1) Fill COVA Online

Read the tips below and complete all required and recommended fields. After submission, no edits are possible; corrections require a new form.

Portal: cova.mfa.gov.cn

2) Key Tips & Notes

Where to Submit (by State)

ID Photo Upload

• Use the slider under the photo to adjust head size to spec.
• White background, even lighting, clear facial features; avoid tinted lenses or large accessories.

Personal Information

• Names, sex, DOB, nationality, passport number must match the passport page exactly.
• Given name(s): On U.S. passports, Given names include middle name; enter them together—don’t separate the middle name.
• Former name(s): If you changed names (incl. adding English first/middle), enter the name from your Chinese passport (pinyin). Otherwise leave blank.
• Chinese name: If born in China (incl. HK/MO/TW), provide your name in Chinese characters; others may leave blank.
• National ID Number: Driver’s license number or passport number.
• “Previously held other nationality or residence status”: If born in China (incl. HK/MO/TW), choose “Yes” and select China.
• Item 1.6H is mandatory: If you previously applied for a Chinese visa, this field may not appear online; after printing, hand‑write your Chinese name, former ID No., and former Chinese passport No. If unknown, write “Unknown/Not sure”.

Passport/Travel Document Type

Most applicants choose Ordinary.

Visa Type / Purpose of Visit

• Q2 (Family Visit): Select D “Short‑term visit to Chinese citizens”, up to 180 days.
• 10‑year multiple‑entry (when applicable): Validity 120 months; max stay—tourism 90 days, Q2 180 days; entries: multiple.

Current Occupation & Last 5 Years’ Experience

• Non‑faculty university roles: choose “Company employee”, not “Academic”.
• List all jobs in the last 5 years (incl. in China), most recent first; no end date for current job.
• Position & duties are required (even if marked optional online).
• If unemployed or with gaps, explain activities and income source; add signed addendum if >5 entries.
• Self‑employed: fill normally; supervisor = yourself; company name can be “Self‑employed”; position Owner; describe your business.
• Retired: provide last 5 years; if retired >5 years, give your last job (explicitly required by Los Angeles).

Education

• Currently only the highest degree is required; use “High School” if no college.
• Degree & major are required (except for high school).

Address, Email, Immediate Family

• Provide full City / State / ZIP for home and spouse.
• Email is recommended (and required by San Francisco).
• Parents: if deceased, select “Not applicable” and note “Deceased”.
• Children: adult children must also be listed. If married for years without children, hand‑write “No children” on the extra page after printing and sign.

Travel Information

• Flight: not required.
• Stay cities: for Q2, the main family‑visit city; for tourism, list all cities (use +Add), dates align with hotels.
• Address: optional online but recommended (host’s address or hotel address).

Inviter/Contact & Trip Cost

• Tourist (L): do not fill “Chinese inviter/contact/organization” to avoid misunderstanding.
• Who pays: for minors, do not choose “Self”; choose a parent.
• Guarantor: usually not needed; for minors, a parent is fine.

Countries Visited in the Last Year

Answer truthfully. If you visited regions that may trigger additional review, be prepared to provide extra information and contact us in advance.

3) Download, Print & Sign

• Download & print: after finishing COVA, download the PDF and print the full set (Confirmation Page + Application Form), usually 7–8 pages.
• If you won’t provide a paper photo, print the confirmation page in color and ensure the uploaded photo is accepted.
• Signatures: Confirmation Page + Page 7 Section 9.1A must be hand‑signed by the applicant; no e‑signatures; do not sign 9.2E by mistake.

Minors (Under 18) — Signing Rules

• Signed by guardian; child’s own signature not required.
• Confirmation page: write the child’s name; guardian signs next to it.
• Page 7: write child’s name at 9.1A; guardian signs at 9.2E (agent).
• “Statement of Applicant in the U.S.”: write child’s name; guardian signs next to it.

4) Other Forms & Useful Links

• “Statement of Applicant in the U.S.”
• Guide for lost PRC passport & timeline mismatch with U.S. passport
• Related services:
  • Translations & Apostille/Hague certification
  • Photo compliance check & printing
  • Expedited submission & tracking (where available)

FAQ

What if I made a mistake after submission?

You can’t edit after online submission. You must refill a new COVA. Use our pre‑check to avoid rework.

Is a 10‑year multiple‑entry visa guaranteed?

No. Issuance and duration are decided by the accepting consulate. Your selections indicate preference, not outcome.

Do I need a flight and full itinerary?

Flights are typically optional; listing cities and lodging addresses is recommended and should match your purpose.

Why must I provide “position & duties”?

Though optional online, many consulates require it. Missing info can trigger requests for additional documents.

Photo upload keeps failing—what to do?

Check background, lighting, and head size; adjust with the slider. We can help verify and fix photo specs.