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Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > China

U.S. Visas

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > China

China

China
People's Republic of China

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
 
Visa
Classification		 Fee Number
of Entries		 Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 60 Months
A-2 None Multiple 60 Months ▲
A-2 (TDY) None Two 6 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 12 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months ■ ★
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months ■ ★
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months ■ ★
C-1 None Multiple 60 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 60 Months
C-2 None Multiple 24 Months
C-3 None Multiple 24 Months ▲
C-3 (TDY) None Two 6 Months
C-W-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
C-W-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 60 Months
E-1 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-1 None Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 None Multiple 36 Months
G-2 None Two 6 Months
G-3 None Multiple 36 Months
G-4 None Multiple 36 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 6 Months
H-1B None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-2A None N/A N/A3
H-2B None N/A N/A3
H-2R None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 12 Months 3
I $397.00 Multiple 12 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 $105.00 ◉ Multiple 24 Months
L-2 $105.00 ◉ Multiple 24 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Two 6 Months
N-9 None Two 6 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None One 3 Months 3
O-2 None One 3 Months 3
O-3 None One 3 Months 3
P-1 None One 3 Months 3
P-2 None One 3 Months 3
P-3 None One 3 Months 3
P-4 None One 3 Months 3
Q-1 6 None One 3 Months 3
R-1 None One 3 Months
R-2 None One 3 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
T-D 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8
ALL / ALL /

▲.

Type Duration

Assigned personnel receive full validity. Temporary duty personnel receive limited validity.
 

 Two entries/6 months
Professional diplomatic couriers Multiple entries/36 months

◉.

Type Fee Duration
Single entry      No fee    3 months

■.

All NIV adjudicating posts worldwide must annotate each 10-year, multiple-entry, B-1/B-2, B-1, or B-2 visa issued in a People's Republic of China passport.

Visa annotation must read:

EVUS Enrollment required beginning November 29, 2016.
Details at www.cbp.gov/EVUS
Subsequent to the November 29, 2016 start date of the program, the annotation will be:
EVUS enrollment required
Details at www.cbp.gov/EVUS

★.

B1, B2, and B1/B2 visas for Chinese Communist Party members, their spouses, and children under the age of 21 will be limited to one month, single entry.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

ALL /

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)

  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

ALL / ALL /

Most of the documents listed below can be obtained from one of China's Notarial Offices (Gong Zheng Chu). All Chinese documentation to be used abroad is processed through the notary offices and issued in the form of notarial certificates. 

Notaries in China do not perform the same functions as their American counterparts. Chinese notaries affix their signatures and office seal to certificates that attest to the integrity of claims made by the applicants. By regulation, notaries are empowered to issue certificates only after they conclude that the applicant's claims are true. Although these certificates are secondary evidence, they are used because primary evidence is not standardized, is easily forged, and can be difficult to evaluate. Notarial certificates are easier to interpret than primary evidence and in principle represent an expert judgment on the part of the notary official as to the facts documented. Generally notarial certificates issued in China are reliable; However, in rare cases we have seen evidence of fraud.

Individuals residing outside of China may obtain notarial certificates from the notarial office with jurisdiction over the county of previous residence. Chinese relatives or friends may request issuance of certificates on behalf of someone now living abroad. Relatives and friends should have specific written authorization from the interested party before they request certificates.

General Issuing Authority Information

Notarial offices are located in all major Chinese cities and in rural county seats. These offices are part of the Ministry of Justice structure.

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees: Varies. Normally RMB 200 - 300  (Notarization Fee: RMB 80 + Translation Fee: Non-standard)

Document Name: Notarial certificate (Gong Zheng Shu)

Issuing Authority: Local Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A notarial birth certificate normally contains a watermark, seal, and red stamp. It indicates the applicant’s name, gender, date of birth, ID number, place of birth, and both parents’ names.  NOTE: Notarial birth certificates issued prior to 2012 may not list the ID number. All notarial documents must have an English translation, and be attached with a certificate stating that the English translation is in conformity with the Chinese original.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan)

Registration Criteria:

  1. A National ID and household registration (Hu Kou Bu).  If the applicant lives abroad, a copy of his or her passport is also required. 

