The F visa is for foreigners invited to China for non-commercial exchanges, visits, study tours, research, academic, cultural, religious, or NGO activities, volunteering (up to 90 days), and other similar short-term purposes. It is not for tourism, business (trade), or paid employment.
Back to the overview of all China visas.
Who Qualifies
- Individuals participating in academic, cultural, scientific, or religious exchanges
- Researchers, lecturers, or students on short-term study tours (not full-time degree programs)
- NGO workers, volunteers, or those involved in mapping/geographic surveys (with permission)
- Foreign experts with pre-approved invitations for short-term projects
- Applicants must be invited by a relevant Chinese organization, institution, or individual
Required Documents
- Original Passport
- Valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages
- Photocopy of the bio page
- If you have previous Chinese visas, include copies (and old passport if current one does not contain the visa)
- Visa Application Form (COVA)
- Complete online, print, and sign by hand
- Include all pages, including the confirmation and signature pages
- Recent Passport Photo
- Color, bare-head, full face, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Proof of Legal Stay/Residence
- If applying outside your country of citizenship (e.g., foreign nationals in the US or UK), provide proof of legal stay (visa, residence permit, green card, etc.)
- Invitation Letter from a Relevant Entity or Individual in China
The invitation letter must include:- Applicant’s full name, gender, date of birth, and passport number
- Purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, relationship with inviting entity/individual, and who will bear the costs
- Inviting entity/individual’s name, contact number, address, official stamp (if an organization), and signature of legal representative or individual
- Other Supporting Documents
- Air ticket reservation (if available or requested)
- Any additional documents requested by the consulate/embassy
Application Process
- Complete the COVA online visa application form and print all pages, including the confirmation and signature pages.
- Prepare all required documents as listed above.
- Book an appointment (if required) at your local Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center.
- Submit your application in person or via an authorized agent. Fingerprints may be required for most applicants.
- Wait for processing (typically 4–7 business days, but can vary).
- Collect your passport and visa or arrange for return by mail if available.
Special Notes
- Duration of Stay: F visas are usually issued for up to 30 days per entry, but the consulate may grant single, double, or multiple entries valid for up to one year, at their discretion.
- No Paid Employment: If you will be paid by a Chinese institution, you must apply for a Z (work) visa instead.
- No Tourism or Business: For tourism, apply for an L visa; for business/trade, apply for an M visa.
- No document stapling: Use paperclips only when submitting documents to the consulate.
- Additional checks: Consular officers may request further documents or an interview.