Applying for a Chinese business visa requires several documents, including a China business visa letter of invitation, otherwise known as a PU letter. This invitation letter is issued to visitors by the corporation, company, Institution, or individual inviting them to China. Without a signed invitation letter from the inviter, the Chinese government through its embassy will not grant the applicant the visa.
It is common for business visa applications to be rejected for multiple reasons, including submitting wrong or invalid documents. Many have complained about having their applications rejected despite submitting a PU invitation letter without understanding why?
We know that there is certain information the invitation letter must contain; otherwise, it becomes invalid. To help you avoid rejections, we review the key information your letter must contain to be approved. Let’s have a look.
Elements of A Well Written China Business Visa Letter (PU Letter)
Here are the PU letter requirements for business visa applicants.
Letterhead: First and foremost, the letter must be written on the entity’s or individual’s letterhead paper. Writing it on a plain sheet of A4 paper will not cut it and is one of the leading causes of rejection. The paper must carry the name and or logo to make it authentic.
Addressed Rightly: The Invitation letter must be addressed to the Chinese consulate, not you, the applicant.
Many people make the mistake of assuming that the letter must be addressed to them so they can attach it to their documents and submit it for approval, but this is not the case. The right thing to do is for the inviting entity to address the letter to the Chinese consulate explaining the purpose of your visit.
Applicant Personal Details: The invitation letter must contain personal details about the applicant, including their full name, gender, and passport details, such as the expiration date and number, including their date of birth. These details are vital to get the applicant’s identity.
Position: The letter must clearly explain your position or the roles you perform in the organization. This is tied to the purpose of your trip.
Relationship: The relationship between you and the entity must be clearly explained convincingly.
Purpose: Also of great importance is the purpose of your trip, which must be addressed in the letter.
Timing: It must clarify the date of arrival and departure from China. Embassy officials must be able to deduce from the document your itinerary.
Expenses: The letter should also clarify who will be responsible for the expenses such as accommodation, feeding, logistics, and every other need.
Details about the host: The host’s information must be included, such as their department, the name of the person who signed the letter, direct phone number, address, and location. It must state the city or state clearly.
Visa Requirements: The consulate will check to see the visa validity the host is asking for and if it corresponds with the validity request on your application form. However, the visa officer will issue a visa at their discretion.
Signed: It is important that the letter is signed and sealed by the host; otherwise, it will be rejected despite having other details.
Note: Most consulates will request a photocopy of pu letters, but in some cases, the original letter may be requested, which must be provided.
Supporting Documents
Besides the invitation letter, there are other documents you are expected to submit when applying for a business visa to China. Here they are.
Application Form: You must boldly fill out and sign a visa application form. The form will contain your personal information and the type of visa you are applying for.
Passport: A valid passport is another important document you must possess. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have a minimum of one blank page for visa stickers.
ID Card: Some Chinese consulates will request additional identification information like a valid government issued ID card.
Proof of Funds: Proof of funds may be required if you will be responsible for your expenses. To prove financial capacity, you must submit a signed bank statement of account showing a minimum required balance to cover your expenses.
Proof of Accommodation: Proof of Accommodation, like a hotel reservation, is required if you plan to stay on your own or if your host has not made an accommodation reservation for you.
These documents must be attached to the application form, including the invitation letter, and submitted to the embassy for processing. The official will also ask questions about your trip and issue the visa if you meet all the conditions for a business visa.
When applying for a business visa as foreign nationals, a China business visa letter of invitation is a crucial document you need. Ensure that it contains all the required details and is signed and sealed by your host.