  2. One of the following three documents:

    • Birth certificate (Chu Sheng Zheng Ming Shu) or medical certificate of birth (Chu Sheng Yi Xue Zheng Ming) issued by the hospital
    • Initial Birth Record issued by the Household Registration Department of the local Public Security Bureau
    • Proof of birth issued by the sub-district office or the Personnel Department of Work Unit
       
  3. Photographs - at least two.
  4. A signed affidavit or authorization certificate from the applicant if someone other than the applicant applies for the certificate on his or her behalf.  The authorized person also needs to provide his/her national ID.   
  5. Documentation of both parents’ identification.  If deceased, a death certificate is required.   
  6. Other documents requested by the Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan).

Procedure for Obtaining:

  1. Complete an application and submit all relevant documents to the Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu).
  2. The Notary Public then examines the documents. If the application is accepted, the applicant pays all related notary fees.
  3. Once the review of the submitted documentation is completed, the notarial birth certificate is issued.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Applicants should check the website or contact their local Notary Public Office to obtain specific information regarding required fees and supporting documents. 

 

Death/Burial

Available

Fees: Varies.  Normally RMB 200 - 300  (Notarization Fee: RMB 80 + Translation Fee: on-standard)

Document Name: Notarial certificate (Gong Zheng Shu)

Issuing Authority: Local Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  A notarial death certificate normally contains a watermark, seal, and red stamp. It must indicate the decedent’s name, gender, date of death, place of death, and cause of death. Note: Notarial death certificates do not always list the specific cause of death. All notarized documents must have an English translation, and be attached to a certificate stating that the English translation is in conformity with the Chinese original.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan)

Registration Criteria:

  1. A National ID card or passport, and household registration (Hu Kou Bu). 
  2. Decedent’s household registration (Hu Kou Bu), or residence certificate issued by the local Public Security Bureau.
  3. One of the following four documents:
    • Medical certificate of death issued by the hospital.
    • Death certificate or cancellation of the household registration indicating the date of death, issued by the local Public Security Bureau.
    • Proof of cremation. 
    • Written judgement of declaration of death. 
  4. Proof of relationship between the decedent and the applicant – for example: birth certificate, marriage certificate, or household registration. 
  5. A signed affidavit or authorization certificate from the applicant if someone other than the applicant applies for the certificate on his or her behalf.  The authorized person also needs to provide his/her national ID card.   
  6. Other documents requested by the Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan).     

Procedure for Obtaining:

  1. Complete and submit all relevant documents to the Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu).
  2. The Notary Public then examines the documents.  If the application is accepted, the applicant pays all related notary fees.
  3. Once the review of the submitted documents is completed, the notarial death certificate is issued. 

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Applicants should check the website or contact their local Notary Public Office to obtain specific information regarding required fees and supporting documents. edical certificate of death issued by the hospital.

Marriage

Available

Fees: Varies. Normally RMB 200 - 300  (Notarization Fee: RMB 80 + Translation Fee: Non-standard)

Document Name: Notarial certificate (Gong Zheng Shu)

Issuing Authority: Local Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:

  1. There are two types of notarial marriage certificates: Notarial Certificate for Marriage and Notarial Marriage Certificate. Both are acceptable.
    • Notarial Certificate for Marriage: Certifies the authenticity and legality of the marriage. It indicates the couple’s names, and the date and place of marriage
    • Notarial Marriage Certificate: Certifies the authenticity of the original marriage certificate, and that the photocopy of the marriage certificate is in accordance with the original.
       
