When to Apply for a China Visa: COVA's 90-Day Entry Window
Current COVA guidance says the system accepts applications for intended entry dates within the next 90 days.
Official baseline: Built from the Chinese Embassy in
the U.S. September 2025 requirements and COVA guidance; case-specific
evidence may be requested.
Documents and planning points
- Count backward from the intended China entry date
- Leave time for document preparation and preliminary-review corrections
- Add passport submission, consular processing and return shipping
- Avoid non-refundable travel until timing and issuance are sufficiently certain
Common mistakes
- Copying another applicant's category, timing or document outcome.
- Allowing COVA to conflict with inviter, employer or supporting records.
- Treating a requested category or assistance service as an approval guarantee.
Related guides
- china visa processing time explained
- china visa express service guide
- mail in china visa assistance works
One managed application workflow
We can align the category, COVA and documents, follow preliminary review, and coordinate passport submission and tracked return when eligible.
Start an applicationSources
- Chinese Embassy in the U.S. current visa requirements
- COVA guidance and visa FAQ
- r/Chinavisa—individual experiences are not an official rule.
eChinaVisa is an independent visa application assistance service operated by Dragon Byte Design Inc. It is not a government website and is not affiliated with any Chinese embassy or consulate. Approval and official procedures are determined by the relevant Chinese authorities.