Since the official launch of China Online Visa Application on 15 June ( “the new visa system”), it has attracted much attention from applicants. Many applicants have made inquiries by phone or email. The new visa system aims to optimize the old visa application process and provide more convenience for applicants. To help better understand the features and operation of the new system, we have summarised 10 FAQs for applicants and provided the following answers:
Question 1: What are the benefits of the new visa system?
Answer:
· One-stop online application: The new visa system integrates the previous "China Online Visa Application"(COVA) and "China Online Visa Appointment System" (AVAS), allowing applicants to fill out the application form and make appointments on a single website.
· Unique applicant ID for easy tracking: Applicants register and log in to the new visa system with their email addresses. They can complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and make an appointment using the same account. The account can be used to make applications for the applicant own sake or on behalf of others, and it allows applicants to check out the status of their applications.
· Streamlined process with fewer on-site visits: With the implementation of the new visa system, the review process has shifted from offline to online. Applicants can track the status and receive the final results through the system. After passing the online assessment, applicants can make an appointment to submit their passports at Visa Office. We will no longer review application forms and supporting documents on-site.The new visa system avoids multiple visits for applicants whose documents do not meet the requirements, effectively saving time and effort.
· Electronic submission of supporting documents: There is no longer a need to print out visa application forms and various supporting documents. The application process has become paperless. Applicants only need to bring the printed appointment confirmation and their original passports when they come to Visa Office. Please note: Consular officers may still request additional supporting documents or supplementary materials if necessary.
Question 2: Does the new visa system eliminate the need to make appointments at Visa Office?
Answer: Appointments are still required. After passing the online assessment, applicants need to make an appointment to submit their passports at Visa Office. Applicants have to present the printed appointment confirmation with a bar-code, submit the passports, and have fingerprints collected (except for special categories of individuals exempted from fingerprinting). Holders of diplomatic, official passports, or those applying for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas do not need to make appointments and can directly come to Visa Office after passing the online assessment.
Please note: The application process for Hong Kong entry permits/visas remains unchanged. Applicants can still come to Visa Office after completing the application form.
Question 3: For applicants who have already made appointments through the old visa system, do they need to reapply?
Answer: There is no need to reapply. Appointments made through the old visa system are still valid. Please submit the required documents at Visa Office according to the scheduled appointment time. The requirements remain the same.
Question 4: Are applications submitted through the old visa system without appointments still valid?
Answer: Such applications are invalid. Please make applications through the new visa system.
Question 5: What should I do if I cannot find the printed form and appointment confirmation from the old visa system?
Answer: To print the application form, please click on the "Retrieve an appointment" option in the "China Online Visa Application" (COVA) system. To retrieve the appointment confirmation, please go to the "Check/Cancel Appointment" option in the "China Online Visa Appointment System" (AVAS).
Question 6: For those who have made appointments through the old visa system but have expected long waiting time, is it faster to reapply through the new visa system?
Answer: It is not recommended to reapply through the new visa system. We will process the existing appointments and at the same time accept and assess applications through the new visa system. Applicants who have completed the form and made appointments through the old visa system should proceed with their original scheduled appointments.
Question 7: How can I collect the passport and visa?
Answer: Please log in to the new visa system to check the progress of your application. When the status shows "Ready for Collection," you can come to Visa Office between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on working days with a screenshot of the "Ready for Collection" status or the collection slip to pay the fees and collect passports. If you are unable to collect them in person, you can authorise someone else to do so. The person must present the applicant's screenshot or collection slip and pay the fees.
Question 8: Can I still choose the postal return service as before?
Answer: Yes. Please provide a prepaid return envelope when submitting your passport at Visa Office. You will need to complete the bank transfer on-site and send the payment confirmation screenshot by email.
Please note: Postal return service and express service cannot be applied for simultaneously. We will not be responsible for any loss, damage, or delay of documents caused by choosing the postal return service.
Question 9: How can I pay the fees through the new visa system?
Answer: Currently, fees are paid on-site when collecting passports. Applicants who choose the postal return service need to pay the fees when submitting their passports at Visa Office. We accept payment by credit card (MasterCard or Visa only), bank debit card (EFTPOS), bank transfer (ONLINE BANKING TRANSFER), UnionPay (credit card, debit card, or QuickPass), WeChat Pay, and Alipay. To ensure accurate verification and timely processing, when making bank transfer, please make sure the applicant's name is entered in the "Particulars" field, the application number in the "Code" field, and the service category "Visa" in the "Reference".
Question 10: Can one account be used to make appointments for multiple applicants?
Answer: Yes. Using one account to submit multiple applications (with no number limit) is acceptable in the new visa system. It allows appointments made for up to six applications after being assessed by us.