  2. A notarial marriage certificate normally contains a watermark, seal, and red stamp; except for the copies of the original marriage certificate. All notarial documents must have an English translation, and be attached to a certificate stating that the English translation is in conformity with the Chinese original.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan)

Registration Criteria:

  1. A National ID card and household registration (Hu Kou Bu).  If the applicant lives abroad, a copy of his or her passport is also required.
  2. If the applicant is a foreign passport holder, or a Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau resident; the passport or the mainland travel permit is required.
  3. Original marriage certificate.
  4. Photographs - at least two.
  5. A signed affidavit or authorization certificate from the applicant if someone other than the applicant applies for the certificate on his or her behalf. The authorized person also needs to provide his/her national ID card.
  6. Other documents requested by the Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan).

Procedure for Obtaining:

  1. Complete an application and submit all relevant documents to the Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu).
  2. The Notary Public then examines the documents.  If the application is accepted, the applicant pays all related notary fees.
  3. Once the review of the submitted documents is completed, the notarial marriage certificate is issued.

Certified Copies Available: Certified Copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Applicants should check the website or contact their local Notary Public Office to obtain specific information regarding required fees and supporting documents. Same-sex marriage is not recognized in China.

 

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees: Varies. Normally RMB 200 - 300  (Notarization Fee: RMB 80 + Translation Fee: Non-standard)

Document Name: Notarial certificate (Gong Zheng Shu)

Issuing Authority: Local Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:

  1. There are two types of notarial divorce certificates: notarial certificate for divorce and notarial divorce certificate. Both are acceptable. 
    • Notarial certificate for divorce: Certifies the authenticity and legality of the divorce. It indicates the divorced couple’s names, and the date and place of divorce. 
    • Notarial divorce certificate: Certifies the authenticity of the original divorce certificate, and that the photocopy of the divorce certificate is in accordance with the original.
       
  2. A notarial divorce certificate normally contains a watermark, seal, and red stamp; except for the copies of the original divorce certificate. All notarial documents must have an English translation, and be attached with a certificate stating that the English translation is in conformity with the Chinese original.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan)

Registration Criteria:

  1. A National ID card and household registration (Hu Kou Bu). If the applicant lives abroad, a copy of his or her passport is also required. 
  2. If the applicant is a foreign passport holder, or a Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau resident; the passport or the mainland travel permit is required.
  3. One of the following two documents:
    • Original divorce certificate.
    • Original divorce decree or mediation agreement.
  4. Photographs - at least two.
  5. A signed affidavit or authorization certificate from the applicant if someone other than the applicant applies for the certificate on his or her behalf. The authorized person also needs to provide his/her national ID card.
  6. Other documents requested by the Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan).

Procedure for Obtaining:

  1. Complete an application and submit all relevant documents to the Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu).
  2. The Notary Public then examines the documents. If the application is accepted, the applicant pays all related notary fees.
  3. Once the review of the submitted documents is completed, the notarial divorce certificate is issued.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Applicants should check the website or contact their local Notary Public Office to obtain specific information regarding required fees and supporting documents. 

Available

Fees: Varies.  Normally RMB 200 - 300  (Notarization Fee: RMB 80 + Translation Fee: Non-standard)

Document Name: Notarial certificate (Gong Zheng Shu)

Issuing Authority: Local Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:

  1. A notarial adoption certificate certifies the authenticity of the original adoption certificate/adoption registration certificate; and that the photocopy of the certificate is in accordance with the original. 
  2. A notarial adoption certificate normally contains a watermark, seal, and red stamp; except for the copies of the original adoption certificate/adoption registration certificate. It must indicate the adoptee’s information (name, gender, and date of birth), the adoptive parents’ information (name, gender, and date of birth), the name of the person or institution placing the child for adoption, the registration number, the registration date, and the registration authority. All notarial documents must have an English translation, and be attached to a certificate stating that the English translation is in conformity with the Chinese original.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan)

Registration Criteria:

  1. A National ID card and household registration (Hu Kou Bu).  If the applicant lives abroad, a copy of his or her passport is also required.
  2. If the applicant is a Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau resident, the mainland travel permit is required.
  3. Original adoption certificate/adoption registration certificate.
  4. A signed affidavit or authorization certificate from the applicant if someone other than the applicant applies for the certificate on his or her behalf.  The authorized person also needs to provide his/her national ID card.
  5. Other documents requested by the Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan).

