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Top 8 Reasons Why Your China Visa Gets Rejected

It's not unusual for your China visa application to be rejected. China is known for its strict visa policies and the visa approval rates are not that high. Frustrating as it is, the consular officers may seem indifferent and may be unwilling to give a reason for visa denial. Here are still some clues that may help you avoid visa rejection or figure out why your application was rejected.

1. Invalid China visa application form. The application form is very important because it is what the consular officer who decides to grant you a visa or not will look at. Hand-written forms are no longer accepted. Inaccurate information such as spelling errors, wrong passport numbers, or invalid addresses may lead to your visa being rejected. To avoid trouble, do not mention any plans to travel to Xinjiang and Tibet in your form. 

 See 8 Tips for Filling Out Chinese Visa Application Form
 See Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Completing a Chinese Visa Application Form
 See China Online Visa Application Form

2. The submitted photo does not meet the specifications. Inappropriate sizes, background colors, texture of the photographic paper, etc. all contribute to an unqualified photo.

3. Missing documents. Before submitting your application, check the latest application requirements for your visa type and collect all of the required documents. If any of them are missing, your application may get turned down.

4. The applicant is from a country where war, terrorist attacks, or political unrest frequently happen, or whose nationals frequently overstay their visa, or a country with strained relations with China.

5. The applicant has a criminal record. It does not mean that the application will be automatically denied, but if the applicant has committed a serious crime then there is a good chance of visa refusal. Minor offences usually do not make a difference, especially when you are just applying for a tourist visa.

6. The applicant overstayed their visa or was blacklisted in China or any other foreign country.

7. The applicant has some kind of contagious disease like AIDS or Hepatitis B. In most cases, it is not a big deal for short-term visa application such as tourist visa and business visa. However, for a work visa or a student visa, it might be an issue, though not explicitly regulated by Chinese laws.

8. Applicants who work in media, religious or military industries may expect a higher visa refusal rate as these are considered sensitive professions by the Chinese government.

Apart from the above possibilities, there are all sorts of reasons for a China visa application to be rejected. The most important thing to remember is to prove that you will obey Chinese rules and you are capable of bearing your expenses for the intended China trip. If you show this through the documents and information you provide, your visa is very likely to be approved.
 

What to Do after Your China Visa Was Rejected?

Calm down and don't lose your head. If permitted, you can make an appeal of the rejection and submit more details to update your application. Consular officers may decide whether to review the application on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, you can reapply for the China visa. If you are reapplying, we recommend that you use a visa agency this time as they are more professional and familiar with the whole process.
 

Can I Get a Refund If My China Visa Is Denied?

Generally speaking, you cannot get a refund if your China visa is denied. The visa fee is not refundable because it is paid for the processing of your application. In spite of the results, the consular officers have spent efforts and time on the processing.
 

How Long to Wait before I Can Reapply?

Usually there is a cooling off period before you can reapply, often three months. However, this is not fixed. If you are in a hurry, you should contact a visa agency to help you reapply as soon as possible.

- Last updated on Aug. 21, 2023 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Top 8 Reasons Why Your China Visa Gets Rejected
Asked by Carl Weber from NEW ZEALAND | Oct. 25, 2023 19:46Reply
Business M visa
I’m applying for a one year Business M visa , multiple entries, duration of each stay 30 days . I’ve been issued numerous such visas dating back to 2010. I’ve now been told by a visa agent in New Zealand that the Chinese consulate now doesn’t issue one year multiple entries M visas unless one has been issued such a visa recently, meaning since China started issuing visas again to foreigners in March 2023. If you haven’t been to China since March 2023 , you’ll only be issued with a single entry 30 day Business M visa first before being issued a one year multiple entries M visa no matter your M visa history pre- covid . Is this correct? Is this policy country specific? It doesn’t make sense at all . Thanks your reply
Answers (1)
Answered by Harry | Oct. 25, 2023 22:34
00Reply


It may be true. However, this kind of policy won't be announced and it may change at anytime.
Asked by Scott from MALAYSIA | Sep. 27, 2023 01:59Reply
Previous China visits
Hi I visited China for business over 10 years ago and with a passport which has been replaced once i.e. I'm on my second passport since that visit. Do I still have to declare my old visits?
Answers (3)
Answered by Paul | Sep. 27, 2023 20:43
00Reply


You'd better declare it, because it rises the success rate for you to get the new visa.
Answered by aje | Oct. 01, 2023 23:05
00Reply


ok thanks
Answered by barbara | Oct. 10, 2023 13:07
00Reply


how can i declare my old visas? my passport have been replaced and i do t remember the exact days I stayed there
Asked by CP Lai from SINGAPORE | Sep. 24, 2023 02:04Reply
Hotel booking vs residential address for L-visa
If I plan to stay at a Chinese friend's place, will it be adequate just providing an invitation letter from my friend and his home address, in lieu of a hotel booking, for an L-visa application?
Answers (1)
Answered by Olivia | Sep. 25, 2023 20:38
00Reply


Yes, you can replace the hotel booking with an invitation letter from China.
Asked by ryley from USA | Aug. 21, 2023 10:57Reply
Denied q2 visa but she is my sons wife
Hi there, me and my husband recently applied for a q2 family visa, yet the person we interviewed with told us that was the wrong type because she was our daughter -in-law, but online everywhere it says this is fine. he then told us to apply for a tourist visa. any insight on why?
Answers (1)
Answered by Cathy | Aug. 21, 2023 21:00
00Reply


Sometimes the immigration officer just denied people without reasons. Sorry for that:(
Maybe you can just apply for a tourist visa adn extend the stay when in China.
Asked by Kezia from CANADA | Aug. 15, 2023 17:51Reply
Which countries are included in "last 5 year travel"?
The visa application states to list countries visited in last 5 years. How do I code visiting Taiwan? Also, must layovers in other countries also be counted?
Answers (1)
Answered by Molly | Aug. 16, 2023 00:16
00Reply


It is better to fill in all countries and areas you mentioned.
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