Chinese Academic Visa (F-Visa) for Cultural and Scientific Purposes

The China Academic Visa (F-Visa) is designated for non-commercial stays in China, such as short-term guest lectures, attending conferences, research stays, and participants and judges in music and art competitions, as well as athletes and their coaches.

The Academic Visa is currently issued either for the exact period specified in the invitation letter, or for stays of up to 90 days. With an official invitation (Invitation of Duly Authorised Unit), stays of up to 180 days are possible. For stays exceeding 180 days, a work visa is generally required.

Purpose of Travel:	Non-commercial "business trips"
Duration of Stay:	Variable, depending on the invitation
Number of Entries:	Variable, depending on the invitation
Validity Period:	Variable from issuance until entry into China

Documents Required to Apply for the Chinese Academic Visa:

1. Completed visa application (exclusively online since May 2019)
2. Coloured, biometric passport photo against a light background (digitally inserted into the online form and optionally printed on photo paper, approx. 1.4 x 1.8 inches)
3. Passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and one blank page for the visa (two blank pages are necessary for double or multiple entries)
4. A formally correct invitation from a non-commercial organization registered in China (e.g., universities, research institutions, museums, tournament or festival organizers). The invitation must include the full address and telephone number of the inviting institution on the letterhead, as well as the name, duration of stay, and birthdate of the invitee(s). It must also be signed and stamped with an official seal. The invitation is issued in China, scanned, and emailed to the UK as an attachment. An original is not required for the visa application.

For multiple entries or an annual visa, you are advised to provide an official invitation (Duly Authorized Unit) from your business partner, which must be applied for at the relevant authority (e.g., university).

Validity and Duration of the Chinese Academic Visa:

Typically, the China Academic Visa grants entry into China for 90 days from the day of issuance. From the moment of entry, it is valid either for a specified period or for a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days (with an official invitation: up to a maximum of 180 days). If the visa is for double entry, both entries must occur within 90 days of visa issuance.

A one-time extension of your stay in China is generally possible at the local police station.

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