Procedure for Obtaining:

  1. Complete an application and submit all relevant documents to the Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu).
  2. The Notary Public then examines the documents.  If the application is accepted, the applicant pays all related notary fees.
  3. Once the review of the submitted documents is completed, the notarial adoption certificate is issued.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: In accordance with the most recent revisions to China's adoptions law, a Notarial Adoption Certificate is no longer a requirement for international (intercountry)-adoption cases that were initiated after April 1, 1999, the effective date of the revisions. Notarial Adoption Certificates remain available should any party involved in the adoption process wish to have one (Adoption Law of the PRC, Chapter II, Article 15).

Comments: Applicants should check the website or contact their local Notary Public Office to obtain specific information regarding required fees and supporting documents. 

Early Adoptions

Prior to January 1981, there were no standardized adoption laws and regulations in China. Commonly, adoptions were orally agreed to by the adoptive parent(s) and natural parents and/or surviving family members. There may or may not be a written record dating from the time of the adoption in these older cases. Parties to pre-1981 adoptions, however, often secured Notarial Adoption Certificates at a later point in time that listed the natural parents' names, adoptive parents' names, and the date of the adoption. These certificates were meant to be issued only after the notary ascertained that an adoption took place conforming to local practice and regulation.

Following Enactment of the Adoption Law of China, Effective April 1, 1992

China codified its adoption laws and regulations in the Current Adoption Law of China on December 29, 1991, which came into effect on April 1, 1992. Under this law, a Notarial Adoption Certificate was required in all adoption cases, and the inability to obtain a Notarial Adoption Certificate was prima facie evidence that no legal adoption ever took place. Therefore, adoptions taking place after January 1981 and before April 1, 1999 are considered valid only with the issuance of a Notarial Adoption Certificate. Additionally, for adoption cases initiated during this period, the date of issuance of the Notarial Adoption Certification serves as the effective date of adoption.

Revisions to the Adoption Law of China, Effective April 1, 1999

On November 4, 1998, China amended its adoption law, effective April 1, 1999. Under the revised law, Notarial Adoption Certificates are no longer required in the adoption process, nor are they used to establish the effective date of adoption. Instead, a Certificate of Registration of Adoption is used, and the effective date of an adoption is the date of registration (Revised Measures for Registration of Adoption of Children by Foreigners, Article 11). These certificates are issued by the provincial-level Ministry of Civil Affairs, which is responsible for approving all adoptions of parentless or abandoned children who becomes the wards of the Chinese state.

International (Intercountry) Adoptions in China

Foreigners may, in accordance with the Adoption Law of China, adopt a child  in the PRC. As in a domestic adoption, the adoptive relationship shall be established as the date of registration for all adoptions concluded on or after April 1, 1999, the effective date of the revised law. For adoptions occurring prior to that date, failure to obtain a Notarial Certificate of Adoption remains prima facie evidence that a legal adoption never took place. While a Notarial Adoption Certificate is no longer required, one may be obtained should any party involved in the adoptive relationship wish to have one. Moreover, it remains true that if a foreign parent or married couple adopts a Chinese orphan, at least one of the adoptive parents must travel to China to complete the adoption, at which time they will receive a Notarial Birth Certificate and a Notarial Abandonment Certificate (Revised Measures for Registration of Adoption of Children by Foreigners, Article 8). The Notarial Abandonment Certificate should detail under what circumstances the child was either orphaned or abandoned. Please consult the U.S. Consulate Guangzhou's Adoption Unit for more on the intercountry adoptions process.

Available

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name: Resident Identification Card of People’s Republic of China (Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Ju Min Shen Fen Zheng)

Issuing Authority: Public Security Bureau/Authorized Administrative Police Station

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The second generation resident identity card with smart chip has been issued to Chinese citizens since March 29th, 2004. The machine-readable chip contains the card holder’s biometric information.  Some physical features of the card include:

  1. Front of Card: National Emblem, Issuing Authority, and period of validity.
  2. Back of Card: Name, gender, ethnicity, date of birth, home address, identification number, and picture of the card holder.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: According to Chinese law, all Chinese citizens age 16 and older are required to submit an application for a resident identification card through the Public Security Bureau where his/her household is registered within 90 days. The legal guardian can submit an application on behalf of children age 16 and younger.

