Outline
Looking for reliable China visa Houston assistance? Sam’s Passport Inc. is a licensed and registered agency with the Chinese Embassy/Consulate network. We specialize in complete file verification, document prep, and submission for Tourist (L/S1/S2), Business (M), and Employment (Z) visas, returning your physical passport via FedEx or local delivery as soon as it is released.
Whether you reside in Texas or are shipping overnight from across the United States, our Houston team ensures your application meets strict diplomatic standards. Call us at (713) 784-5501 with your intended travel date to confirm exact document requirements, consular fees, and current processing times.
Who this China visa service is for
Use this page to prepare your Chinese visa application from the United States. Each category carries distinct consular criteria, supporting letters, and approval requirements.
- Tourist L / S1 / S2 — For leisure travel, independent sightseeing, and personal or family visits to China.
- Business M — For commercial trade, client meetings, trade fairs, and corporate consultations with an official Chinese invitation letter.
- Employment Z — For formal work assignments requiring a official Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice from Chinese authorities.
U.S. citizens and legal U.S. residents nationwide can process their filings through our office. Non-U.S. citizens must provide valid proof of legal status in the United States (a notarized copy of your Green Card or a valid U.S. visa sticker with an official I-94 arrival record).
Important notes
Sam’s Passport Inc. is a licensed agency registered with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Processing is strictly jurisdictional based on your state of residence. Call us before shipping if your state falls outside the Houston jurisdiction.
COVA Application Rule: Print the official online application in COLOR, using “Fit to Page” settings, SINGLE-SIDED ONLY. You must sign Page 1 (under the barcode) and Page 7 (Section 9.1). The photo printed on the application MUST be identical to the physical 2×2 photos included in your shipment.
Consulate filing tips travelers often miss
Chinese diplomatic posts strictly reject non-compliant packages. We highlight these four major requirements to prevent delays or package returns:
- Exact Photo Match — The photo uploaded to the online COVA application MUST be identical to the physical 2×2 passport photos submitted in your physical file.
- Previous Chinese Visas — If you were previously issued a Chinese visa, you must submit a copy of that visa. If it is located inside an expired passport, the physical old passport must be submitted along with your current active passport.
- Turkey Travel Declaration — If you have traveled to Turkey in recent years, you must complete and sign the supplemental Turkey Declaration Form.
- Employment Z vs. Business M — Work Permit paperwork (Z visa) cannot be substituted with a Business (M) invitation. Each category follows completely separate embassy checklists.
How the process works
- Select visa category
Review the Tourist L/S1/S2, Business M, or Employment Z tabs below to compile every document required for your specific travel purpose.
- Complete online COVA application
Fill out the official COVA online form. Print in color (single-sided), sign the barcode page and Section 9.1, and complete Sam’s Visa Request Form.
- Ship physical file to Houston
Package your original signed passport, printed COVA form, matching photos, and state jurisdiction proofs. Ship via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Priority Overnight to our Houston office.
- Document review & submission
Sam’s Passport conducts a comprehensive audit of your photos, letters, and forms, then submits your physical file to the appropriate Chinese mission.
- Passport retrieval & return delivery
Once your visa sticker is stamped and released by Chinese officials, we retrieve your passport and dispatch it via secure FedEx overnight shipping or arrange local delivery.
Call
(713) 784-5501 prior to overnighting your package to confirm the complete checklist, jurisdiction alignment, and current processing times for your
China visa Houston application.
Tourist L/S1/S2
Apply for a China Tourist Visa (L) or family visit visas (S1/S2) through Sam’s Passport in Houston. Use this document checklist for leisure travel, vacation, or visiting relatives residing in China.
Required documents
Gather all documents listed below for a complete China Tourist L/S1/S2 filing. Missing items or incorrect photo formats will cause immediate consular rejection.
COVA visa application form
Printing Rules: Print the application in COLOR, SINGLE-SIDED ONLY, and select “Fit to Page” printer options. Sign Page 1 (under the barcode) and Page 7 (Section 9.1).
Passport photo
Provide 2 identical color passport-style photos taken within the last 6 months against a plain white background.
- Dimensions: 2 × 2 inches, full front-view face, plain white background with no shadows or borders.
- Eyes wide open and looking directly into camera; neck, chin, forehead, nose, and both ears fully visible.
- Neutral facial expression with mouth closed — no smiling or frowning.
- No eyeglasses, hats, headbands, or scarves allowed (unless supported by a signed religious/medical exemption statement).
- Photos must be professionally printed on high-quality photo paper; home/office printer printouts are strictly rejected.
- The physical photo MUST match the digital photo file uploaded during online COVA registration.
Original passport
Original signed passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in China, containing at least 2 blank visa pages.
Non-U.S. citizens: Submit a notarized copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) -OR- valid proof of U.S. legal status (valid U.S. visa sticker with official I-94 arrival record).
Previous Chinese visa & passport copy
If you were previously issued a Chinese visa, you must submit a copy of that visa page. If the previous visa is stamped inside an expired passport, you MUST submit the physical old passport alongside your current active passport.
Proof of jurisdiction
Provide a clear copy of both sides of your Driver’s License, State ID, or a recent utility bill (water, gas, or electricity) confirming residence in the jurisdiction.
