Chinese visas can be applied for online from September 30th. Diplomatic, official, and courtesy visas are not applicable.

Starting September 30th, Chinese embassies and consulates abroad will accept online visa applications from citizens of the host country or citizens of other countries legally residing in the host country. Instead of waiting in line in person, applicants can complete the visa application form, upload their documents, and pay the fee through the official website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This new service is designed to improve application efficiency and reduce queues at the consulate.

According to the official website, applicants must be in the country of application and submit their visa applications to the embassy or consulate in the relevant consular district. This applies to holders of non-Chinese passports. Applicants for diplomatic, service, and courtesy visas must still submit their applications directly to the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago.

The application process consists of five steps:

Step 1: Select visa type and prepare documents. Applicants must select the city of application (Chicago) and visa type, and provide the corresponding documents. Basic documents include a passport valid for at least six months from the date of application, with at least one blank visa page; for a one-year multiple-entry visa, the passport must be valid for at least 15 months; applicants with dual or multiple citizenship must provide all valid original passports. A recent color photograph with a white background and front view is required.

Step 2: Applicants complete the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the fee online.

Step 3: Check the preliminary review results. The embassy or consulate will notify you after the preliminary review whether additional documents are required. Applicants can track the application progress at any time through the “Application Status Tracker.”

Step 4: Submit your passport and have your fingerprints collected. After passing the preliminary review, you will need to schedule a video interview or submit your passport in person at the embassy, ​​as required. Some applicants must submit their fingerprints in person at the embassy. Applicants exempt from fingerprinting include those aged 14 or over 70, heads of state or government and their accompanying family members, diplomatic or official visa applicants, resident staff of embassies and consulates in China and their families, those who have had their fingerprints collected within the past five years, and those with mutilated fingers or unable to obtain fingerprints. Applicants using a proxy must confirm the submission and fingerprinting arrangements with the proxy.

Step 5: Collect your passport. After visa processing is completed, you can collect your passport in person at the embassy or by mail, as required. You can also check the collection progress online.

In addition, the consulate recommends that people apply for visas one month in advance, but no earlier than three months. The processing time may be extended under special circumstances.