Visa Application Guide
Rio Hondo College Trip – Young Envoys Scholarship (YES)
Part 1: Visa Application for F Type (Exchange)
You are applying for the Young Envoys Scholarship (YES) program, a special exchange initiative announced in late 2023 to bring American students to China.
Visa Category: F Visa (Non-commercial Visit / Exchange)
Sample Form Reference: View Official Mock-up
1. Preparation Steps
✅ Step 1: Receive Your Invitation Letter
Start your application immediately once you receive the letter from CEAIE or Lishui Vocational Technical College. Do not wait.
📸 Step 2: Get a Digital Photo
- Visit a passport photo store (CVS, Walgreens, UPS Store).
- Ask for a “China visa digital photo” (33mm wide x 48mm tall).
- Save the digital file to your device; you will upload it during the online application.
2. Submission Options
| Option | What They Do | Service Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Full Service | They fill the form, submit the application, and return your passport. | $100 | Tracy Wang 📧 Tracy999w@gmail.com 📱 626-226-7392 (Text) |
| 2. Half Service | You fill the online form. They handle the submission/pickup at the LA Office. | $50 | Hank Lee 📧 Hanklee7@gmail.com 📱 626-777-8666 (Text) |
| 3. DIY | You complete everything and visit the visa office in person. | Free | LA Visa Office |
3. COVA Form Reference (F Visa)
Select Los Angeles as your office. Items in RED must be replaced with your personal information.
| Family Name | YOUR last name |
|---|---|
| Given Name | YOUR first name |
| Visa Category | F |
| Inviting Entity | China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) |
| Inviting Address | Yifu Conference Center, 160 Fuxingmen Nei Street, Beijing 100031 |
| Who pays? | Lishui Vocational Technical College |
Download fillable Visa Application form
Note: Section 2 and Section 6 were filled up for you already.
Part 2: Visa Application for L Type (Travel Visa)
You must fill out the application digitally at the official consular.mfa.gov.cn portal.
Below is a breakdown of what the “form” actually asks for, structured like a sample to help you prepare your data before logging in.
Section 1: Personal Information
- Full Name: Exactly as it appears on your passport.
- Photo: Upload a digital color photo (white background, 48mm x 33mm). System will auto-check.
- Passport Details: Number, expiration date (>6 months), and place of issue.
- Place of Birth: City and Country.
- Nationality: Current and any former.
Section 2: Type of Visa
- Category: Select (L) Tourism.
- Validity: Most U.S. citizens are eligible for 10-year multi-entry.
- Service: Standard (4 business days) or Express (3 business days).
Section 3: Work & Education
- Work History: All jobs held in the last 5 years (Employer name, address, supervisor phone).
- Education: Highest academic degree (e.g., Doctorate/Ph.D.), school name, and major.
Section 4: Family Information
- Current Address: Your home address.
- Family Members: Full names, nationalities, and occupations of spouse, children, and parents.
- Emergency Contact: Someone not traveling with you.
Section 5: Travel Information
| Arrival | Departure | City/District | Detailed Address (Hotel/Organization) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-18 | 2026-06-28 | Lishui, Zhejiang | Lishui Vocational and Technical College, College Hotel |
| 2026-06-28 | 2026-06-28 | Shanghai | Pudong International Airport (Return to US) or (Transit to Taipei) |
Lishui Vocational and Technical College Contact:
Address: 357 Zhongshan St, Liandu District, Lishui, Zhejiang, China, 323088
Phone number: 0578-2216722
Part 3: Online China Arrival Card
Before entering China, foreign visitors can submit their entry information through online channels to save time at the border.
Official Guidance: China Embassy Notice on Online Arrival Card
Where Can I Fill in the China Arrival Card Online?
Submit your entry information through one of the following channels:
- National Immigration Administration: s.nia.gov.cn
- Government Service Platform: gjzwfw.www.gov.cn
- “Immigration 12367” App: Download Link
- Mini Programs: Search for NIA on Alipay or WeChat.
- QR Code: Scan the QR code found on the physical arrival card form at the airport.
📌 Final Reminders
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
- Due to my demanding schedule at Rio Hondo College, I am unable to provide individual assistance. Please refer to this guide for all instructions.
- Keep your QR codes! You cannot submit your passport or clear immigration without them.