Team of Boldvoices · 15 November 2026 · Official guidance checked 15 November 2026
Choose the visa category for mainland China by your purpose and length of stay. Use the Chinese mission’s current India instructions to find where to submit your application.
Jump to your route
Study · Work · Official job openings · Visit · Join family · Settle
Opportunities and rule changes
Since 26 October 2026, the Chinese Embassy in India and the Consulate General in Mumbai have accepted visa applications directly. The embassy temporarily handles applications for the Kolkata consular district. Start with the official online form and use the mission’s current district instructions before travelling to submit documents.
Study visas (X1 and X2)
X1 is for study lasting more than 180 days. X2 covers study lasting 180 days or less. Ask the school for admission and supporting documents, then match them to the mission’s checklist. For a longer stay, check the residence-permit instructions that apply after entry.
Official job openings by industry
Verified total of open vacancies that support a work visa, by industry: No official total verified as of 15 November 2026. Where a portal displays a filtered count, use it as a count of results for that search and check individual adverts for overseas eligibility and visa support.
Start with the employer’s official recruitment notice for the industry and ask whether it will support the work authorization needed for the job. Use the government’s guide to confirm the required paperwork for working in mainland China.
Before counting an opening, check that the advert is active, accepts applications from overseas, and supports the specific work-visa route or provides the job offer needed for it. Count one advert once and record the number of positions separately if the employer publishes it.
Work visa (Z)
Start with the employer’s Chinese work authorization paperwork. Confirm which documents the embassy requires for your occupation and what work and residence procedures you must complete after entry.
Tourism and business
Use L for tourism and review M for commercial trade. Check the checklist for your purpose, including itinerary or invitation materials where required. Consult separate official instructions if your itinerary involves Hong Kong or Macao.
Family routes (Q and S)
Check Q categories if your relative is a Chinese citizen or a foreign permanent resident in China. Check S categories for eligible family members of foreigners staying or residing in China. The length and purpose of the visit determine the applicable category and evidence.
Residence and permanent residence
A residence permit covers the authorized purpose of a longer stay. Permanent residence has a separate approval process. Use the National Immigration Administration’s official guidance and confirm the documentation with the relevant local authority.
How to apply from India
Select your consular district, submit the form and supporting documents for online review, then follow the mission’s instructions for passport submission, payment and collection. Check any interview or fingerprint instructions for your case.
Fees and processing
Use the mission’s consular fee schedule for charges in Indian rupees and its application notice for the relevant service timetable. Allow time for online review and any further document request.
Common question
Should I follow an older visa-centre checklist for submission? Use the Chinese mission’s current India notice for the submission channel and the consular district that handles your address.
Official sources
- Chinese Embassy in India visa notices and fee schedule
- October 2026 direct acceptance notice
- Current visa application instructions
- Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs online visa portal
- Visa category reference
- National Immigration Administration permanent residence guide
- Chinese government guide for working and living in China
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