Procedure for Obtaining: The applicant must provide his or her biometric information and personally submit the following documents to the Public Security Bureau or authorized local administrative police station:

  1. Original household registration book (Hu kou bu)
  2. Parent’s identification card for applicants age 16 and younger.
  3. Application form (available at the Public Security Bureau or through its official website).
  4. One digital photo

*Processing time is up to 60 calendar days once the application is accepted.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: Temporary resident identity card

Exceptions: None

Comments:

  1. The validity of a temporary identification card varies based on the age of the card holder:
    • 16 and younger:  5 years
    • 16-25: 10 years
    • 16-45: 20 years
  2. Applicants can verify if an online application is available by checking their provincial Public Security Bureau’s official website.

Police Records

Available

Fees: Varies.  Normally RMB 200 - 300  (Notarization Fee: RMB 80 + Translation Fee: Non-standard)

Document Name: Notarial certificate (Gong Zheng Shu)

Issuing Authority: Local Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:

  1. There are two types of notarial police certificates: notarial certificate of no criminal record and notarial certificate of criminal record.
    • Notarial certificate of no criminal record: Certifies that the applicant has no criminal offense during his or her residence in China. It indicates the applicant’s name, gender, date of birth, ID number, and period of residence in China. NOTE: Notarial certificates of no criminal record issued prior to 2012 may not list the ID number.
    • Notarial certificate of criminal record: Certifies the applicant’s criminal offense and sentencing during their residence in China. It indicates the applicant’s name, gender, date of birth, ID number, conviction information, nature and date of conviction, and date of release. Some certificates also attest that the applicant has no other criminal record beyond the convictions already described. NOTE: Notarial certificates of no criminal record issued prior to 2012 may not list the ID number.
       
  2. A notarial police certificate normally contains a watermark, seal, and red stamp.  All notarial documents must have an English translation, and be attached to a certificate stating that the English translation is in conformity with the Chinese original.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan)

Registration Criteria:

  1. A National ID card and household registration (Hu Kou Bu).  If the applicant lives abroad, a copy of his or her passport is also required. 
  2. If the applicant is a foreign passport holder, the following documents are required:
    • Valid passport, and all Chinese residence permits or visas. 
    • Registration form of temporary residence for foreigners. 
    • Chinese permanent resident card if applicable.
  3. Certificate of no criminal offense, or certificate of criminal offense, issued by the Public Security Bureau. 
  4. Photographs - at least two.
  5. A signed affidavit or authorization certificate from the applicant if someone other than the applicant applies for the certificate on his or her behalf.  The authorized person also needs to provide his/her national ID card.   
  6. Other documents requested by the Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan).

Procedure for Obtaining: 

  1. Complete an application and submit all relevant documents to the Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu).
  2. The Notary Public then examines the documents.  If the application is accepted, the applicant pays all related notary fees.
  3. Once the review of the submitted documents is completed, the notarial police certificate is issued. 

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: Police records are not available for those who were in China in diplomatic status including those working for international organizations, such as the United Nations. 

Comments: While standardized procedures to apply for a notarized document exist in China, in practice, procedures vary depending on locale. Applicants should check the website or contact their local Notary Public Office to obtain specific information regarding required fees and supporting documents. 

