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China talent visa from the UK(R visa).

The China talent visa, known as the R visa, is for high-level foreign talent and specialists whose skills China needs. It needs a confirmation letter from the Chinese authorities; we then prepare your China talent visa application.

  • R visaHigh-level talent
  • Confirmation letterFrom the Chinese authorities
  • £301Standard, all in
  • £357Express, all in

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Who the China talent visa is for

Senior experts

Leading scientists, executives and specialists.

Skills in short supply

Professionals whose skills China urgently needs.

Not covered by a China talent visa

  • Ordinary employment, which needs a Z visa
  • Short business trips

Documents you’ll need

DocumentDetailsNeeded
PassportYour original passport, valid for at least 6 months after you arrive, with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a copy of the photo page.Required
PhotoOne recent colour photo, 33 × 48 mm, on a plain white background, no glasses, face and ears clearly visible. We check it before your appointment.Required
Online application formThe official Chinese visa application form, completed and printed with its confirmation page.We prepare
Confirmation letterThe Confirmation Letter of High-level Foreign Talent, issued by the Chinese authorities.Required
UK residence statusIf you’re not a British citizen: your UK visa, BRP or eVisa share code page showing you live here legally.If applicable

Upload them from your phone. We check every document and resize it to the official limits before we submit.

All documents must be in English or Chinese. Upload them from your phone and we check every one before your appointment.

  1. 1

    Apply online

    Answer a few questions and upload your passport, photo and documents.

  2. 2

    We check and book

    We complete the official form, check every document and book your appointment.

  3. 3

    Visit the visa centre

    Hand in your passport and give fingerprints in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

  4. 4

    Collect your visa

    Your passport comes back with the visa inside, usually within 3 to 4 working days.

Rules to know before you travel

You apply in person at a visa centre

Chinese visas are submitted at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. In the UK there are centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. We complete your form and book your appointment, and you attend to hand in your passport and give fingerprints.

Passport rules

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you enter China and have at least two blank visa pages. If yours is close to expiry, renew it first.

Residence permit after you arrive

This visa lets you enter China. To stay longer, you apply for a residence permit at the local public security bureau, usually within 30 days of arriving.

Need a visa for your team?

We handle China visas for companies of every size, from one-off trips to regular travellers.

Corporate accounts

Fees

The embassy fee and our service fee, shown separately, so you always know where your money goes.

VisaProcessing timeEntriesEmbassy feeOur feeTotal you pay
Standard serviceTalent (R) visaUsually 4 working daysSingle, double or multiple£151£150£301
Express serviceTalent (R) visaUsually 3 working daysSingle, double or multiple£182£175£357

Embassy fees shown are those charged by the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre to British passport holders, and may differ for other nationalities. They aren’t refundable, even if the visa is refused. Our fee is per person and includes checking your documents, completing the online form and booking your appointment.

Need it quickly? Choose express service when you apply. Tell us your travel date and we’ll tell you the latest day to submit.

How the China talent visa works

Your Chinese employer or host applies for recognition of you as high-level foreign talent. Once the authorities issue the confirmation letter, you apply for the China talent visa in the UK. It can be issued with longer validity and more entries than most visas.

Related pages

Questions people ask

Is the China talent visa the same as a work visa?

No. The R visa is for people recognised as high-level talent. Most employees need a China work visa (Z).

Who applies for the confirmation letter?

Your employer or host organisation in China.

How long does a China visa take?

The visa centre usually processes standard applications in 4 working days and express applications in 3 working days, after your appointment. Allow extra time to prepare and book the appointment.

Do I need to go to the visa centre?

Yes. Most applicants aged 14 to 70 must attend in person to give fingerprints. We prepare everything and book the appointment, so your visit is quick.

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