How to write a Chinese invitation letter

Generally, a Chinese invitation letter is obligatorily required when you apply the most types of Chinese Visa, such as C (Crew)Visa, F(Exchange) Visa, M(Business)Visa, Z (Work) Visa, Q1/Q2 (Family Reunion)Visa, S1/S2 Visa (Private), etc.

The invitation Letter for Visa is written by the applicant’s host and needs to be submitted to the embassy or consulate for securing the visa. It is important for successfully applying and securing a Chinese Visa, whether tourist or business. The Chinese invitation letter should be prepared beforehand and submitted along with the other documents for getting Visa.

Therefore, the Chinese invitation letter is addressed to the applicant or the consular officer.  It confirms that they will be hosting the applicant during their stay in China where the host themselves are residing in abidance. So, a thoughtfully and well-prepared invitation letter significantly enhances the chances of getting a Visa.

This article takes a look at the 3 commons types of Chinese Visa and the documents to be prepared, including Visa L, Visa M, and Visa F.

Invitation Letter for China Tourist Visa (L Visa Type)

The L Visa type or the tourist visa is applicable for people who have been invited or intend to visit China for tourism purposes. A Chinese invitation letter is a major document needed for obtaining a tourist visa to China.

The letter of the invitation typically contains information on the applicants and their trip which corresponds to the itinerary issued by an authorized body or individual. 

To increase the chances of getting a visa, the invitation letter should have certain important details and features which are discussed below:

Applicant’s Personal Information

The personal information of the applicant is the most important section of the invitation letter. Details like name, date of birth, gender, passport number along with details like date of issue and date of expiration, nationality, etc. should be clearly mentioned.

Purpose of Travel

The purpose of the travel of the applicant should be clearly written in the invitation letter. Whether the trip is meant for visiting relatives in China or leisure purpose should be stated in the letter.

If an individual is inviting the applicant to China, then the applicants have to provide a copy of such an individual’s identification or proof of residence in China who has invited them.

If such a person is a non-Chinese citizen then the copy of their passport and proof of legal status in China has to be submitted.

If the applicant is being invited or sponsored by an organization then the Chinese invitation letter should contain the seal and stamp of the organization.

If the person inviting the applicant is living in China on a work permit, then the copy of the individual’s residence permit needs to be submitted.

The original copies of the above-mentioned documents should be there as the consulate may want to verify them.

The relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual or body should be stated in the invitation letter.

The complete trip itinerary including the details of the hotels booked, details on the flight tickets booked, etc. should be disclosed.

Scheduled Arrival and Departure Dates

The applicant needs to specify his/her exact arrival and departure dates to and from China.

Sources of Funds

The total spending required for the stay in China and the source of funds needs to be mentioned in the invitation letter.

Information on the Inviting Entity

The visa invitation letter should provide complete details on the inviting entity or the organization.

The name of the entity, address in China, contact details, etc. should be mentioned in the invitation letter. A copy of the passport information page of the entity is also required to be furnished.

Invitation Letter for China Business Visa (M Visa Type)

The China business visa is applied for business-related travel to China. The applicant is generally invited by organizations or bodies for such travel.

The process of writing a Chinese invitation letter for a business visa (M type Visa) is similar to the tourist visa with minor modifications.

Some of the important considerations for writing a Chinese invitation letter for successfully getting a business visa to China are as follows:

Applicant Information

The basic information of the applicant like name, date of birth, gender, nationality, job title, designation in the company, etc. need to be provided in the invitation letter.

Purpose of Travel

The purpose of the travel of the applicant should be detailed in the visa application letter.

Itinerary of Travel

The detailed itinerary like the date of arrival to China, the hotel where the applicant will be staying, the date of departure from China, details of flight tickets booked, etc. should be provided in the Chinese invitation letter.

Expenditure and Sources of Fund

The estimated expenditure for the business trip to China and the source of funds need to be provided in the invitation letter.

Inviting Entity Information

Complete information on the inviting entity like the full name of the office, address, contact details, etc. should be mentioned. Besides, the name of the applicant’s employer may also be provided. 

Relationship with Inviting Entity

The relationship of the applicant with the inviting entity has to be furnished in the business visa invitation letter.

Authentication Details

The Chinese invitation letter should contain the seal and stamp of the inviting entity and the signature of the authorized person from such an entity.

Validity Period

The Chinese invitation letter should explicitly mention the validity and type of visa being applied for. The number of entries- single, double, or multiple entries visa- should also be mentioned.

Letterhead

The M type visa invitation letter should ideally be presented on the letterhead of the inviting organization, as it will provide credibility to it.

Sample of Chinese Invitation letter  for VISA M

The quality of Chinese writing ability is very important. The key point is that the letter needs to be written in the Chinese language. This is the example of an Invitation letter for M visa of GWBMA.

Invitation Letter for China Business Visa (F Visa Type)

The F Visa type is applicable for people who have been invited or intend to visit China for communication purposes. That means the purpose of coming to China is to participate in conferences, scientific and cultural exchanges, study tours, and other non-business activities in China.

Generally, the duration of the stay of China F visa is 30 days from the date of entry. If you need a longer duration, you should apply for an extension before the expiration of the visa.

The procedure of Chinese Visa application

Normally, you should visit the Website of the Chinese Visa Application  Centers for Visa application.

Chinese Visa Application Service Centers are located in five continents around the world and exist in the following countries and regions. That means you should find the regions to fill out a visa application form.

Important Features of Chinese Invitation Letter

The following are some important considerations for writing a Chinese invitation letter for getting a Chinese visa.

Legibility

The Chinese invitation letter should be legible and clear. The applicants should not use fancy and small fonts which are difficult to read.

Conciseness

The Chinese invitation letter should be concise and not use ambiguous language. It should go straight to the point for making a better impact on the consulate. There is no need for unwanted frivolities and explanations.

Honesty

The applicant has to ensure that he/she has provided all the required information honestly. Any discrepancies found in the information by the consulate may severely affect the chances of securing a visa to China.

Other Considerations of China Invitation letter

The applicant should make multiple copies of the documents being furnished with the visa invitation letter. This will be helpful in the case of documents getting misplaced or lost later.

The consulate may also place a call to the inviting entity for confirming the claims made in the China invitation letter.

It is recommended that the inviting entity is aware of such information and is ready for the call.

Especially, you should know how to apply the PU invitation letter from the Chinese Foreign Affairs Office under the special circumstance of COVID-19.

The Chinese Visa Application online Form:

This is the Chinese visa application online form. You should visit the Website of the Chinese Visa Application  Center of the Chinese Government, they provide the most convenient and quickest service for Chinese Visa applicants.