Are you considering business in China? Whether its expansion into or manufacturing in China, you will probably want to check it out before moving forward. Already have business in China that you need to tend to? If you’re going to China from the United States, you will need a business visa, more specifically, an M visa. A chinese business visa isn’t too difficult to obtain, the most complex part is getting the necessary documentation together. You will save time and money if you are prepared before you start the application process. This article will guide you through the application steps, including the necessary documents and the application timeline.
Do I need a visa to go to China on a business trip?
The short answer is yes. There are very limited exceptions to the visa requirement, even for a short business trip. Those exceptions generally apply to people going from Hong Kong to Shenzhen (for less than 5 days) and from Macau to Zhuhai (for less than 3 days) and for people from specific countries, not including the US. For business trips to China, you will need an M visa, commonly called the business visa.
For US passport holders, an M visa will generally permit you to stay in China for up to 60 days per visit, with multiple entries. US citizens are eligible for a 10-year visa, as long as their passport has more than twelve month validity at the time of application. However, the 10-year visa length is ultimately determined by the Chinese Consular, at his or her sole discretion. Furthermore, the decision to issue a visa, as well as the visa validity period, number of entries permitted, and length of stay permitted are determined at the sole discretion of the Chinese Consular. Keep in mind, this visa does not permit you to work in China, it is only for business trips to China. If you want to work in China, you will need a different visa/work permit.
When should I apply for the M visa?
It is important to get your M visa early, but not too early. It should only take 2-4 days to get your visa, depending on whether you pay for regular or express service. Rush service (1 day) is only available in cases of extreme urgency, and you must get approval from the Chinese Consular Office. You should not get your visa too early because it is only valid for 90 days from the issue date.
What do I need (documentation) to apply for the M visa?
There are several documents required for the M visa application. Gathering your documents will likely be the only complicated part of the application process. Because you need an invitation letter for an M visa, you should begin gathering your documents early. The following documents are required for an M visa application:
- passport, with at least six months validity remaining and two blank pages (if you have another passport with a valid Chinese visa in it, you will need to submit that passport as well);
- visa application form;
- photo glued to your application form; and
- invitation letter.
How do I get the required Chinese invitation letter?
In order to get a business visa in China, you must get an invitation letter. It is a good idea to ask for this letter well in advance of your planned business trip. A good quality scanned or faxed copy of your invitation letter is generally acceptable. However, the original invitation, additional supporting documents, or a personal interview may be requested at the Consular’s sole discretion. Your invitation letter can come from one of two sources:
- Chinese government agency or
- a company or organization (e.g., trade fair/show) in mainland China.
If you get an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization, it must be printed on its official letterhead, listing the company address, phone number, and fax number. The letter must bear the official seal of the company. Your invitation must include the following eight elements:
- Your (applicant) personal information such as: name, date of birth, passport number, full name of the company that you (applicant) work for in the US, and your job title;
- Major purpose of the visit (what kind of business);
- City you (applicant) will visit;
- Date of arrival and departure (only dates for your first visit are needed);
- Explanation of the relationship between the Chinese company and the US company;
- Explanation of who will bear the cost of the your (applicant) accommodations in China;
- Personal information of person inviting you (inviter): full name, job title, detailed company address, fax, phone number; and
- Official seal of the company or organization and signature of the inviter.
How do I apply for the M visa?
The visa application process itself is not too difficult, and if you already have your documents gathered, it is quick. The only challenge with the application process is that you cannot submit your application online, by fax, or through the mail, rather, it must be submitted in person by you or your agent. Thus, people who are not located near a Chinese Embassy or Consulate Office, must hire a visa service company to submit the application on their behalf. The Globig Marketplace includes vetted immigration experts and visa service companies from around the world. Below are the steps involved in the application process, as well as links to the important Chinese government forms and information.
1. Determine which visa you need, in this case the M visa, and gather all required documentation.
2. Complete the visa application form.
3. Submit your application to the Visa Office of Chinese Embassy/Consulate General based on your State of residence. You cannot submit Chinese visa application online, by fax, or through the mail. You must submit your application in person or through an agent (visa service company), unless you are required to schedule and attend an interview. Appointments are not required to submit your application.
4. Pick up your visa and pay the applicable fee. When you submit your application you will receive a pick-up slip that lists the date your visa will be available for pick-up. You must pay your application fee once your application has been processed and approved, i.e., at the time of pick-up. You can pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only), money order, cashier’s check or company check. Cash, personal checks, and online payments are not accepted.
The Chinese M visa application process is not too difficult. The challenge comes in gathering the required documentation, particularly an invitation letter, and, sometimes, in submitting your application in person. This article should guide you in navigating the process and required documents, but you should always do your own research, consider working with an expert, and start the process at the appropriate time. Good luck in your business endeavors in China!
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