China Visa High Level Talent Checklist Overview

1. Passport
2. COVA Visa Form
3. Photo Requirement
4. Photocopy Requirement
5. Proof of Residence
6. Where You Stay Form
7. Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents
8. Invitation Letter
9. Other Important Information

China Visa High Level Talent Checklist Section Details

1. Passport
   • Passport remaining validity must be more than 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages.
   • If the previous multi-year multi-entry visa is on the old passport, the old passport is required to be submitted.
   • Photocopy of the bio-page of the passport.
2. COVA Visa Form
   Applicant must submit a completed COVA visa application printed single-sided, signed in blue or black ink only, with original signatures.
   Ensure TWO signatures on the form for processing efficiency.
   Click here to complete COVA application
3. Photo Requirement
   Applicant is required to submit digital, color, passport style photograph under these guidelines:
   • Photo must be taken within the last six months against all-white background.
   • No glasses, jewelry, or headwear except for religious purposes.
   • Photo must be exactly 48 mm tall by 33 mm wide.
4. Photocopy Requirement
   Photocopy of the latest Chinese visa or the Chinese residence permit.
5. Proof of Residence
   Examples include a copy of driver’s license, utility bill, bank bill, etc.
6. Where You Stay Form
   Applicant must submit a completed Where You Stay form with handwritten signature required.
   Click here to view the Where You Stay form
7. Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents
   Applicant must submit a letter confirming that the applicant is indeed a High level talent. The letter should be obtained from the provincial Bureau of Foreign Experts, the body responsible for confirming top foreign talent.
8. Invitation Letter
   • Applicant is required to provide a Letter of Invitation from the host party in China. The invitation letter should contain the following details:
     • Full Name
     • Gender
     • Date of Birth
     • Citizenship
     • Passport Number
     • Passport Expiry Date
   • The letter should be directed to the Consulate in the applicant’s local jurisdiction, such as:
     • Consulate General of China in Chicago
     • Consulate General of China in Los Angeles
     • Consulate General of China in New York
     • Consulate General of China in San Francisco
     • China Embassy in Washington DC
   • The letter must contain the following details in text:
     • Purpose of Business
     • Address of Organizations you intend to visit
     • Telephone Number
     • Official Seal
     • Legal Representative or Inviter’s signature
     • Date
9. Other Important Information
   • If the applicant is a foreigner in the US, they need to provide a photocopy of green card, visa, I20, or I94 to prove their legal residence in the US.
   • If the applicant was of Chinese nationality, this application is the first Chinese visa application after naturalization in a foreign country, please provide 2 photocopies of the bio-page of the Chinese passport and a photocopy of naturalization certificate. In addition, the last physical Chinese passport is needed for the visa application.
   • If the applicant’s name has been changed, and it is the first time to apply for a Chinese visa after the name change, a photocopy of the name change document is required.
   • For the visa application by a minor of Chinese origin born in the US, please follow the guidance.

Please make sure to accomplish the items below

Final Steps After Documents Are Completed

Please respond back to this email to include:

1. Completed COVA form (digital file)
2. Copy of Passport (scanned)
3. Copy of Proof of Address (digital file)
4. Photo Requirement (same photo used for COVA form, digital file)