The Z visa is for foreign nationals who intend to work in China. The China-based employer normally completes the work-authorization stage first; the current U.S. visa guidance lists a valid Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners as the category-specific document.
Who this visa is for
- You have a genuine China-based employer and will perform authorized work in China
- The employer or authorized agent has obtained the required work-permit notice before the visa application
When to review another category
- Short business meetings without employment — review the M visa
- Academic visits without employment — review the F visa
- Beginning work before the correct authorization is in place
Basic application documents
- Passport bio page and the blank visa page requested by the receiving office; the current U.S. guidance says the passport should have more than six months of remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages.
- A completed online China visa application with a recent, compliant photo.
- Proof of lawful stay or residence in the United States when applicable, plus any jurisdiction-specific residence evidence requested for the case.
- Previous Chinese passport or previous Chinese visa records when the applicant formerly held Chinese nationality or the authority asks for prior records.
Current checklist basis: Chinese Embassy in the United States guidance updated September 2025. Requirements remain case-specific.
Z-visa sequence
- Employer stage: the China-based employer handles the work-authorization documents and obtains the applicable work-permit notice.
- Visa stage: the applicant completes the online visa application and provides the current category-specific and basic documents.
- After entry: Z-visa holders generally need to complete the local work/residence formalities within the period required by Chinese authorities.
- Employment details, employer name, job, work location, and work-permit records should align across the case.
Start a case and provide your actual travel purpose. Our team can help organize the category and supporting-document review.
Documents that may apply to your case
- Documents for a minor applicant, including parent or guardian records where required.
- Name-change, naturalization, immigration-status, or prior-passport evidence when relevant.
- Additional originals, explanations, or supporting evidence requested during online preliminary review or passport submission.
How the assisted application works
- Start your case. Create an account and tell us your nationality, U.S. residence, travel purpose, and planned dates.
- Category and document review. We identify inconsistencies and provide a case-specific preparation checklist.
- Online preliminary review. The application and uploads follow the current official online process; additional materials may be requested.
- Passport submission and return. Submit only after the case reaches the required status and follow the case-specific mailing instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting the visa filing before the work-permit notice is ready
- Employer or job details that do not match the work authorization
- Treating the entry visa as the final work/residence authorization
Frequently asked questions
Does eChinaVisa decide whether my visa is approved?
No. eChinaVisa is an independent application-assistance service. The relevant Chinese authority decides acceptance, category, validity, entries, duration of stay, processing time, and approval.
Can the authority request more documents?
Yes. Published checklists are a starting point. The reviewing authority may request corrections, explanations, additional uploads, or original documents for an individual case.
Should I buy nonrefundable travel before approval?
Avoid relying on a visa outcome or date that has not been issued. Plan conservatively and review cancellation terms before making travel commitments.
Ready to prepare your Z visa application?
Create your case online. You will receive the next document and submission instructions for your situation.
Start Your China Visa ApplicationOfficial source
Chinese Embassy in the United States: Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application