To improve the management of Chinese visas for foreigners, China has issued a new policy that introduces a new version of the visa and residence permit starting June 1st, 2019.

Here’s the new policy notice from Chinese National Immigration Bureau:

The new versions will be applied to both Visas and Residence Permits, including M/L/F/ visas and any other kind of visa issued by the Chinese Immigration Bureau.

F visa for visiting purposes

M visa for business purposes

L visa for tourism

R visa for high level talents

Q visa for reunion purposes

S visa for personal matters

X visa for study

C visa for flight crews 

G visa for transit

J visa for journalism 

Here is a sample of the new visa version 

New version China Visa

New version China Resident Permit

The new version is made according to the Machine-Read standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization which introduces a more advanced anti-counterfeit technology which will simplify the immigration process at Chinese borders, as it allows it to be automatically read by border machines.

What is the differences between the old version and new version visas?

1. The applicant's photo will be printed on the visa

The application will be the same as before but the applicant will need to provide a photo to be printed on the visa, which can be taken for free at every Immigration. Applicants can also provide their own if it fulfills the following requirements:

1. Must be taken within the last six months

2. Must have a white background

3. Must be two inches high 

4. No hats allowed  

5. Must not present any kind of modification or blots 

6. Must be printed in photographic paper

2. New issuing bureau

The new visa will be issued by the China National Immigration  Administration Bureau instead of China Public Security Bureau

3. Electronic Receipt 

The Chinese visa fee receipt will be electronic instead of paper. The electronic receipt can be downloaded via the following link for applicants in Shanghai: 

Shanghai Online Platform For Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration

All Chinese visa holders who still have the old version will not need to upgrade to the new version until the visa expires. All application documents, place of issue and visa fees will be the same as before. 

For detailed document requirements for different visas please check VisaOfChina's official WeChat

You might be interested in the below topics:

When need to renew your work permit? What need to prepare?

What to do with your Work Permit if you want to change a job?

How to apply 2/3/4/5 years work visa?

How to apply China permanent residence?

Why your work permit needs to be cancelled when you change jobs?

Edit by Bill Lucas from VisaOfChina

Proofread by Laura Garcia from WAYWARD Translations

Follow our Official WeChat to get the latest policy and more information of the China Visa