Applicants need to fill out the application form on China Online Visa Application System, and then print it out. Double-sided printouts will not be accepted. Note that the applicants must sign it. Remember to select the right country and city where Chinese Embassies, Consulates, or China Visa Application Centers (CVASC) which hold consular jurisdiction over your residence.
Section 2.1A Types of visa and major purpose of your visit to China: Select the most suitable item and make sure it matches with your application documents. If your travel is for multiple purposes, just choose one major purpose.
Section 2.2B Maximum duration of longest stay (days): For L, M, and F visas, the duration of stay is normally 30-60 days. For S2 and Q2 visa, it ranges from 30 to 120 days. Z, X, Q1, and S1 visas may allow a longer stay duration. Fill in the box according to your actual need.
Section 2.2C Intended number of entries: Most applicants only need one entry valid for 3 months. Note that all Z, X1, S1, and Q1 visas are only issued as single entry. If you apply for an L, F, M, X2, S2, or Q2 visa, you may choose single-entry, double-entry, or multiple entries. Choose the one that best meets your needs. The final decision is left to the consular officer's discretion. Usually, the more entries, the higher the visa fee.
Section 3.1A Current Occupation & Section 3.3 Work experience: If you choose "Self-employed", do not leave Section 3.3 blank. You need to complete this section with the name of your business and specify the nature of it. If you are unemployed at present, provide information on your previous employer. If you are a housewife, you can fill in the box in Section 3.3 with None (Housewife).
Section 6.1A Intended date of arrival: Make sure that the date is not earlier than the date you are likely to receive the visa. If your flight itinerary will be submitted as the application document, ensure the date is consistent with it.
Section 6.1J, 6.1K, 6.1M, 6.1L, 6.1N: In this section, do not mention travel to Tibet and Xinjiang although you may go there. If you apply for a tourist visa, you need to provide addresses of hotels including provinces, cities, and streets. For this reason, you are advised to book refundable hotel rooms in advance. After you get the visa, it’s fine to change your itinerary and cancel the bookings.
In section 8 which acts as background check, you need to answer truthfully the questions regarding overstaying, China visa rejection history, criminal records, diseases, etc. Honesty is important in answering these questions; otherwise you may encounter problems in the application process.