Documents Required for U.S.-Born Children with Chinese Descent

If one or two of his/her parents are foreign citizens or have foreign permanent residence right (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card), the child shall apply for a Chinese visa before travelling to China.

If both of his/her parents are Chinese citizens and have no foreign permanent residence right (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card), the child shall apply for a Chinese travel document before travelling to China (Please read Application Requirements for Chinese Travel Document.)

Document Required for First-Time Applicants for Chinese Visa

1. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2. One completed COVA Form
3. The original and a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate.
4. The original and a photocopy (of the photo/information page) of passports of both of the child’s parents, proof of permanent residency of both parents (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card).
5. Deciding the most appropriate visa category and providing the supporting documents.

Document Required for Non-First-Time Applicants for Chinese Visa

1. A photocopy of previous Chinese visa.
2. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
3. One completed COVA Form.
4. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)
   
   If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid visa of stay, residence, employment or student status of the country where you are currently staying.
5. Deciding the most appropriate visa category and providing the supporting documents.