China Visa Online Application (COVA) Guide 2025–2026

Step 1: Start Your Application

Go to the official COVA website and switch to English.
Click Start my application.
Choose your region (e.g., North America) and visa office (San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, or Washington D.C.).
Log in if you have an account, or register a new one:

Provide your email and password
Enter the verification code sent to your email

📍 Tip: Use a valid email — your Application ID, updates, and appointment info are sent there.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

Read the Guidelines carefully.
Complete the form in English or Chinese.
Applications are valid for 90 days of entry.
No edits allowed after submission.

Click “Start filling in the form” to continue.

Step 3: Upload and Adjust Your Photo

You will need a compliant photo for your COVA application. This tool generates perfect photo in seconds and can help you to make it compliant

Typical issue - you will wee the error message

Your photo should be taken in full-face view. Please re-upload a photo that meets the requirements.

To resolve this problem just use this photo tool.

Photo Requirements:

Size: 33 × 48 mm
Format: JPEG (354–420 × 472–560 px, 40–120 KB)
Background: Plain white
Face: Forward-facing, both ears visible, neutral expression

Adjust Photo:

Use the zoom slider to fit your face inside the guides
Drag the photo to center it
Rotate if needed

Click “Finished”. A green check confirms “Your photo is accepted”.

Note: Occasionally, the system may display “photo check failed” even for compliant photos — this is a known bug. You can proceed; consular staff will review manually.

Step 4: Submit and Next Steps

Once the form is complete:

Online review: Consular staff check your submission. If corrections are needed, your status will show “Rejected and to be modified.” Resubmit within 30 days.
Passport submission: After approval, your status updates to “Passport to be submitted.” Bring your passport, printed application page, and required documents to the visa office.
Additional checks: The consulate may request an interview or extra documents.
Visa issuance: Once approved, the visa is affixed to your passport.

⚠️ Submitting the online form does not guarantee approval — final decision is by the Embassy or Consulate.

Step 5: Quick Pre-Submission Checklist ✅

Complete all sections
Upload photo and supporting documents
Confirm all details — no edits allowed after submission
Prepare passport and confirmation page for the visa office