AMERICAN VISA SERVICE
- Download the document checklist and all required applications (click here to download)
- Make sure to print out everything single-sided and sign applications where indicated. DO NOT STAPLE ANYTHING.
- Questions about forms or documents? Email: valentina@avschicago.com
- U.S. Military members (current and former): should in no way provide their DD-214 to any consulate when applying for a crew member visa. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT VISAS TO CHINA:
--VISA VALIDITY: Crew visas are usually valid for 5yr, multiple entry with 10 day stay. IF YOU HAVE A CURRENT VISA TO CHINA, PLEASE WAIT TO APPLY FOR A NEW ONE UNTIL YOU HAVE LESS THAN 90 DAYS OF VALIDITY LEFT ON YOUR CURRENT VISA. If you have more than 90 days of validity left, your passport & paperwork will be returned to you unprocessed.
--THE PROCESS TIME: varies by consulate. Please check Step 3 for most up-to-date information.
--PASSPORT VALIDITY: Your passport should be valid for 1yr or longer and have 2-3 clear visa pages (last 3 pages are not counted as visa pages). If your passport is valid for less than 1 yr, you will need to renew your passport first. If your passport has less than 5 year validity, the consulate can limit the validity of your visa.
--PHOTO please provide a physical photo 2"x2" in size. Specifications on photos provided in the checklist.
PASSPORT PROCESSING:
If you need to renew your passport prior to applying for a crew visa, click here
If you want to apply for a 2nd passport, click here. 2nd passports SHOULD NOT be used to apply for crew visas
CHINESE CREW VISA FOR
FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
STEP 3: PROCESSING TIMES: please note, processing times are estimated and can change at any time.
AMERICAN VISA SERVICE
ATTN.: VALENTINA MEEHAN
44081 PIPELINE PLAZA, SUITE 210
ASHBURN VA 20147
STEP 2: MAIL YOUR ORIGINALS TO OUR DC OFFICE ADDRESS:
STEP 1: GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND FILL OUT APPLICATION FORMS:
Cost of the visa will be covered by United, so you do not need to provide your credit card information. Exceptions: if you have a valid visa to China and need to apply for a new one due to name change, loss of your previous passport or citizenship change, a total service fee of $175 will apply and you'll need to provide your credit card information.
Processing times are general and can be changed by the consulates without prior notice. When we receive your original paperwork, we will review and advise if anything is missing. If all documents are in order, processing will begin immediately. Once paperwork is submitted, there is no way to retrieve your passport earlier, we must wait for your visa to be issued.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: All Chinese consulates implemented a new procedure that now requires a Pre-approval from the consulate prior to submitting the original paperwork to them for processing. The new process will look like this:
Step 1: We receive your original paperwork and begin pre-approval process if nothing is missing. This will take 2-7 business days. You will receive email confirmation from us if pre-aproval process has started or if additional paperwork is needed.
Step 2: Pre-approval is issued by the consulate. We submit your original documents to the consulate for processing. This will take 4-6 business days. You will receive email confirmation from us with more specific dates of completion.
Step 4: Your visa is approved and we pick up your passport from the consulate.
Step 5: Your passport is shipped back to you by overnight FedEx. You will receive email confirmation from us with tracking number.