Last updated 2025-05-22
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
China offers a J1 visa to resident foreign journalists/media staff or foreign news organizations stationed in China for an intended duration of stay in China that exceeds 180 days. It is issued one single entry visa, and the applicant must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering the country.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
3 months
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The validity of a Chinese visa is calculated from the date of issue to the expiration date indicated on the visa. The visa holder has the right to enter China at any time before its expiration (entry into China is permitted even before 24:00 hours of the last date of its validity), provided that the permitted entries under the visa have not been used up. The decision on the validity period of the visa is made at the consulate and does not depend directly on the applicant. As a rule, such a visa allows a stay in the territory of the People's Republic of China for more than 180 days and is issued for a validity period of up to 3 months, during which the applicant must enter the country to apply for a temporary residence permit.
1 month
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
As a rule, such a visa allows a stay in the territory of the People's Republic of China for more than 180 days. Holders of this category of visa must, within 30 days from the date of entry, apply to the exit/entry department of the public security organs of the local people's government at or above the county level in the intended place of residence with an application for issuance of a residence permit to foreigners. The temporary residence permit will determine the period of permitted stay in the territory of the People's Republic of China.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
In most cases, such a visa cannot be extended; however, it is possible to apply for an extension of the residence permit. To apply for an extension of the period of stay, a foreign national residing in the territory of the PRC must submit an application to the exit-entry department of the public security bureau of the local people's government at or above the county level where he or she resides 30 days before the expiration of the existing residence permit and provide documents confirming the reason for the stay in accordance with the requirements. After checking and confirming the validity of the reason for the extension, the permitted period of stay is extended. In case of refusal to extend the period of stay, the foreign national must promptly leave the territory of the PRC.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The J1 visa is usually issued for a single entry, and holders must apply for a temporary residence permit within 30 days of entry.
from 4 days to 8 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visa processing usually takes four working days if all supporting documents meet the requirements. But in some special cases where additional documentation is required, the processing time may be extended. Usually, if there is an urgent need for travel, the applicant can request expedited processing by submitting supporting documents. The processing time will be 2–3 working days (additional fees apply). The time and cost may vary depending on the specific consulate/embassy/visa center.
$171
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The fee may be waived, or the amount may vary depending on the applicant's nationality, the specific purpose of the visit and the number of entries. In addition, for most countries, an additional express service is provided if necessary. This service reduces the processing time of the application and increases the amount of the fee. The consular fee is the official fee for processing a visa application by the embassy, consulate or accredited visa center of the People's Republic of China and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of processing permits and other documents, postal and courier delivery of documents, etc.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Original passport and colorful scan of the information and extension page valid for at least 6 months, with 2 or more blank visa pages.
Visa application form
One visa application form completed online and signed by hand.
Photograph
A recently-taken (within 6 months), color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Visa notification
A visa notification letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Payment of visa fee
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Travel health insurance
Valid for the full duration of stay, covering at least €30,000, and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in case of death.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Financial evidence
Proof that the applicant can support themselves financially during their stay in China is required. Bank statements may be submitted as evidence.
Proof of accommodation
A hotel reservation, lease, or rent documents.
Return ticket
Return air ticket booking.
Previous visas and/or passports
Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizens who used to have Chinese citizenship).
Proof of legal stay or residence status
Applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
J
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Ordinary
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Journalist
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
3 months
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
$171
