“Proof of legal status” for applying for a Chinese visa in United Kingdom
I'm a non-British EU citizen living in United Kingdom and need to apply for a Chinese visa. According to the PRC's visa processing facility in London (with similar requirement listed on the Chinese Embassy website) you need amongst others:
(4) Proof of legal status (applicable for those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)
If you are not applying for a visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates of residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal stay provided by the relevant authorities of the country where the Visa Centre is located.
Does anyone know what sort of "certificate of residence" will satisfy them are where can it be obtained from?
Best Answer
I have now received answers from two official sources, Edinburgh and London offices. It was impossible to get through to anyone in London on the phone but they responded to an email on the same day:
Dear Johnny Baloney,
Thank you for contacting Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.
As an EU national, you are not required to provide any additional proof of residence within the UK.
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
They were as polite when I phoned up Edinburgh earlier on, and as soon as I mentioned that I was an EU member state citizen, they gave me a similar response.
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What documents are needed for Chinese visa application?
Tourist Application Requirements for a China Visa- Passport. You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. ...
- Photographs. ...
- Letter of Invitation. ...
- Proof of State Residency. ...
- VisaCentral Order Form. ...
- Travel Record. ...
- Health Declaration. ...
- Authorization Letter.
What are supporting documents for visa?
Here are the required documents for a US visa:- An online nonimmigrant DS-160 application form. You can file the form DS-160 here.
- Your valid passport. ...
- One photograph. ...
- Receipt proving payment of $160 for a nonimmigrant US visa application. ...
- Social media details.
How do I get my documents authenticated for China?
Get your documents authenticated by Chinese Embassy/Consulates. After certification by the Secretary of State's office and/or the US Department of State, your documents will be authenticated by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate that holds consular jurisdiction over the state where the document is certified.Why would a Chinese visa be denied?
The applicant is from a country where war, terrorist attacks, or political unrest frequently happen, or whose nationals frequently overstay their visas, or a country with strained relations with China. The applicant has a criminal record.More answers regarding “Proof of legal status” for applying for a Chinese visa in United Kingdom
Answer 2
You need to prove that you are legally resident in the UK, not simply a tourist or other short-term visitor. China requires that visa applicants apply from their country of citizenship or residence.
Many documents will suffice for this; for instance, a work or student visa, indefinite leave to remain, asylum approval, etc. For an EU citizen, your EU passport and some proof that you are exercising treaty rights ought to do.
As a "qualified person" you can obtain a registration certificate from the Home Office which proves your right to live and work in the UK. If nothing else works, this will.
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