invitation letter for visa?

[bamaguy_77]

So I'm looking up requirements for chinese visitor visa for my wife, apparently you now need an invitation letter? Wtf?

 

Does this mean we have to get her parents to mail her a letter before she goes, and what visa agency do you reccomend?

[dnoblett]

There is a topic running since July in the Middle Kingdom Forum... http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?/topic/44937-effective-as-of-aug-1-a-new-visa-requirement/

 

Has to do with the Communist Party Elections this month in China, I know the invite letter requirement probably will be dropped a month or so after they have their elections.

 

The same thing happened 4 years ago before the Beijing Olympics.

[bamaguy_77]

i did not remember having to do this the last time i went to china years ago. She wanted to visit soon, purchase a ticket and all. Do we now have to wait for her parents to write a letter and send copies of their id's and crap? It takes forever to get anything from china now.

 

Could we maybe just write a letter ourselves? Seems stupid to have things messed up like this now. She will be staying with them.

Edited October 5, 2012 by bamaguy_77 (see edit history)

[dnoblett]

Letter needs to originate in China, recommended to have a copy of national ID attached.

 

In the past I used a travel agent in China to handle things like hotels and domestic flights, they would send me an invite letter for use when applying for a visa.

[Randy W]

i did not remember having to do this the last time i went to china years ago. She wanted to visit soon, purchase a ticket and all. Do we now have to wait for her parents to write a letter and send copies of their id's and crap? It takes forever to get anything from china now.

 

Could we maybe just write a letter ourselves? Seems stupid to have things messed up like this now. She will be staying with them.

 

If she's still a Chinese citizen, have your wife write it. If she's no longer a Chinese citizen, have one of her Chinese relatives send you one by email, along with a copy of their Chinese ID.

 

Don't make this any more complicated than it is.

[bamaguy_77]

really? I did not know email would work. The visa agency said it had to be postmaked and include proof of residence. I am so dang confused. What exactly will i need from them and does anyone have a good sample letter? Also does the letter need to be english or chinese? They only speak chinese, did not know if it would need certified translation.

[dnoblett]

Can be in Chinese, the visa agency tends to be run by Chinese, and it is being delivered to the Chinese consulate, guess what they understand Chinese there too.

 

If family, can be a simple letter inviting family to visit, detailing anticipated date of arrival and anticipated departure. Proof of residence is a photo copy of national ID.

 

They should be fine with a scanned letter that was emailed and then printed out, the times I used a travel agency in China, that was what they sent me.

[Randy W]

really? I did not know email would work. The visa agency said it had to be postmaked and include proof of residence. I am so dang confused. What exactly will i need from them and does anyone have a good sample letter? Also does the letter need to be english or chinese? They only speak chinese, did not know if it would need certified translation.

 

The visa agencies are confused, and simply pass that along to you. No envelope is required (hence, no postmark). Deal with the consulate directly, if that's reasonable, or find another visa agency if you can't get them them to take your application. Some haven't been up to date on this policy (or have been overly restrictive) which was effective as of Aug. 1.

 

Yes, the proof of residence is simply a copy of the Chinese ID.

 

The policy is not intended to make things difficult for us, it is intended to weed out those who might overstay, or work illegally.

Edited October 5, 2012 by Randy W (see edit history)

[dnoblett]

Or, make political trouble during a time of higher political activity such as the elections in China.

[bamaguy_77]

It is being delivered to the Chinese consulate, guess what they understand Chinese there too.

 

 

 

I kind of figured they understood Chinese there, sorry if I came across as being that stupid.

 

All of the sample letters i saw were in English, I just wanted to be sure that wasn't because they needed one that way.

[dnoblett]

What service you are using? I have always used Oasis who work with the consulate in DC

 

https://www.oasischinavisa.com/

[ama537621]

I just filed for a visa yesterday from Oasis. they have a fill in the blank form for the invitation letter. Sadly I will be getting a work visa by feb. But we will be treaveling there around DEC.

[bamaguy_77]

when i went before, the max tourist visa was 90 days. She wants to stay 4 months...what is the best way to go about that since the visa requires a round trip tcket and is 90 days?

[Randy W]

Buy a one way ticket, or a refundable two way. Then, when she gets there, ask at her PSB.

 

The visa application DOES NOT require a round trip ticket.

 

Again, don't make this any more complicated than it is.

[Randy W]

Visa extensions are available through the PSB.

 

I've been here for almost two years with out leaving the country - she won't have a problem.

 

If you're having problems with your visa agency, try another one, or go to the consulate yourself.

 

Do you want to ask again?

Edited October 6, 2012 by Randy W (see edit history)