If you are traveling to China for business or trade, you will need a China Business Visa (M Visa). China does not have a simple "e-visa" for business travelers yet. You cannot just fill out a form and get a visa emailed to you.
Instead, you must complete an online form, print it out, and then physically submit your actual passport to a Chinese Consulate. This guide will walk you through the requirements and the steps you need to take to get your visa.
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Chinese visa rules are strict and complex. A small mistake on your form or photo can cause a rejection. We recommend using a registered visa expediting service to review your documents for accuracy and manage the embassy submission for you.
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- What is the China Business M Visa?
- Do I Need the China Business M Visa?
- China M Visa Features: Validity and Duration
- Applying for Your China M Visa: The Consular Process
- The Official China Business M Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the China M Visa: Other China Entry Requirements
- China Business Visa (M Visa) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the China Business M Visa?
The China Business M Visa is a traditional consular visa that is affixed to your passport. It is issued strictly for foreign visitors engaging in commercial or trade activities, such as attending meetings, trade fairs, negotiations, or establishing contacts with business partners.
Do I Need the China Business M Visa?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need an M Visa to enter China for business purposes. You must get an M Visa if your purpose is:
- Commercial or trade activities.
- Attending business meetings, trade fairs, or seminars.
- Signing or negotiating contracts.
Note: The M Visa is not a work permit and cannot be used for long-term employment or residence in China. Those activities require a Z Visa or other specific visa types.
China M Visa Features: Validity and Duration
Due to a reciprocal agreement, the China M Visa granted to U.S. citizens is valid for an extended period.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Gov. Fee (U.S. Citizens): | $140 USD (Standard reciprocal fee, regardless of entries). |
| Validity Period: | Typically, 10 years from the date of issue. |
| Entries: | Multiple entries are allowed during the 10-year validity period. |
| Maximum Stay per Visit: | Usually 60 days or 90 days per visit (specified on the visa sticker). |
Applying for Your China M Visa: The Consular Process
The China Business M Visa requires a mandatory two-part process that cannot be fully completed online.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): You must first complete the detailed online China Online Visa Application (COVA) form. This form is lengthy and requires detailed work history and personal data. After completing the online form, you must physically submit your passport, printed documents, and payment to the nearest Chinese Consulate Visa Office.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): Due to the complex COVA form, strict documentation requirements (like the photo and invitation letter), and the necessary physical submission, an assisted service is invaluable. A registered visa expediting service manages the administrative process, verifies documents against strict consular standards, and coordinates the physical submission, saving you time and minimizing the risk of rejection.
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. You also need two fully blank visa pages for the stamp. If you do not meet these specific requirements, you must renew your passport before applying for a visa.
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The Official China Business M Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
The process is a hybrid: online submission of data followed by physical submission of documents.
| Processing Time (Standard): | 4 working days after the Consulate Visa Office receives the physical documents. |
| Recommendation: | Apply 1-2 months in advance of your trip to account for form errors and submission scheduling. |
Step 1: Complete the Online Application (COVA)
- Access the official Chinese Consular Service website and complete the mandatory COVA application form.
- Fill out all sections accurately, including detailed work and education history.
- Upload a recent, compliant passport-style photo.
Step 2: Prepare Mandatory Documents
- Print the completed COVA form and the confirmation page, and sign them.
- Your valid U.S. passport (must be valid for at least 6 months and have 2 blank passport pages).
- Invitation Letter: An official invitation letter from the Chinese business entity. This letter must include:
- Applicant's personal details (name, passport number, etc.).
- Purpose and detailed itinerary of the visit.
- Dates of arrival and departure.
- The inviting company's name, address, telephone number, official seal, and the signature of the legal representative.
- One physical passport-type photo.
- Proof of legal stay in the U.S. (for non-U.S. citizens).
Step 3: Submission and Payment
- Physically submit the printed application and passport to the Chinese Consulate Visa Office that handles your U.S. consular jurisdiction.
- Pay the $140 USD visa fee during the submission process. Accepted methods typically include major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and money orders/cashier's checks payable to the Consulate.
- Confirmation: You will be notified when your US passport, with the new M Visa affixed, is ready for pickup or return by registered passport courier.
Beyond the China M Visa: Other China Entry Requirements
The M Visa grants you entry, but you must adhere to Chinese laws and immigration regulations. An approved M Visa does not guarantee entry into China. Border officials retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Registration: All foreigners must register their residence with the local police station (PSB) or hotel staff within 24 hours of arrival in China.
- China Arrival Card: Before passing through customs, you must complete the mandatory China Arrival Card. This can now be done digitally before you fly to save time at the airport.
- Visa Overstay Warning: Do not overstay the duration of each stay granted on your visa (e.g., 60 or 90 days). Overstaying is a serious violation that can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
China Business Visa (M Visa) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. The China Business Visa (M Visa) is a traditional paper visa that requires mandatory physical submission of your passport and documents to a Consulate Visa Office.
A: U.S. citizens are typically granted a 10-year, multiple-entry visa.
A: No. The M Visa is strictly for commercial activities and trade. You cannot be employed, paid, or hold a job in China on the M visa; employment requires a Z Visa (related to work visas).
A: The M Visa fee for U.S. citizens is a standard $140 USD. This fee covers all entry types (single or multiple).
A: The permitted continuous stay is usually 60 days or 90 days, as specified by the immigration officer on your M Visa sticker.
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