Visa category and supporting documents-Knowledge

Visa category and supporting documents

Please select the appropriate visa category and prepare all the required documents according to the main purpose of your visit to China.

Major Purpose of Visit	Visa Categories	Description of Visa
As a crew member or a motor vehicle driver	C	Issued to foreign crew members of aircraft, trains and ships, motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, and also to the accompanying family members of the above-mentioned ships’ crew members.
Permanent Residence	D	Issued to those who are going to reside in China permanently.
Exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities	F	Issued to those who are invited to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.
Transit	G	Issued to those who are going to transit through China enroute to a third country (or region).
As a journalist	J1	Issued to resident foreign journalists/media staff of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
	J2	Issued to foreign journalists/media staff on temporary news coverage missions. The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days.
As a tourist	L	Issued to those who are going to travel to China for tourism.
Commerce & Trade	M	Issued to those who are invited to China for commercial and trade activities.
Family reunion, foster care or visiting relatives with permanent residence in China	Q1	Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for a long-term family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purposes of foster care (intended duration of stay in China exceeding 180 days). "Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
	Q2	Issued to those who intend to visit relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China; the intended duration of stay is limited to no more than 180 days.
As an introduced talent	R	Issued to those who are high-level qualified talents or whose skills are urgently needed by China.
Visiting relatives working or studying in China or other private affairs	S1	Issued to relatives of foreigners working or studying in China for the purpose of long-term visit, or to those who intend to visit China for other private reasons (intended duration of stay exceeding 180 days). “Relatives” refer to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 years and parents-in-law.
	S2	Issued to those wishing to visit family members that are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private reasons. The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days. "Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
As a student	X1	Issued to those intending to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.
As a student	X2	Issued to those intending to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.
Employment	Z	Issued to those taking up a post or employment, or giving commercial performances, in China.
Commercial performances	Z

Here are the documents you shall prepare before submission of visa application:

1. Basic Documents

(1) Passport

Original foreign passport recognized by China with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.（If you have dual or multiple citizenship, you must provide all your original and photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate）

(2) Visa Application Form and Photo

One Visa Application Form filled online with the signature of the applicant (or the guardian) and printed, one copy of appointment for visa application submission confirmation and 2 recently-taken color passport color photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background.

(3) Proof of legal entry or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship):

If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid visa of entry, residence, employment, student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying. You must also submit a photocopy of the latest visa/immigration entry stamp on your passport.

(4) If you used to be a Chinese citizen but now have obtained foreign citizenship, and you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

2. Supporting Documents

C Visa

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China

D Visa

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

F Visa

1. Generally speaking, an Verification Letter of Invitation or an Invitation Letter (TE) shall be provided (printout or photocopy), both of the letters must be extended by a Chinese inviter. One might be exempted from an Verification Letter of Invitation or an Invitation Letter (TE) in the following two situations (However, an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China is still needed. See part 2.):

a) If one works for Pakistani federal or local governments or other official institutions and holds a private passport with a mark of Government Officer or Government Employee, he or she should provide an NOC to Travel Abroad issued by his or her employer and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.

b) Any applicant who has visited China for more than three times since 1 January 2016. One should provide photocopies of passport pages with entry/exit stamps of China Immigration Inspection.

2. An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China should be provided. The invitation should contain:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

3. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

4. A supporting letter from the organization which the applicant serves in.

5. Bank statement (the last six months).

6. A local police character/clearance certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan for first time visit to China within the last five years.

7. Round-trip air tickets and hotel booking (first time visit to China).

G Visa

1. Original seaman book and its photocopy.

2. A letter of the ship-owning company that informs the applicant to get aboard the ship in China.

3. A letter of the Pakistani Ministry of Maritime Affair to confirm the issue.

J1 Visa

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

J2 Visa

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.

L Visa

For tourism in China, Pakistani nationals are requested to join a tourist group (more than 5 people), which should be arranged through a qualified local travel agency.

M Visa

1. Generally speaking, an Verification Letter of Invitation or an Invitation Letter (TE) shall be provided (printout or photocopy), both of the letters must be extended by a Chinese inviter. One might be exempted from an Verification Letter of Invitation or an Invitation Letter (TE) in the following situation (However, an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China is still needed.):

-If one works for Pakistani federal or local governments or other official institutions and holds a private passport with a mark of Government Officer or Government Employee, he or she should provide an NOC to Travel Abroad issued by his or her employer and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.