China travel form
Mandatory supplemental form required for Chinese Embassy processing. Do not omit this document.
Where you stay form
Mandatory location confirmation form verifying your presence in the U.S. at the time of application.
Turkey declaration form (If applicable)
If you have traveled to Turkey in recent years, complete and sign this supplemental declaration form.
Business M
Applying for a China Business Visa (M)? Sam’s Passport in Houston verifies invitation letters and corporate documents for commercial visits, business negotiations, trade fairs, and consultations in China.
Required documents
Complete document checklist for a China Business M visa application. All company letters and invitations must comply with diplomatic regulations.
COVA visa application form
Print in COLOR, SINGLE-SIDED ONLY, using “Fit to Page” printer settings. Sign Page 1 (under the barcode) and Page 7 (Section 9.1).
Passport photo
Provide 2 identical color passport photos (2×2 inches) taken within the last 6 months against a white background.
- 2 × 2 inches size, full face, plain white background, no shadows or glares.
- No eyeglasses or headwear allowed. Must be printed on professional photo paper.
- Must be identical to the digital photo uploaded onto the COVA online platform.
Original passport
Original signed passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates.
Non-U.S. citizens must include notarized proof of legal U.S. status (Green Card copy or valid visa sticker with I-94).
Previous Chinese visa record
If you were previously issued a Chinese visa, submit a copy of that visa page. If it is stamped inside a prior passport, you MUST submit the physical old passport alongside your active passport. If the previous visa is lost, state the details in Section 2.9 (Page 3) of the COVA form.
U.S. Employer Letter of Guarantee
An official Letter of Guarantee from your U.S. employer on corporate letterhead, signed by an executive or manager, guaranteeing financial coverage for your stay in China.
If self-employed, provide a signed letter on company stationery explaining your line of work, business structure, and purpose of trip.
Official Chinese Invitation Letter
An official Invitation Letter issued by the host entity in China (written in English or Chinese) carrying an official Chinese signature/seal.
The invitation letter must include the following 3 sections:
- Invitee Information: Full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Visit Details: Specific purpose of travel to China, entry/exit dates, places to be visited, relationship between invitee and host, and designated entity responsible for travel expenses.
- Inviting Party Details: Company/organization name, physical address, official telephone number, official company seal/stamp, and signature of the legal representative.
Proof of jurisdiction
Copy of State Driver’s License (both sides), State ID, or utility bill (water, gas, or electricity).
China travel form
Mandatory form required by consular officers. Complete and include in your submission package.
Where you stay form
Mandatory location verification form required by the Chinese Embassy.
Turkey declaration form (If applicable)
If you have visited Turkey, complete and sign this supplemental form.
Employment Z
A China Employment Visa (Z) is required for commercial employment, long-term technical engagements, or local hiring in China. Work filings require official work permit authorization from Chinese authorities. Contact Sam’s Passport at (713) 784-5501 before shipping.
Required documents
Complete checklist for China Employment Z visa applications. Work permit notices must be verified prior to embassy submission.
COVA visa application form
Print in COLOR, SINGLE-SIDED ONLY, using “Fit to Page” settings. Sign Page 1 (under barcode) and Page 7 (Section 9.1).
Passport photo
Provide 2 identical color passport photos (2×2 inches) taken within the last 6 months against a white background.
- 2 × 2 inches, clear facial features, plain white background, no eyeglasses or headwear.
- Must be printed on professional photo paper; home/office copies will be rejected.
- Photo must be 100% identical to the photo file uploaded on the online COVA portal.
Photo service is available directly at our Houston office if you choose to drop off your file in person.
Original passport
Original signed passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Non-U.S. citizens: Include a notarized copy of your Green Card or legal status documentation (visa + I-94).
Previous Chinese visa record
If you had a previous Chinese visa, submit a copy of that visa. If it is in an old passport, the physical old passport must be attached.
Foreigner’s work permit notice
Official Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China (provided by your hiring company in China).
Proof of jurisdiction
Copy of Driver’s License (both sides), State ID, or recent utility bill.
China travel form
Mandatory supplementary travel form required for all embassy filings.
Where you stay form
Mandatory applicant presence verification form.
Turkey declaration form (If applicable)
Complete and attach if you have travel history to Turkey.
Ship your documents
Ready to file your China visa Houston application? Ship your physical document package to Sam’s Passport via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Priority Overnight.
Houston office address
Sam’s Passport Inc.1811 Bering Drive, Suite #100
Houston, TX 77057
Phone:
(713) 784-5501 What to include in your shipping package
Original PassportOriginal signed passport valid for 6+ months, plus old passports containing previous Chinese visas.
COVA Form & PhotosColor-printed COVA application, matching 2×2 white-background photos, company/invitation letters, and travel forms.
Sam's Request FormDownload and enclose our order tracking form for file identification and return delivery. Sam's request form Call Before ShippingConfirm jurisdiction alignment, travel timing, and fees at (713) 784-5501 prior to overnighting. Walk-in drop-off and consultations are welcome at Suite 100 in Houston. Nationwide applicants can ship directly to our office. Passports are dispatched via FedEx overnight immediately upon release by diplomatic authorities.