 

Court/Prison Records

Available

Fees: Varies. (Notarization Fee: RMB 80 + Translation Fee: Non-standard)

Document Name: Notarial court certificate (Pan Jue Shu Gong Zheng)

Issuing Authority: Local Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:

  1. A notarial court certificate certifies the authenticity of the original People’s Court criminal judgment, and that the photocopy of the judgment is in accordance with the original. 
  2. A notarial court certificate normally contains a watermark, seal, and red stamp; except for the copies of the original People’s Court criminal judgment. It indicates the applicant’s name, gender, date of birth, and ID number. NOTE: Notorial court certificates issued prior to 2012 may not list the ID number. All notarial documents must have an English translation, and be attached with a certificate stating that the English translation is in conformity with the Chinese original.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan)

Registration Criteria:

  1. A National ID card and household registration (Hu Kou Bu).  If the applicant lives abroad, a copy of his or her passport is also required.
  2. If the applicant is a foreign passport holder, or a Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau resident; the passport or the mainland travel permit is required.
  3. Original People’s court criminal judgment.
  4. A signed affidavit or authorization certificate from the applicant if someone other than the applicant applies for the certificate on his or her behalf.  The authorized person also needs to provide his/her national ID card.
  5. Other documents requested by the Notary Public (Gong Zheng Yuan).

Procedure for Obtaining:

  1. Complete an application and submit all relevant documents to the Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu).
  2. The Notary Public then examines the documents.  If the application is accepted, the applicant pays all related notary fees.
  3. Once the review of the submitted documents is completed, the notarial court certificate is issued.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Applicants should check the website or contact their local Notary Public Office to obtain specific information regarding required fees and supporting documents. 

Generally not available.

Types of Passports available: Diplomatic Passport; Service Passport; Passport for Public Affairs; Private Passport.

  1. Diplomatic Passports: Bright Red. Used for diplomats and certain senior government officials, (e.g., provincial governors, ministers, etc.).
  2. Service Passports: Green. Used for other government-sponsored travelers who are at, or below, the vice-minister level. Service passports are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  3. Passports for Public Affairs: Brown. Used for other government-sponsored travelers who are at, or below, the vice-minister level.  Public Affairs passports are issued by Provincial Foreign Affairs Offices.

    Note: Posts in China have seen a variety of government-sponsored travelers, from trading company officials to kung fu experts, traveling on Public Affairs passports. The Provincial Foreign Affairs offices appear to have some latitude in deciding who can travel on a Public Affairs passport.

  4. Private Passport: Dark Red. The current dark red passports first appeared in 1992.

Fees: RMB 160

Document Name: People’s Republic of China Passport (Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Hu Zhao)
 

Issuing Government Authority: Exit & Entry Administration Department, Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of People’s Republic of China.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:

Starting from May 15th, 2012, the PSB officially initiated the use of the electronic passport. The new passports contain the bearer’s biometric information, including gender, date of birth and finger prints. A regular passport is dark red with 48 pages. The biographic page contains passport type, country code, passport number, name, gender, nationality, date of birth, place of birth, date of issue, place of issue, date of expiry, authority and the signature of the bearer.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria:

  1. One recent passport photo and application form.
  2. The original and a copy of the applicant’s national ID card for all applicants above age 16 is required. A temporary national ID card is acceptable during the renewal stage.
  3. If the applicant is below the age of 16, the original national ID card of the guardian and household registration (Hu Kou Bu), or any other proof of guardianship (e.g. birth certificate) is required, and the applicant must be accompanied by the guardian.
  4. Chinese national public servants must provide a statement from the office/bureau of their work place that grants permission to apply for exit/entry documents.

Procedure for Obtaining:

  1. Complete the application form and submit all required documents to the Exit and Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau where the applicant’s family is registered. Applicants with active military service must submit the application to the Exit and Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau where their branch of the military is located.
  2. Pay the application fee.
  3. Processing time varies. It is normally between 10 to 30 working days depending on the city/province.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Applicants should check the website or contact their local Public Security Bureau regarding any special registration criteria. A Chinese passport will NOT be issued to:

a. Person who does not have Chinese nationality.
b. Person without identification.
c. Person who provides fake documents or fraudulent materials.
d. Person who is currently serving a prison sentence.
e. Person who has been identified as a suspect of a crime.
f.  Person who is on the Chinese national security warrant list.
g. Person who has a criminal record or illegal exit & entry record within the last 6 months to 3 years.

