APPOINTMENT DAY & VISA PROCESSING WAIT TIMES

On the day of your interview, in addition to the mandatory forms, bring all supporting documents with you.  For information on the required and suggested documents, please check the non-immigrant visa types.  Non-Applicants are not allowed to enter the building with the applicant.  During the interview process, each applicant must present his or her case individually.  Applicants need to be prepared to talk about their ties and their travel motives without the accompaniment of other family members or legal representation.  The only exceptions are children under the age of 13 and applicants with disabilities who may be accompanied under some circumstances.  Please fax such requests several days before the interview to (86-10) 8531-3333 and state the reason for the need to have a person accompany the applicant.

TIPS for Your Appointment Day

1)   Arrive at the embassy or consulate to line up approximately 30 minutes before the appointment time.

2)  Prepare to pass through the security checkpoint—electronic devices, including cellular phones are not permitted.  Backpacks, suitcases, attaché cases, and strollers are also not allowed.  Applicants should only bring documents relevant to the visa application.   

3)  Submit visa application forms and required documents at designated window, and then wait for fingerprint scanning and the visa interview.  Be prepared to wait up to 3 hours. 

4)  If your visa application was approved after the interview, your visa will be placed in your passport and your passport will be mailed to you within 5 working days.  Expedited pick up is available two working days after the interview date from the China Post Office located in the Chaoyang Government Visa Service Center near the entrance to the Visa Section of the Embassy.  Special circumstances, such as the need for administrative processing, incomplete applications, and/or fraud investigations may influence the processing of individual cases and delay visa issuance.

The Average Visa Processing Wait Time is the number or working days after a consular officer decides to issue a visa, for the passport and visa to be returned to the applicant.  Check here for the average visa processing time.  However, please note as stated above, many people are subject to additional processing and may have a processing wait time of several weeks.  Please plan accordingly and apply for your visa early.