I have done a lot of research on how to apply for my Chinese visa. At first I have been a little worried about the process but I was able to get information from a few different visa services and from the Chinese Consulate. The consulate that has jurisdiction over mine region is located in Chicago. Make sure you read carefully on your consulate's website for the information regarding the steps in applying for the visa. The consulate in Chicago does not accept mailed in applications.
What do you do then?!?
I thought I would have to travel all the way to Chicago just to take it in person to hand it in. So here I was trying to plan another trip just to go to Chicago before going to China. Just when was I going to do that? After working two jobs for seven days straight, it leaves less time off considering every day is twelve hours long, and asking for time off is nearly impossible. I wanted to take days off for going to China not going to Chicago (no offense Chicago loving people).
I had looked at visa services before and I was always leery on sending my passport to another person. It took forever to get my passport, I don't want to part with it! With knowing the cost of the trip to Chicago would be more than some of these visa services would cost, I decided to do more research.
~The Researcher~
To the research lab we go! [Batman music playing the background]
Researching your options is very important. I found some sites for visa services are better than others. Look at what people are saying about the site and/or business. Also look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews on the service too. The site I had originally planned to use did not answer any emailed questions I had, there were mixed reviews from users, and the BBB gave it an "f" rating. I decided on a different visa service. This visa service I decided to go with had great reviews and the BBB gave it an "A+" rating.
What do you need to apply?
You need to look at what your consulate requires. Some locations require more but most require the same thing. Click here for a detailed list of the types of visas you can apply for. You need your passport for applying for your visa. You also need a photo. I went to get my photo taken at the local UPS shop. I got two photos for the price of one; one for my passport and the other for my visa.
Next you need to fill out a form to apply. Click here for the visa application. If you don't read Chinese, do not worry, there are English translations on the form too. Make sure to not leave any blanks. If you don't have an answer to a question or it doesn't apply to you, use N/A to indicate that. Remember, all forms much be typed. Access to a computer and printer is important here. If you don't have one, go to the library to be able to use the printing. If you can't figure it out, ask the library staff for help. They are there to help you, just remember to be nice to them.
You will need to send your passport, a copy of your passport and/or identification as well as a form of proof you are going to China. This proof could be a copy of itinerary for the airline tickets, hotel reservations, a list of places from the tour group you are using, and even an invite letter. I sent the invitation letter Yu sent me and I also included my airline itinerary. If you are going to have an invitation letter, you will need to check with your Chinese Consulate to make sure you meet the requirements.
You used a visa service, what one did you use?
I used CVSC. This service was great. At the research lab, I was able to see the BBB's rating on this business and I was able to figure out that this service was very good. The BBB gave the CVSC an A+ rating. This made me feel a lot better about sending my items there. The CVSC sent me messages when they received my application and when they sent it to the Consulate. They also gave me more messages when they got it back from the Consulate, when my application was approved, and when they sent me my items back. The fact that they did that gave me peace of mine. Considering the amount of hours I work, I am glad I was able to depend on someone else for help with the process. I was surprised at how quickly I got my items back. I thought it was going to take longer.
It is really cool to get a ten year visa with multiple entries. You don't have to use a service if you don't want to. I did because it was easier for me. Hope everyone who is applying can research their options and find something that works for them. What did you used to apply for your visa? How was your experience?
Next on the list: Proof of Single Status
