Chinese Work (Z) Visa Application Requirements

Important: As the Consulates reopens, there is no guarantee how many entries and the length will be issued with visas. More information will be released in the coming weeks or month.

Chinese Work (Z) visa is required for those who are traveling to work in China. A Chinese government issued working permit or employment license is required. Z visa is usually issued for single entry and the maximum number of days allowed will be later determined. An individual that holds a Work (Z) visa should enter China within 90 days after the visa has been issued and must register at local public security bureau within 30 days of arrival. A Chinese Residence Permit will be issued to replace Z visa to allow multiple entries for one year. The requirements for Work (Z) visa are detailed below.

Do not staple any of the documents together. The Consulate will reject all stapled applications. Paperclips may be used.

1: Original Passport Plus a Photocopy of the Name Page

• Please include the original passport. The visa will be printed on your passport.
• It is recommended that passports have at least 6 months left before expiration.
• The passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages. Please keep in mind, this does not include the last 3 pages, as those are reserved by the US Department of State.
• If you have previously held a Chinese Visa, please provide a photocopy of previous Chinese visa.
• If previous Chinese visa is on an old passport, photocopy of old passport is required.
• If you have a VALID Chinese visa on an old passport and would like to apply for a new visa, you will need to submit both old and current original passports.
• Non-US passport holders must provide a photocopy of their proof of legal stay in the US. Green card, full copy off I-20 or long term US visa such as: L, H, F, TN. B1/B2 visa will not be eligible. Please do not send original unless the Chinese Consulate specifically request it.

Certain Non-US passport holders cannot apply for a visa through third parties or are blocked entry to China: we recommend to send an email inquiry or wait for Consulate announcements.

2: Your Visa Application Form

• Link to form: cova.mfa.gov.cn
• Complete the application on your computer, print it out, and sign it. Do not fill out this application by hand. Do not use digital signatures.
• All fields must be completed. If a section does not apply to you, type in “None” or “N/A.”
• Once the form is completed, do not click on continue. Click on Save and provide us with the application number and passport number. Your application form must be reviewed by us.

3: One Recent Passport Photo

• The photo needs to contain your full face on a white background. The photo cannot be older than 6 months.
• Your local drugstore (such as Walgreens or CVS) are great places to get a passport photo taken.
• Please attach the photo to the application with a paperclip. Do not staple.

Please see: Chinese Visa Photo requirements

4: Address Verification

• Photocopy of driver’s license or state ID
• If you do not have either of the above, you may submit a utility bill

5: Notification of Work Permit

• Notification of Work Permit issued by China State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs obtained from employer in
• China. High quality copy will be accepted.

Sample of Chinese Work Permit:

6: Invitation Letter 

• You must provide a letter from your employer in China providing as much details as possible regarding your employment and why you must be the individual to fill that position.
• The letter must be on company letterhead.
• The letter must be signed.
• The letter must contain company red seal.

Remarks:

• Please include a copy of order confirmation email with your application.
• If you need to ship back to an international address, please call or email us for quote.