The China visa office Melbourne is open to Australians and is currently accepting visa applications from those looking to visit China any time of the year. The office receives and processes many visa applications monthly, so you can avail of a visa to China today by submitting your travel documents for approval. A completed visa application form and a list of travel documents are all required to obtain a visa.
The good news is that Australian citizens don’t have to work through any travel agent or agency to get their short term visa; the process is relatively straightforward. Keep reading to know more about the visa application process.
Do I Need A Visa For China?
As an Australian passport holder, you need a visa to enter China, as Australia is not on the visa-free list currently. A visa must be obtained before boarding a flight to a Southeast Asian country. Otherwise, you will not be allowed into China’s geographic borders.
Types Of Visas
You can apply for dozens of options, but these are the common ones many Australians apply for at the visa office in Melbourne.
Tourism Visa: While citizens of some countries can enter China as tourists without a visa for 30-90 days at a time, those who do not have visa-free status need a tourist visa. This short-term visa is valid for 180 days and allows a maximum stay of 90 days.
Crew Visa: Crew members working for airlines, haulage, or shipping companies must obtain a crew Visa before entering the country. Your employer will assist with your application if you work for such a company.
Study Visa: There are dozens of tertiary institutions and research centers in China that cater to the educational needs of international students. In fact, many international students are studying in China on a study visa. You can avail of this visa, but first, you must have secured admission into the academic institution.
Work Visa: Those who want to be expatriates in China are eligible for a work visa. However, they must secure employment first, and their employer must send a letter signed and stamped by the local government of the area where they operate.
Residency Visa: Any Australian with plans to migrate to China and resettle there can apply for a residency visa. Once they arrive in China, they can approach the local government in the city where they reside to exchange their visa for a residency permit.
Journalist Visa: Also called a J1 or J2 visa, it is issued to Australian journalists working for foreign media organizations in China. The J1 visa allows the holder to stay for less than 180 days, while the J2 allows for a longer stay above 180 days.
How Long Can You Stay In China?
The length of time you can stay in China depends on the type of visa you hold. Short-term visas like a tourist, visit, and J1 visas permit holders to stay for 90-180 days: long-term visas can last for 1-3 years or more.
Visa Processing Time
The average visa processing time is 3-8 weeks. In special cases, especially as the Chinese lunar year approaches, it may take longer due to an influx of Chinese visa application. To avoid delays, consider submitting your application at least 2 months in advance.
How To Apply For A People's Republic of China Visa Office Melbourne?
The first step is to submit your visa application form and documents to the visa office. After which, you book an appointment and get a date for an interview. Present yourself for the interview alongside your travel documents which will only take a few minutes as the visa officer asks questions about your trip.
You will be notified via email about the status of your application; if you are successful, you will be invited to collect your visa.
Applying Online
You can also apply for a tourist visa online to save time by using VisaHQ’s visa application portal
Visit VisaHQ
Select China as your destination
Select Australia as your citizenship
Choose the visa you want
Fill out the application form
Scan and upload all required documents
Pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card
Submit for approval
Documents For China Visa Application
Completed and duly signed application form
Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
Government-issued ID card
Travel itinerary
Round-trip flight reservation
Proof of funds
Proof of Accommodation
Other supporting documents may be required besides the ones listed above—endeavor to submit only valid documents so your application will not be rejected.
Now that you know the visa requirements of the China visa office Melbourne, waste no more time. Submit your application today or visit VisaHQ to complete the online form for a tourist visa.