Before Submitting Your Application Online
1. The Calgary Visa Application Service Center only accepts visa applications from residents of its designated jurisdictions (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories).
2. Please plan your travel accordingly. It is recommended that general applicants submit their application online at least 10 days before, but within 90 days of travel. (Exceptions may apply for special cases, and processing may be delayed during long holidays).
3. Humanitarian cases must include Chinese ID card or passport, death certificate or critical illness notice for deceased or critically ill relatives in China, as well as proof of family relationships. For urgent processing, please email the Visa Center in advance at Calgarycenter@visaforchina.org.
4. Visas issued before March 28, 2020 that has not expired are still valid for entry to China within their validity period.
5. Chinese Hong Kong and Macau visas do not use the new online system; they continue to follow the existing submission procedures. Refer to the FAQ section on the Visa Center website for details.
Online Submission of Application
Visit the visa center website to register an account, log in, and complete the application form while uploading your documents. Step-by-step guide:
https://www.visaforchina.cn/YYC3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/changjianwenti/426075916108697600.html
After Submitting Your Application Online
1. Please keep your phone line open, as the Visa Center may contact you (numbers: 403-930-2288 / 403-456-0367) regarding your application.
2. Monitor your application status and check your registered email for notification emails (also check spam/junk folders if not received). If needed, log in to update or supplement your application form or documents and resubmit.
3. Be sure to complete the online initial review (“online review completed”) before visiting the Visa Center in person.
4. For any issues, first contact the Visa Center by phone or email.
5. Visiting the Visa Center too early does not guarantee acceptance of your application or expedite processing.
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Submission of document to Visa center
4.1 Material Preparation
Once your application status is “online review completed,” prepare the documents according to the specified format. Missing core documents (highlighted in red) may result in your application being refused. Required:
1. Original passport of the applicant;
2. One recent passport-style photo (taken within 6 months, white background, no glasses, color, 2 inches/48mm×33mm, with shooting date on the back);
3. Original documents explicitly requested on the application form (e.g., for first-time applying Chinese citizens with foreign nationality, or for long-term family visit Q1, S1 visas, proof of relationship with inviter);
4. If choosing mail collection, only Canada Post XpressPost is accepted. When returning via mail, submit a pre-paid envelope; up to 4 passports can share one envelope.
4.2 Who Can Submit on Behalf
1. Applicants under 14 or over 70 years old;
2. Short-term (up to 180 days stay) visa applicants for one or two entries before December 31, 2025;
3. Those who have previously provided fingerprint data at the same Visa Center within the last 5 years;
4. Individuals unable to provide fingerprints;
5. Holders of diplomatic passports or qualifying for diplomatic, official, or courtesy visas.
4.3 In-Person Submission
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Submission Time:
Working hours from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, no appointment needed.
(Note: holiday schedules are posted on the Visa Center website under “Notifications.”)
Holiday information: https://visaforchina.cn/YYC3_EN/tongzhigonggao/257762774464204800.html
Submission Location: Suite 200, 855 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, T2P 3P1, not at the Chinese Consulate General in Calgary.
Payment: Debit card (offline payment only). Cash and credit cards are not accepted.
Fee details: https://visaforchina.cn/YYC3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian
o Current Visa fee shows 75% of the standard fee (valid until December 31, 2025).
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Collection:
o In person: Bring the original receipt; others can pick up on your behalf.
o By mail: Submit a pre-paid Canada Post XpressPost envelope in advance.
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Contact Details
Phone: 403-930-2288 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; if lines are busy, please try again later or email for inquiries).
Email: calgarycenter@visaforchina.org