2008/07/08

The demand for Chinese visas has grown rapidly in recent years. To provide a better service for visa applicants, the Chinese Embassy in India, following the success of the visa centers of other countries, has decided to implement the visa outsourcing through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) late July (the date to be announced at further notice). CVASC will be responsible for accepting visa applications of ordinary passport holders for traveling to Mainland China, collecting visa fees on behalf of the Embassy and returning processed applications.

Services offered by CVASC:

-- Website containing information related to Chinese visa applications

-- Call centre or email reply of frequently asked questions regarding Chinese visa applications

-- Online filling in the visa application form

-- Extended office hours for submitting applications and on site queuing system

-- Postal delivery services of submission of applications and return of processed applications

-- Payment in cash or demand draft

Advantages of using CVASC:

-- Completing application forms online

-- Shorter waiting time

-- No need to visit the centre if using the full postal service

-- Multiple choice of payment

-- Automated enquiry service or consultant available

-- Modern and efficient facilities.

CVASC is running under the supervision of the Embassy. In accordance with Indian laws, CVASC will take all measures to protect the safety of applicants' personal information and passports.

To ensure CVASC's operation, a service fee will be charged and the rate will be published.

After the operation of the CVASC, all the ordinary passport holders should submit their application to CVASC.

Holders of diplomatic, service (official) passport, or applicants qualified for the Chinese diplomatic, service, courtesy visa, or applicants applying for the Hong Kong SAR visa/entry permit still submit their applications directly to the Chinese Embassy.

CVASC is not involved in the visa decision process. It is still the Chinese Embassy that decides the outcome of visa applications.

There is no change in the application process of Chinese passport, travel document, notarization or legalization.

Further information about CVASC will be published on the Chinese Embassy website.