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Notice on Launching the China Online Visa Processing System
2025-02-28 09:13

China Online Visa Processing System will be officially launched by The Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong S.A.R. on March 17, 2025. While applying Chinese visa through the website of Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Hong Kong, applicants could enjoy convenience of filling out the form, uploading application materials and tracking visa processing progress on line.

From 17 to 31 March 2025, applicants who have already submitted application forms through the current “China Online Visa Application System” may either submit the application in person with materials in the CVASC in Hong Kong or utilize the upgraded system for online processing. As of 1 April 2025, all applicants are requested to submit applications and upload application materials via the upgraded China Online Visa Processing System. For enquiries, please contact the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Hong Kong (Tel: +852 29921999, 67977165; Email: hongkongcenter@visaforchina.org).

To facilitate the applicants in familiarizing with the new visa application procedures, the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are provided for reference:

Q1: After the system upgrade, where should I go to apply for a visa? What changes have been made to the application process?
A: Visa applicants can visit the website of CVASC in Hong Kong to fill out the visa application form online, upload the required documents, and the application will enter the initial review phase. During this period, applicants can log into the website to check the application status and, as required, modify the form or supplement application materials. When the status of the order changes to “Passport to be submitted”, please submit the application in person with passport and materials, provide biometric information (e.g. fingerprints), and pay visa fees in the CVASC in Hong Kong. The application will now enter the secondary review stage. Upon approval, the applicant is required to visit the CVASC in Hong Kong again to collect the passport and visa.

Q2: Do I need to create an account to apply for a visa online? How do I register?
A: Yes, online applications require creating an account and logging into the system. Currently, registration is only supported through email addresses.

Q3: What changes have been made to the expedited processing service?
A: When filling out the application form online, applicants can still select “Regular” or “Express” processing method. However, this selection does not affect the timeline of the initial review phase. The expedited processing will only accelerate the procedure after the online preliminary review is approved and physical documents have been submitted offline. An additional fee is required for expedited processing, and the request cannot be revoked once submitted. If the consular officer decided to extend the processing time based on a case-by-case review, the expedited service fee will not be refunded.

Q4: Do foreign domestic helpers still need to report their return?
A: Foreign domestic helpers who are issued a visa to enter the Chinese mainland for the first time or after changing employers must still report their return at the Foreign Nationals’ Visa Section of the Consular Department of the Commissioner’s Office within 7 working days after returning to Hong Kong. Employers and helpers are advised to heed system notifications and the reminder slip affixed inside the passport.

Q5: Can I authorize others to submit my application?

A: Yes. Applications may be submitted either by authorized individuals (e.g. family members, friends, or agents) or by the third-party agencies, such as travel agencies.

Q6: Is fingerprint collection still required, and when will it take place?
A: Except for applicants can be exempted from fingerprints collection under specific conditions, fingerprints must be collected when applicants visit the CVASC in Hong Kong to submit passport and other materials.

Q7: I submitted an application form in the previous Chinese visa application system before March 17 but have not yet visited the CVASC in Hong Kong, do I need to reapply via the upgraded system after March 17?

A: From March 17 to 31, application forms submitted in the current “China Online Visa Application System”will remain valid. Applicants may either submit materials in person using the original form or reapply via the upgraded system. Starting from 1 April 2025, all applicants must use the upgraded system, and forms submitted in the previous system will no longer be accepted.

Q8: I have not submitted the application form in the original Chinese Visa Application System. Can I still apply for the visa through the original method starting from March 17?
A: Starting from March 17, 2025, the current “China Online Visa Application System” will no longer be accessible. If you have not submitted an application form through the original system before that date, you will need to complete the process online following the new procedure.