If you are planning to travel to China for commercial or trade activities, the China Business M Visa is the required entry document for foreign visitors. Unlike short-term permits for many countries, the Chinese Business Visa is a traditional consular visa that requires a mandatory two-step process: online form completion followed by physical submission.
The M Visa grants a valuable long-term, multiple-entry authorization for U.S. citizens. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to obtain your Chin Business M Visa accurately and efficiently.
On This Page
- 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 Visa Application Service Center (VAC) or Consulate.
- 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. iVisa manages the complex administrative process, verifies documents against strict consular standards, and coordinates the physical submission (via mail or courier, where available), saving you time and minimizing the risk of rejection.
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 VAC/Consulate 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 Visa Application Service Center (VAC) that handles your U.S. consular jurisdiction.
- Pay the $140 USD visa fee (plus any VAC service fee) upon submission or collection. Accepted methods typically include major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and possibly debit cards or money orders/cashier's checks payable to the VAC; cash and personal checks are generally not accepted. *Always verify the specific payment options on the website of the VAC handling your application.*
- 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.
- 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 or Visa Application Center (VAC).
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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