There are mainly two steps in obtaining a visa.

1. Online Application. Your visa application will enter the preliminary review stage after you have completed the visa application form and uploaded all supporting materials online. Preliminary review typically takes 2 to 3 business days. Please log in to your registered account and check your preliminary review status. An "Online review completed" status indicates successful preliminary review.

2. Submission of Original Passport. You can submit your original passport to Chinese Visa Application Service Center when the preliminary review status indicates “Online review completed”. (No appointment is required in advance). Visa applications can be processed in two ways: normal or expedited. Normal processing: Visa can be collected on the 7th business day upon submission of the original passport. Expedited processing: Visa can be collected on the 3rd business day upon  submission of the original passport.

It is highly recommended that you leave sufficient time for visa processing when making your travel plans. See "Reference" for detailed instructions.