F Visa (Non-Commercial Visit / Exchange)
🇨🇳 China visas · Business
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F Visa (Non-Commercial Visit / Exchange)
F Visa (Non-Commercial Visit / Exchange)
China · Business
What it is
For foreign nationals visiting China for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other non-commercial activities. Covers academic exchanges, cultural programmes, scientific cooperation, and government-invited delegations. Official applicant scope: persons entering China for exchanges, visits, study tours and similar activities.
Key facts
- Category
- Business
- Duration
- 30 to 180 days per entry
- Processing time
- 4–5 days
- Maximum validity
- 6 months
- Extendable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Mixed
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (驻美国使领馆受理，普通件，至2026年12月31日)
- USD 140
- Application fee (驻美国使领馆受理，普通件，至2026年12月31日)
- USD 23
- Application fee (驻美国使领馆受理，普通件，至2026年12月31日)
- USD 68
- Application fee (驻美国使领馆，每件加收，与签证费并收)
- USD 25
- Application fee (驻克罗地亚使馆费率, , 证明费率随受理馆而异)
- EUR 45
- Application fee (非对等国家；公安机关出入境管理机构受理)
- CNY 206
Key requirements
- Invitation letter from a Chinese organisation (government, university, or cultural body)
- Valid passport
- Proof of exchange or activity purpose
- Itinerary and accommodation details
Working on this visa
No work rights. Employment in China requires a work permit plus a work-category residence permit, which an F visa does not lead to; employing a foreigner without them is prohibited (出境入境管理法第四十一条).
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 4 August 2026.