-Any applicant who has visited China for more than three times since 1 January 2016. One should provide photocopies of passport pages with entry/exit stamps of China Immigration Inspection.

2. Invitation letter issued by relevant entity or individual from China. The invitation letter should contain:

a) Information on the applicant: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.

b) Information on the planned visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures

c) Information on the inviting entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual

3. A supporting letter from the organization which the applicant serves in.

4. The applicant's tax payment certificate (photocopy, the last three years).

5. Registration form or Chambership certificate of the company which the applicant serves in (photocopy).

6. Applicant’s Bank statement (the last six months).

7. A local police character/clearance certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan for first time visit to China within the last five years.

8. Round-trip air tickets and hotel booking(first time visit to China).

Q1 Visa

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.)

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual. (Photocopy should be attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan)

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For foster care, the following documents are required:

(1) Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China.

(2) Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.

(3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

(4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

Q2 Visa

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures)

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.)

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID or household registration or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual.

The applicant must provide the flight ticket booking (full trip or round-trip ticket reservation with confirmed date) and a proof of accommodation (when staying overnight).

(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual. (attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan)

(4) An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.

R Visa

The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual with special skills urgently needed by China.

S1 Visa

(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual. (photocopy should be attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan)

"Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents-in-law.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

S2 Visa

For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:

(1) An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit.

(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual. (Attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan)

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

The applicant must provide the flight ticket booking (full trip or round-trip ticket reservation with confirmed date) and a proof of accommodation (when staying overnight).

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.

X1 Visa and X2 Visa

(1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entity in China.

(2) Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

(3) Mark sheet/diploma (original and photocopy, photocopy should be attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan)

(4) Personal, Parents’, brothers’ or sisters’ bank statement of the last six month. There must be the signature and the stamp from the bank. The closing balance of the bank statement must be over 2500 USD for one-year-study.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.

Z Visa

One of the following documents is required:

(1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security; if your intended work period is 90 days or less, you need to provide an Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China. You must apply for your visa before the commencing work date indicated on the Approval and you will be allowed to work only within the period of time indicated in the Approval.

(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit (for more than 90 days) in the P. R. China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.

(3) Photocopy of Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.

(4) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs; if your intended performance period is 90 days or less, you need to provide an Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China. You must apply for your visa before the commencing performance date indicated on the Approval and you will be allowed to perform only within the period of time indicated in the Approval.

(5) Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation;

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

Special Reminder

(1) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other supporting documents or supplementary materials, or ask for an interview with the applicant, or require the applicant to report to the embassy after the visit to China.

(a) The applicant for certain types of Visa (D, Q1, Q2, S1, S2, X1, X2 & Z) should come in person for an interview.

(b) For the first visit to China within the last five years, the applicant should come in person for an interview and provide a local police character/clearance certificate (attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan).

(2) The consular officer has the final decision on the visa issuance, validity, duration of stay and number of entries according to specific condition of the applicant.

(3) In accordance with the Exit and Entry Administration law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulation of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, since the Regulation of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners came into force on 1 September 2013, citizens of the countries which have signed bilateral visa exemption agreements with China shall be required to apply for Z, X1, Q1, S1, D, J1 visa accordingly before they enter China, if they come to China for work, study, family reunion, long term family visit, permanent residence or as resident foreign journalist.

(4) According to relevant Chinese laws and regulations, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad has been collecting the fingerprints of all foreign applicants for Chinese visas from June 15, 2018. Only the following people can be exempted from fingerprints collection.

(a) Applicants over 70 or under 14 years old.

(b) Diplomatic and official passport holders or applicants who shall be issued Chinese diplomatic, service and courtesy visas.

(c) Applicants who have applied visa for China (mainland only) with the same passports in the same Embassy and left their fingerprints within 5 years since October 22, 2018.

(d) Applicants whose 10 fingers are incomplete or 10 fingerprints cannot be identified.

Please note: Applicants who apply for visa for China (mainland only) must personally come to the Visa Center to leave their fingerprints. The Chinese side reserves the right to reject entry to China in case of registering fake fingerprints which don't belong to the applicants. The applicants will have to bear all the consequences without complying with this regulation.

(5) For further details, please visit the web-site of the relevant Chinese Embassy or Consulate General.