You are suggested to submit your application at the Visa Application Centre by appointment in advance. It is advisable that you arrive at the Visa Application Centre not earlier than three months, because the Chinese visa (mainland China only) is typically valid for three months. If you apply for a visa too early, the visa may expire before your departure. For instance, if you plan to enter mainland China on July 1, the best time to submit your application would be around June 1 (counting working days only).

Please note that the validity of some visas is equal to or shorter than one month. In that case, you may apply for the visa around two weeks before your intended date of entry into mainland China.