Visa Document Checklist

Use this checklist to gather your documents before applying.

Not sure which documents apply to you?

Basic Documents

Required for all applicants

1. Passport

✓Valid passport with at least 2 blank visa pages
✓At least 6 months validity remaining (single entry)
✓At least 12 months validity remaining (10-year visa — U.S. citizens only)

2. Proof of Residency

The Chinese Consulate uses this to determine which of the 5 U.S. consular offices processes your application.

✓State-issued driver's license (photocopy)
or
✓State-issued resident ID (photocopy)
or
✓Recent utility / phone / internet bill within 3 months (photocopy)
or
✓Bank statement — first page only (photocopy)

⚠️ Minor applicants: Also required — birth certificate + copy of a parent's state-issued ID.

3. Visa Photo

✓Recent photo taken within the last 6 months
✓Must meet Chinese visa photo requirements

Conditional Documents

Additional documents that may be required depending on your individual situation. Review each section to see if it applies to you.

✓Photocopy of previous Chinese visa

ℹNote: Two valid visas cannot exist simultaneously. If your previous visa is still valid, it must be canceled before a new one can be issued.

ℹNote: For applicants of Asian descent, this document is especially important and can significantly simplify the process.

✓Photocopy of the old passport that contained the visa

✓Photocopy of U.S. naturalization certificate
✓Photocopy of your previous foreign passport

✓Employer verification letter (format provided by Jing Tong)

ℹNote: Holders of a valid residence permit do not need a visa to enter China. A new visa can only be applied for after the permit has expired or been officially canceled.

✓Minor's birth certificate
✓Copies of both parents' valid passports and IDs
✓If one parent has sole legal custody: custody documentation

✓Copy of flight itinerary showing name and travel dates

ℹNote: This is not required but can help expedite processing.

✓Photocopy of U.S. green card or valid U.S. residency visa

✓Original last Chinese passport (the Embassy will cancel it by corner-clipping and return it)

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Visa Document Checklist

Basic Documents

1. Passport

2. Proof of Residency

3. Visa Photo

Conditional Documents

Previous Chinese Visa

Previous Passport

U.S. Naturalization Certificate

Employer Verification Letter

Current Chinese Residence Permit

Birth Certificate & Parent Information

Flight Reservation

U.S. Green Card or Residency Visa

Original Chinese Passport (Naturalized Chinese Americans)

Ready to Start Your China Visa Application?