What is the main purpose of your visit to China and which is the most appropriate visa category for your application?

Visa Categories	Description of Visa
C	Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.
D	Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.
F	Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.
G	Issued to those who intend to transit through China.
J1	Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
J2	Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
L	Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist.
M	Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
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 family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 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 their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
R	Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.
S1	Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
S2	Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is 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.
X1	Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.
X2	Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.
Z	Issued to those who intend to work in China.

 

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

 

1. Basic Documents

(1) Passport

Original passport 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.

(2) Visa Application Form and Photo

One completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background attached

(3) Proof of legal stay 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 certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.

(4) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizens those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If 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

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

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

(2) 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)

 

G Visa

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

 

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 advanced 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

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:

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

(2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)

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

 

M Visa

(1) Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by relevant entity or individual. 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)

 

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.

 

"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 foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual

 

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.

 

"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.

 

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

 

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

 

X1-Visa

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

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

 

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.

 

X2-Visa

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

 

Z-Visa

One of the following documents:

(1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(3) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(4) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Foreign Affairs Office of provincial governments of China.

(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.

An official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works

Applicants must contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General, or the relevant press authorities in China in advance and complete the required approval formalities.

 

3. Special Reminder

 

(1) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.

 

(2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.

 

(3) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

 

IMPORTANT 1) The applicant must be in New Zealand at the time when the application is lodged. 2) You will not be able to change your application after you have lodged your application. All fees are not refundable if you withdraw your visa application. Visa is not transferable from one passport to another. 3) Please check your name, date of birth and passport numbers are correct once you have received your visa.

 

4.WHERE TO APPLY YOUR VISA

 

Consular Section, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand

Street address: 2-6 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington

Telephone: 04 474 9631, 04 473 3514

Facsimile: 04 474 9632

Email: visa@chinaembassy.org.nz

Website: www.chinaembassy.org.nz

Office hours: 9am-12pm (application submission only)
                       2pm-4pm (application collection only)

                       Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

 

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand is responsible for processing visas from the following regions:

 

Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wellington

 

Consular Office, Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland

Street address: 630 Great South Road, Greenlane, Auckland

Telephone: 09 5265680, 09 5713080

Facsimile: 09 579 4288

Email: chinaconsul_ak_nz@mfa.gov.cn

Website: www.chinaconsulate.org.nz

Office hours: 9am-12pm (application submission only)
                       2pm-4pm (application collection only)

                       Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

 

The Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland is responsible for processing visas from the following regions:

 

Northland, Auckland, Waikato

 

Consular Office, Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Christchurch

Street address: 106 Hansons Lane, Upper Riccartion, Christchurch

Telephone: 03 3433650

Facsimile:  03 3433647

Email:consulate_chc@mfa.gov.cn

Website:christchurch.chineseconsulate.org

Office hours: 9am-12pm (application submission and collection)

Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

 

IMPORTANT The Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch currently only process applications for New Zealand citizen who travelling to China with New Zealand passport. Non-New Zealand passport holders are required to lodge their application to the Chinese Embassy in Wellington.

 

The Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Christchurch is responsible for the processing visas from the following regions:

 

Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland

 

5. APPLICATION PROCESSING TIME

 

IMPORTANT

Most applications will be processed within 4 working days from the next working day after we have received your application. Visa applications are assessed individually and the actual processing time of your visa application may vary. You may not be able to give any information on the status of your visa until your application is completed.  It is recommended to apply for your visa application four weeks prior to your trip.   Urgent process is NOT available for applications lodged via post or courier. Urgent visa applications must be  lodged in person. You may appoint someone or travel agent to lodge your application on your behalf.

 

Processing times do not include the time required for transit of applications by post or courier. It is recommended to submit your application in person, or by an authorised agent, or you preferred travel agency.

The Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate-General take no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to the applicant in the event that his/her documents are delayed, misplaced, lost or damaged by the courier company or post, whether such delay, misplacement, loss or damage result from negligence, accident or any other cause.

 

l         Normal process takes 4 working days.

l         Urgent process

1.         Express Service: 2-3 working days and additional fee applies.

2.   One working day urgent process is only available if the visa officer agrees at the time the application is lodged and additional fee applies. Evidence of outward travel, such as a fully paid fight ticket and other documents may require.

 

6. FEES & CHARGES

All the fees below are quoted in New Zealand Dollars and are subject to change without notice.

 

3.1 Visa Application Fees

1) New Zealand passport holder (per person)

TYPE OF ENTRY	VISA FEE
Single Entry	$140
Double Entry	$210
6 Months Multi-Entry	$280
12 Months Multi-Entry	$420

2) Non-New Zealand passport holder (per person)

TYPE OF ENTRY	VISA FEE
Single Entry	$60
Double Entry	$90
6 Months Multi-Entry	$120
12 Months Multi-Entry	$180

Visa fees for some non-New Zealand passport holders may vary according to the reciprocal arrangements.

 

3) US passport holder (per person)

TYPE OF ENTRY	VISA FEE
Single Entry	$200
Double Entry	$200
6 Months Multi-Entry	$200
12 Months Multi-Entry	$200

3.2 Urgent Visa Application Charge (per person, on top of visa fee)

TYPE OF SERVICE	URGENT FEE
One working day Service	$60
Express Service (2-3 working days)	$40

3.3 Mail Handling Service Fee

Mail Handling Service Fee

$15 per pack

The service fee applies to all applications submitted by mail or by courier. The handling service fee is NOT postage for returning your passport, you will still be required to provide a prepaid self-addressed courier pack or envelope for returning your passport. Please retain a copy of the courier tracking reference number.

 

Only one handling service fee is required if you have included more than one applicant in the same pack.

 

7. HOW TO PAY

 

IMPORTANT

We do NOT accept direct credit or online transfer. We no longer accept payment made by cash, personal cheque and company (business) cheque.

 

You can only pay by bank cheque or money order if you want your application to be sent back to you by post or courier after we have finished processing your application.

 

l         Bank cheque and Money order

Please make the cheque payable to:

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand

(if the application is being processed at the Chinese Embassy in Wellington), or

Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland

(if the application is being processed at the Chinese Consulate-General in Auckland), or

Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Christchurch

(if the application is being processed at the Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch)

 

l         EFTPOS and Credit Card (Visa / MasterCard only)

This payment option is only available at the counter of the Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate-General office. For security reasons, we do NOT take credit card numbers for the payment.