China Online Visa Application (COVA) Update

On September 30, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. officially launched the updated China Online Visa Application (COVA) system at http://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/.

This new system now allows applicants to create an account, complete the visa form online, upload supporting documents, and track progress directly through the portal.

Here’s what’s new, what’s stayed the same, and what it means for both travelers and visa agents.

What Changed

China hasn’t moved to a full e-visa system (like Brazil or Vietnam). You still have to submit your physical passport to the correct consulate or courier. But the online process is much improved:

1. Account creation – Each applicant now gets a login for easier access and status tracking. For agents and couriers, this also makes it easier to manage and track multiple cases.

2. Full form submission online – The entire application is completed and confirmed online. No more printing out long forms or wasting paper. Applicants can upload the passport bio page, proof of residency, and supporting documents online.

3. New “Visa Application Statement” form – Combines parts of the old “Where You Stay” form with new requirements. Applicants must now confirm:

   • Which state/jurisdiction they’re applying from

   • If they’ve had a China visa before, or if this is their first application

   • Reason for applying, ties to home country (work, family, property), financial ability, and commitment to return
     
     

     

     
     ⚠️ Note: We found it difficult to locate this new form in the system. For that reason, we’re including our own direct link here: China Visa Application Statement Form
     
     

4. Preliminary review before consulate visit – Unlike the old system, you don’t just show up at the embassy with your packet. Once you submit online, your status changes to “Preliminary review in progress.” A consular officer reviews your application first.

   • If everything looks good, the status changes to “Passport to be submitted.” Only then should you bring your passport to the consulate.

   • The timing varies. In our early cases, two applications cleared the preliminary review almost instantly, while another has been stuck for 8.5 hours (so far) without movement.

5. Better usability – The new system is cleaner, less glitchy, and generates updates more quickly.

👉 Bottom line: the only thing you still need to submit in person is your passport.

The Old Way

Previously, you had to use https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/ and:

• Select your consulate and jot down an Application ID (hoping the site didn’t crash).

• Upload a visa photo and complete the application form.

• Then wait for the system to generate a printable form—often with delays or errors. Sometimes the page just froze with a spinning loading wheel.

• Print the application, supporting documents, passport copy, and proof of residency.

• Submit everything with your passport at the consulate. Only then would staff tell you if something was missing.

The process was glitch-prone, time-sensitive, and paper-heavy. On top of that, there was no way to track your application, and you wouldn’t know if something was missing or wrong until you were physically at the consulate.

The New Way

With the update, the process looks like this:

1. Go to http://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/

2. Register an account

3. Upload your passport photo and passport bio page (the site pulls details automatically)

4. Complete the same questionnaire on trips, work, education, and family

5. Upload all supporting documents, including the new Visa Application Statement

6. The consulate reviews your application online. Once approved, you submit your passport in person.

Why It Matters

• For travelers – Saves time, reduces paperwork, and helps prevent mistakes before submission.

• For agents – Streamlines workflow, makes tracking easier, and lowers the risk of client delays.

• For everyone – A more eco-friendly and user-friendly process.

Final Word

China’s new visa system isn’t a full e-visa—but it’s a big step forward. The process is now smoother, less stressful, and more aligned with other countries’ systems, while still requiring consular review and passport submission.

If you’re planning a trip to China—or if you’re a visa agent helping clients through the process—now’s the time to get familiar with the new system.

And if you’d rather skip the consulate visit, we can handle the entire submission process for you.