A Basic Documents | Passport (The remaining validity must be more than 6 months with at least 1 blank visa pages) | Upload required | Original submission required |
Photo，click here for more requirements | Upload required | No need to submit if uploaded successfully |
Proof of Residence within the Consular Jurisdiction of the Consulate. Upload any one of the following as proof: driver's license, state ID, utility bill (water, electricity, gas, internet), or bank statement.【If the minor is unable to provide, please upload the parents' documents】. | Upload required | No physical submission |
Last Chinese visa/residence permit and the foreign passport used at the time. If you are unable to provide the above-mentioned documents online or on-site, please download and upload the <Visa Loss Declaration Form> | Upload required applicants who have previously held a Chinese visa or residence permit | Submit original Chinese visa if applying for visa compensation or the last visa is still valid |
Naturalization certificate and the last Chinese passport.If the above-mentioned Chinese passport has been lost or expired for more than five years, please download and complete the <Chinese Passport Loss Declaration Form> | Upload required for former Chinese citizens applying for the first time after naturalization | Submit original Chinese passport |
Legal stay/residency document in the U.S. (e.g., Green Card, U.S.-visa, Employment Authorization Card，I-20 form, or I-94 form) | Upload required for applicants holding non-U.S. passports | No physical submission |
Official name change document (e.g., court order or marriage certificate) | Upload required for applicants' name on current foreign passport differs from that on the old Chinese passport or prior visa | No physical submission |
<Visa Compensation Statement> | Upload required for applicants who apply for free Visa Compensation | No physical submission |
Child's birth certificate | Upload required for applicants under 16 applying for the first time | No physical submission |
1、The passport(s) and proof of permanent residency abroad (such as a U.S. Green Card etc.) held by either or both parents at the time of the child's birth; 2、If either or both parents have since acquired foreign nationality, naturalization certificate must be provided. 【Note: In cases of surrogacy, non-marital birth, or incomplete parental information, additional documents are required】 | Upload required for applicants whose parents listed on the birth certificate were born in China | No physical submission |
Category B Additional Documents | Tourist (L) | No documents required since Jan 1, 2024 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Business/Trade/Competition (M) | Invitation Letter issued by a business partner, or by the organizer of a competition or event in China | Upload required | A copy of the PU/TE Invitation Letter or Verification Letter of Invitation with a barcode issued by the Chinese government must be submitted. those without a barcode are not. |
Non-Commercial Visit/Exchange/study tours (F) | An invitation letter issued by the relevant entity or individual in China | Upload required | A copy of the PU/TE Invitation Letter or Verification Letter of Invitation with a barcode issued by the Chinese government must be submitted. those without a barcode are not. |
Work (Z) | <Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners> or <Work Permit for Foreigners> | Upload required | Copy submission required |
Long-term study more than 180 days(X1) | 1.Admission Letter issued by university in China and <Visa Application for Study in China >(Form JW201 or Form JW202) | Upload required | Copy submission required |
2.Confirmation Form for Elementary-Stage Foreign Students to Study in China | Upload required | Copy submission required |
Short-term study more than 180 days(X2) | Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China and《Information Form for Foreign Students' Short-term Visit》（Abbreviation: DQ Form, if available） | Upload required | Copy submission required |
Family reunion (Q1,more than 180 days) to a relative who is a Chinese citizen residing in China, or family members of foreigners with Chinese permanent resident status , and for those who intend to enter and stay in China for the purpose of foster care | 1.An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China | Upload required | Copy submission required |
2.Chinese ID(front and back page) of the inviting individual or foreign passport and Chinese permanent residence permit(front and back page) | Upload required | Copy submission required |
3.Certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship，Originals required at submission) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual. 【Family members】 refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. | Upload required | Original and copy submission required |
Short-term family visit (Q2,no more than 180 days) to a relative who is a Chinese citizen residing in China or a foreigner with Chinese permanent resident status residing in China | 1.An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China | Upload required | No physical submission |
2.Chinese ID(front and back page) of the inviting individual or foreign passport and Chinese permanent residence permit(front and back page) | Upload required | No physical submission |
Long-term family visit (S1, more than 180 days) to a foreigner working or studying in China, to whom the visitor is a spouse, parent, son or daughter under the age of 18, or parent-in-law, or long-term stay in China for other private affairs | 1. An invitation letter from the inviter (the foreigner residing in China) | Upload required | Copy submission required |
2.Inviter's passport and residence permit | Upload required | Copy submission required |
3.Certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship,Originals required at submission) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviter. 【Family members】 refers to spouses, parents, children-under-18 and parents-in-law. | Upload required | Original and copy submission required |
Short-term family visit (S2,no more than 180 days) to a foreigner working or studying in China, to whom the visitor is a family member, or short-term stay in China for other private affairs | 1.For family visits: (1) An invitation letter from the inviter (the foreigner residing in China) (2) Inviter’s passport and residence permit (3) Certification (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate) showing kinship between the applicant and the inviter 2.For other private affairs: relevant documents as required | Upload required | No physical submission |
High-level foreign talents or foreigners whose skills are urgently needed in China(R) | <Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talents> | Upload required | Copy submission required |
Foreign crew members(C) | 1.Guarantee Letter from the foreign transport company or an invitation letter from a relevant entity in China | Upload required | No physical submission |
2.License held by the applicant for carrying out transportation tasks | Upload required | No physical submission |
Permanent Residence (D) | Confirmation Form for Foreigner’s Permanent Resident Status | Upload required | Original and copy submission required |
Transit (G) | An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date to the destination country or region | Upload required | No physical submission |
Resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China(J1) | 1.Journalist License and official Letter from the Media Organization of the Journalist | Upload required | Copy submission required |
2.Other required documents | Upload required | Copy submission required |
Foreign journalists who intend to enter China for short-term news coverage(J2) | 1.Journalist License and official Letter from the Media Organization of the Journalist | Upload required | Copy submission required |
2.Other required documents | Upload required | Copy submission required |
Group tourists(Group L) | Invitation Letter for Tourist Group issued by the authorized Tourism Unit | Upload required | No physical submission |
Annex 1 Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter
Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.
I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.
Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.
Inviter's signature: Date:
Annex 2 Contents of M, and F Visa Invitation Letter
(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.
(2) Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.
(3) Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, telephone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)
