San Jose is a city in the state of Northern California. If you reside in San Jose and have to go to China, you must know the visa policies to enter China successfully.
There are multiple types of visas through which you can enter China. However, each type of visa has a different purpose and different requirements. If you plan to travel to China from San Jose, this article will enlighten you about the different types of visas, their requirements, and how you can apply online rather than going to the China Embassy!
The Different Types of Chinese Visa
Tourist Visa
This is the best visa for someone who wants to visit China for tourist entry. If you want to explore China, you must get a tourist visa.
This is a multiple entry visa valid for ten years. Therefore, you can keep coming again and again.
Business Visa
The business visa allows individuals to engage in business activities in China. You can conduct your business activities, meetings, and conferences.
This is a single entry visa with a validity of 90 days.
Crew Visa
The crew visa is for crew members who have to travel cross-border. This is a multiple entry visa with a validity of 5 years. Moreover, with this visa, you can stay in China for a maximum duration of 10 days.
Group E-Visa
Group E-Visa is for travelers who travel in groups of 2 or more people. However, if you have a group electronic visa, you can only enter China through Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airports. The visa allows single entry into China and is valid for 30 days.
Journalist Visa
A journalist visa is for journalists whose reporting agencies are situated in China. This visa is valid for 30 days and allows single entry where you can stay for 15 days.
Non-Business Visit Visa
Suppose you are going to China for any activities related to any nonprofit organization or for lectures, seminars, or other conferences. In that case, you must get a non-business visit visa. You must provide the invitation letter addressed to the China consulate. This is a double entry visa with a validity of 180 days.
Talent Visa
A talent visa is given to individuals who have some talent needed by the Chinese government. You must provide a foreign expert certificate too. The visa is valid for ten years and is a multiple entry visa.
Student Visa
Student visa opens the door to educational opportunities. However, you must show proof of enrollment to receive this visa. The validity for a student visa is 365 days.
Work Visa
A work visa allows individuals to work in China. This is a single entry visa and is valid for 90 days.
Processing Time
The processing time for a Chinese visa normally ranges between 3 to 4 weeks. However, if you want to travel urgently, you can also avail of the expedited service and get your travel visa within two weeks.
Requirements for the China Visa
The requirements for the Chinese visa include some required documents that you must submit regardless of the type of visa you apply for. You must submit your current valid passport, and the passport should contain at least two blank pages. You have to submit your passport photo, in which you are properly visible.
Moreover, you may be required to submit your previous visas and passports. You must fill out the China visa application form. You should fill out the form, leaving no blank empty otherwise, your visa process will be hindered.
Depending on the type of visa, you may be asked to submit other supporting documents. For example, you may be asked to provide a travel itinerary to describe your visit. This can be backed by proof of flight tickets and hotel accommodation.
You may be asked to provide letters to the Chinese Consulate if any Chinese relative, friend, or host company has invited you.
How to Apply For a Chinese Visa?
Arranging an appointment and visiting the Chinese Embassy is a time-consuming way to apply for a Chinese visa. If you wish to speed up the process, apply online. You can apply online through sites such as VisaHQ.
VisaHQ provides visa services and also passport services. They also provide step-by-step guidance and assistance in the visa process so that you make an informed decision. Once you visit their website, enter the destination country as China and choose where you live as Northern California, the website will show the details of all the Chinese visas available for citizens of San Jose.
You can fill out the visa form online, collect the necessary documents and mail them. Then you have to wait for the visa to be processed.