Visa Application Guide
Rio Hondo College Trip – Young Envoys Scholarship (YES)
Part 1: Fill up China Visa Application Form 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: Fill up Visa Application Form 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 |
| 2026-06-18 | 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: Wait Time – Processing After Visiting the Embassy/Consulate
Stage 1: Preliminary Review Stage
Once submitted online, your application undergoes initial evaluation.
Status Screenshot Reference:
Passport to be Submitted Stage
Status Screenshot Reference:
When your status shifts to “Passport to be Submitted,” you (or an authorized agent/agency) must bring your physical passport, a printed copy of the application form with the barcode, and any required original documents to the Visa Office or Visa Center. (Most Chinese Consulates, such as the one in Los Angeles, currently operate on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed once this status is reached).
Once you drop off your physical passport and receive your physical Pick-up Slip, the processing turnaround times are highly predictable:
| Service Type | Processing Time | Example Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Service | 4 business days | Submit on Monday, Pick up on Thursday |
| Express Service | 2 to 3 business days | Submit on Monday, Pick up on Wednesday (Requires an extra fee) |
You will monitor the tracker one last time until it says “Passport to be Collected.” Return to the office with your physical Pick-up Slip, pay the visa fee (typically via credit card—Visa or Mastercard only; cash and personal checks are not accepted), and collect your passport with your new visa inside.
Part 4: 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.