Applying for Chinese Visa, Is the PU Letter Still the Key Point?
During the epidemic period, China’s temporary visa policy is updated from time to time. Is the PU letter still the key point for foreigners to coming to China? This article will give you the answer.
Ⅰ. No PU letter is required for sino-vaccine.
Starting from 15 March 2021, the Chinese Embassy will provide the following facilitation for visa applicants who have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines produced in China and obtained the vaccination certificate:
Foreign nationals and their family members coming to China for resuming their work in various fields only need to provide the documents required before the COVID-19 pandemic when applying for a visa.The Invitation Letter (PU&TE) or Invitation Verification Notice issued by the foreign affairs offices or the departments of commerce of the provincial governments or the headquarters of state-owned enterprises areno longer required.
The scope of applicants eligible for applying for a visa out of emergency humanitarian needs will be expanded. Foreign family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents ofChina, including spouse, parents, children and other close relatives living together (referring to siblings, grandparents and grandchildren), may submit visa applications for the purposes of reuniting with family, taking care of the elderly, visiting relatives, attending funerals or visiting critically ill relatives.
Holders of valid APEC business travel cards may apply for the M visa by presenting the original valid APEC business travel card and the invitation letter issued by the inviting party in China.
With the improvement of China’s vaccine supply capacity, more and more countries can get Chinese vaccines. Therefore, for foreigners who want to get a Chinese visa, sino-vaccine is one of the most convenient ways.
China Vaccine
Ⅱ. Foreigners holding valid Chinese residence permits for the purpose of work, personal matters and reunion do not need apply for PU letter.
If the country where the applicant is located does not yet have Chinese vaccines, the policy for applying for a visa is based on the “Announcement on Entry by Foreign Nationals Holding Valid Chinese Residence Permits of Three Categories” issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Immigration Administration.
Effective from 28 September 2020, foreign nationals holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters and reunion are allowed to enter China with no need for applying for new visas.
If the above three categories of residence permits held by foreign nationals expired after 28 March 2020, the holders may apply for relevant visas by presenting the expired residence permits and relevant materials to the Chinese embassies or consulates on the condition that the purpose of the holders’ visit to China remains unchanged.
Ⅲ. If neither of the above two conditions are met, It is very likely required to apply for PU letter.
In fact, many foreign friends cannot get the Chinese vaccine and their residence permit expires before March 28, 2020, so after contacting the local Embassy / Consulate, they still required to provide the PU letter.
According to our experience, when applying for PU Letter, the time period is long, the approval conditions are strict, and the procedures are complicated.