China’s Business Visa (F Visa) for short-term business trips

If you plan to visit China to do business, perform due diligence, attend a lecture or conference, or to take part in a scientific/technological or educational/culture exchange for a period of no more than six months, a Business Visa (F Visa) should be obtained prior to arrival. To apply for a Business Visa (F Visa), an application must be submitted to the visa office at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate General either in person or through an intermediary (in person) and generally speaking, mailed applications are not accepted.

When filing an application, the following documents will need to be submitted:

• A valid passport with at least six (6) months validity and containing at least one blank visa page in it.
• One completed Visa Application Form (forms may be downloaded from the website of China’s embassy in the USA) with a recent 2x2 inch photo. If you are a first time applicant whose former nationality was Chinese, then your Chinese name must be included in the application form along with your original Chinese passport or a photocopy of the information page of the passport.
• A Visa Notifications Form from an authorized Chinese Unit or an invitation letter from a host organization in China or an introduction letter from a US company.
• Copies of previous “F” visas issued if you have availed of it at least twice in the past.

Visas can be issued for a single entry (valid for 3 to 6 months), double entry (valid for 6 months), or multiple entry (valid for 6 months or 12 months) or a multiple entry visa valid for 24 months if documents are submitted that prove an investment in China has been made or there is an established collaboration with a Chinese company (However, applicants should check with the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate General to ensure that they can actually avail of all of the available entry visas based upon their nationality.) Moreover, validity starts 90 or 180 days from the date of issue and the normal duration of stay is for 30 days unless otherwise stated in the visa application.

Generally speaking, the regular processing time for visas is 4 working days while express service is 2 to 3 working days (an additional US$20) and there is a same day rush service for emergencies only (an additional US$30). However, applicants should take into consideration that visa processing times may vary from location to location.

In addition, the fees for the Business Visa (F Visa) are as follows:

Number of Entries	USA Citizen	Other Nationalities
Single Entry	US$130	US$30
Double Entry	US$130	US$45
Multiple Entry for 6 Months	US$130	US$60
Multiple Entry for 12 Months	US$130	US$90
Multiple Entry for 24 Months	US$130	US$90

Again, the exact rules and regulations for the Business Visa (F Visa) may vary from nationality to nationality and it is best to consult your respective embassy or consulate general in China or the respective Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in your home or resident country for the most up-to-date information.