APVI — American Passport & Visa International
    China · F Visa

    Your China F visa,
    handled end-to-end.

    For non-commercial exchanges, study tours, scientific cooperation, or cultural visits — APVI manages your F visa from invitation review to consulate submission.

    F visa applications require precise invitation-letter wording — incorrect phrasing is the #1 cause of rejection. Let our specialists review it first.

    Embassy Registered
    Direct submission, no middlemen
    BBB A+ Accredited
    23+ years of trusted service
    256-bit SSL Secured
    Bank-grade document encryption
    The institutions who trust us with China

    Trusted by universities, research labs, and Fortune 500 teams.

    Fragomen
    Amentum
    Boeing
    National Geographic
    American Airlines
    General Electric
    Deloitte
    Harvard
    Delta Airlines
    Tesla
    Allegis Group
    ExxonMobil
    Executive working on a laptop in a Shanghai high-rise hotel suite at night
    Why APVI

    F visas are nuanced. We make them straightforward.

    The F visa covers a range of non-commercial exchange purposes, each with specific documentation requirements. Our China specialists know exactly what each consulate expects.

    • Direct submission to the Chinese embassies in Washington DC and New York
    • Invitation letter review — the #1 cause of F visa rejections
    • Dedicated specialist for academic and exchange accounts
    • Real-time tracking and proactive updates
    By the numbers

    The credentials behind every APVI application.

    23+ Years
    Trusted by U.S. travelers since 2003
    7M+
    Passports & visas processed worldwide
    500+
    Fortune 500 and government clients
    How it works

    Three steps. That's it.

    We prepare the F visa paperwork and submit directly to the Chinese consulate. You focus on your exchange.

    01

    Place your order

    Choose your visa type and processing speed. Tell us when you're traveling — we work backward from that date.

    02

    Submit documents

    Upload your application online for review. We email a prepaid overnight FedEx label for your originals.

    03

    Get your visa

    We submit directly to the consulate and overnight your stamped passport back to your door.

    Editorial flat lay of a U.S. passport, Chinese F visa invitation letter, fountain pen, and tea cup
    DIY vs. APVI

    Avoid invitation-letter rejections, and protect your trip.

    Most F visa rejections trace back to a single line in the invitation letter. Our team reviews every letter against current consulate standards before you submit.

    Without APVI

    The DIY path

    • Confusing invitation-letter requirements
    • Wrong consulate jurisdiction = automatic rejection
    • Outdated F vs M vs L category guidance
    • Missing host institution documentation
    • Trip at risk if anything goes wrong
    With APVI

    The APVI path

    • Expedited processing options available
    • Pre-submission invitation letter review
    • Correct jurisdiction confirmed for your state
    • Category validated against current policy
    • Real-time tracking + dedicated specialist
    Customer stories

    Travelers we've gotten across the line.

    "APVI handled F visas for our entire research delegation. Every detail was perfect — they even caught a wording issue in our host's letter."
    Dr. Patricia Wong
    Google Review
    "Smooth process from start to finish. Our exchange program would not have happened on time without APVI."
    David Hartman
    Google Review
    "Professional, fast, and they actually understand the F visa nuances. Highly recommended."
    Rebecca Sloan
    Google Review
    Frequently asked

    Everything you need to know, in plain English.

    Still have questions? Call us at (800) 766-0452.

    Processing times vary by consulate. We offer standard and expedited options to meet your travel timeline. Most F visas are completed within 5–10 business days of consulate submission.

    The F visa is China's non-commercial exchange visa — for cultural exchanges, scientific cooperation, study tours, lectures, and similar non-paid activities in China.

    M is for commercial business activities (trade fairs, contract negotiation). F is for non-commercial exchange (research, cultural visits, academic cooperation). Our specialists confirm the correct category for your purpose.

    An official letter from your Chinese host institution, on letterhead, specifying purpose, dates, and host signatory details. We review every letter before submission.

    In most cases, no. We handle submission on your behalf. Some consulates may require fingerprinting — we'll let you know upfront based on your jurisdiction.

    Absolutely. We work with universities, research institutions, and corporate exchange programs to process group F visas with a dedicated point of contact.

    Get started today

    Your China F visa, in days, not weeks.

    Backed by 23+ years of expertise and millions of visas processed. Start your F visa application now or speak to a China specialist.