China non-commercial visa (F visa) application, requirements, price, and processing time

Visitors traveling to China need a visa to enter the country but don’t use the same visa. The Chinese government has expanded the visa application process to include different types of visas for multiple purposes so foreigners can easily obtain a visa of their choice. One common visa issued by the authorities is a China non commercial visa, also called the China F visa.

Many who are not conversant with the Chinese immigration system may be confused about the proper visa to apply for. This post is dedicated to the non commercial visa for visa applicants. Read on to learn more.

The China F Visa

The China F visa or noncommercial visa is issued to foreigners who wish to visit China for non commercial reasons: It is not a business visa. The visitor may wish to visit for cultural exchange programs, lectures, investigation, or scientific research. As long as it is a non business activity, it is tagged a non commercial endeavor.

The F visa allows the holder to stay in China for up to 30 days starting from the day of entry. This visa was introduced in 2013 to cater to the special needs of non commercial visitors. It is also not suited for people coming to China for tourism, private visits, employment, diplomacy, study, or business. An F visa is only meant for cultural, academic, and investigative activities.

The good thing about F visas is that applicants can apply for a longer duration, above 30 days, if their engagement will take more time. They only have to state the need for a longer time in their application form, and the immigration officer handling their application will grant them more time according to their needs. Furthermore, applicants don't have to visit the Chinese embassy in their home countries to apply for the F visa.

Overall, the non commercial visa is a single entry visa, not a double entry visa, meaning that the holder cannot use it to enter China more than once. Even if they depart China before the expires, the exit automatically makes the F visa invalid, so they cannot use it again.

Who Is The F Visa For?

The China F visa is for foreign nationals engaged in non commercial ventures. Visitors with this visa are not allowed to engage in any form of direct paid work or employment during their short stay in China. They must also not receive salaries from an individual or establishment as that would constitute a violation.

The F visa allows the holder to stay in China for up to 30 days starting from the day of entry. This visa was introduced in 2013 to cater to the special needs of non commercial visitors. It is also not suited for people coming to China for tourism, private visits, employment, diplomacy, study, or business. An F visa is only meant for cultural, academic, and investigative activities.

F Visa Documents & Requirements

These are the application requirements for the China F visa.

Passport: The applicant needs a valid passport with at least 6 months left before it expires. The passport used to fill out the form must be the same passport presented to immigration officers at the airport.

Completed Visa Application Form: The application form must be completed with answers for every section. Applicants must provide truthful and accurate information or risk application rejection.

Passport size picture: A recent passport-sized colored picture taken not later than 6 months ago. The picture must show the applicant’s face and top shoulder clearly. Headgear, glasses, jewelry, and religious coverings are not allowed.

Documents: The applicant must provide one of these documents depending on the purpose of their trip; invitation letter, confirmation letter, conference notices, or an individual or institutionally authorized letter of notice.

What A Letter Of Invitation Should Contain?

A letter of invitation should contain the following details.

• The applicant’s full name, date of birth, and gender

• Purpose of the planned visit, arrival date, and departure date. Places of visit and the relationship between the inviting entity and the applicant. Source of finance for expenses

• Information of the inviting individual or entity – contact name, official stamp, signature, address

Some applicants may be required to submit a copy of their return flight ticket, proof of funds, and hotel reservation. Scan and upload them if they are required.

The China F Visa app fee is ever-changing, so find out how much the current cost is in your country and pay it online using a debit or credit card containing sufficient funds. For countries like Pakistan, Slovakia, and Bulgaria, the F visa application is free.

You can apply for a China Visa online rather than visit the Chinese consulate in your home country. Visit VisaHQ to complete the application form. You can also scan and upload your documents on the portal and submit them for approval.