Other Documents Available:  Travel Document:  Blue -  A Travel Document is issued by Chinese diplomatic representative offices outside of China to Chinese citizens who, due to time constraints or other reasons, are unable to apply for a regular passport.  If the Travel Document is annotated as “Valid only for return travel to China” the document becomes invalid as soon as the holder enters China. A Travel Document may also be issued by Chinese diplomatic representative offices to residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan who do not possess mainland travel permits and who need to travel to mainland China. A Travel Document will typically either be issued as single entry for mainland China with one year of validity, or as multiple entries/exits for mainland China with two years of validity. Travel Document validity cannot be extended. A Travel Document can also be used to apply for third country visas as well as to travel to a third country.   

Notarial Work Experience Certificates

Available. Notarial Work Experience Certificates (NWECS) briefly describe an applicant's work experience in the PRC. They should be required of all employment based preference immigrant applicants who claim work experience in China. Employer's letters or sworn statements from persons claiming person's knowledge should not be accepted in lieu of NWECS. The inability of an applicant to obtain a NWEC should be regarded as prima facie evidence the applicant does not possess the claimed experience.

Post Title: Beijing (Embassy)

Street Address:

No. 55 An Jia Lou Road
Beijing, China 100600

Phone Number:

Tel: (86-10) 8531-3000, 8531-4000 (ACS)
Fax: (86-10) 8531-4200, 8531-3300 (ACS)

Visa Services: NIV except K

 

Post Title: Guangzhou (Consulate General)

Mailing Address:

U.S. Consulate General
43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town
Tianhe District
Guangzhou, China
510623

Street Address:

Huaxia Road, Zhujiang New Town, (near Exit B1 of the Zhujiang New Town subway station, Line 3 and Line 5)
Tianhe District
Guangzhou, China

Phone Number:

(86-20) 3814-5000

Visa Services: All categories

 

Post Title: Shanghai (Consulate General)

Street Address:

Main Consulate Building Address:
1469 Huai Hai Zhong Road (Near Wulumuqi Nan Lu)
Shanghai, China 200031

Consular Section Address:
Eighth floor of Westgate Mall
1038 West Nanjing Road
Shanghai, China

Phone Number:

Tel: (86-21) 8011-2200
Fax: (86-21) 6279-7603

Visa Services: NIV except K

 

Post Title: Shenyang (Consulate General)

Street Address:

No. 52, 14 Wei Road
Heping District
Shenyang, Liaoning, China 110003

Phone Number:

Tel: (86-24) 2322-1198
Fax: (86-24) 2322-2374

Visa Services: NIV except K

 

Post Title: Wuhan (Consulate General)

Street Address:

Room 4701, New World International Trade Tower I
No. 568, Jianshe Avenue
Jianghan District, Wuhan 430022

Phone Number:

Tel: (86-27) 8555-7791
Fax: (86-27) 8555-7761

Visa Services: Is not yet open for visa services

 

IV

Guangzhou:

All IV applications for China (PRC).

All K NIV applications for China.

NIV

Beijing
Guangzhou
Shanghai
Shenyang
Wuhan: The Consulate General of Wuhan is not yet open for visa services.


The embassy/consular districts include the following provinces/regions of China:

Embassy/Consular District: Beijing
Provinces/Regions:

Beijing
Tianjin
Shandong
Shanxi
Inner Mongolia
Ningxia
Shaanxi
Qinghai
Gansu
Xinjiang
Hebei
Henan
Hubei
Hunan
Jiangxi

Embassy/Consular District: Guangzhou

Provinces/Regions:

Guangdong
Guangxi
Hainan
Fujian

Embassy/Consular District: Shanghai
Provinces/Regions:

Shanghai
Anhui
Jiangsu
Zhejiang

Embassy/Consular District: Shenyang
Provinces/Regions:

Liaoning
Heilongjiang
Jilin

Embassy/Consular District: Wuhan
Provinces/Regions:

Is not yet open for visa services. Those seeking visa services should contact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

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