Essential Visa Checklist for Foreigners Before Spring Festival Holiday
As the 2025 Spring Festival approaches, the Chinese government and embassies abroad will enter holiday mode. According to the notice issued by the General Office of the State Council, the Spring Festival holiday in 2025 will begin on January 28 (Lunar New Year's Eve, Tuesday) and last until February 4 (Lunar New Year's Seventh Day, Tuesday), spanning a total of 8 days.
During this period, domestic immigration management offices and consular service halls at Chinese embassies and consulates abroad will suspend operations.
To avoid delays in visa or permanent residency applications due to the Spring Festival holiday, we recommend that you make the following preparations in advance:
01
TIPS
Spring Festival & Work Visa Deadlines
Holiday Closure & Backlogs
Jan 28: The Spring Festival begins.
Government offices will close and face heavy backlogs in February.
It is strongly recommended that you submit your application before January 28 to avoid extended delays.
Urgent Work Visa Timelines
Extensions: Start preparing now for renewal by late February; delays could push approvals into March or April.
New/Changed Work Visas: If you have the required police clearance, you may aim for approval by March; otherwise, the process may extend into April.
New Company + Work Visa
If you start now, you may obtain your business license by early March and finalize your visa by April.
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02
TIPS
Verify the Validity of Work Visa Application Materials
If you are applying for a work visa, it is crucial to verify the validity of your application materials, such as the criminal record certificate, medical examination report, passport, etc.
If any of these documents will expire around or after the Spring Festival, it is advisable to submit them as soon as possible. Expired documents will be invalid, requiring a re-submission of your application.
If you have questions about China visa or need assistance, feel free to consult our visa advisor, Maggie!
03
TIPS
Check the Expiry Dates of Your Work Visa and Passport
If your work visa is due to expire before May, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six more months. If not, apply for a new passport at the embassy. Generally, passport renewal can take up to a month, and some countries may require you to return to your home country to handle the renewal.
Make sure to leave enough time to complete the process, as delays will affect your ability to apply for a new work visa.
04
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Verify Permanent Residency Application Materials
If you are preparing to apply for permanent residency in China, ensure that you are aware of the current status of your application process and verify the validity of all required materials. This will help you avoid delays due to expired documents around the holiday period.
05
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Submit Your Visa Application for China Early
If you plan to come to China in February, whether for business or tourism, it is essential to prepare and submit your visa application as soon as possible.
Visa approval typically takes 2-5 working days, so early submission is recommended to ensure processing is completed before the holiday break.
If you have questions about China visa or need assistance, feel free to consult our visa advisor, Maggie!
06
TIPS
Timely Update or Extend Your Visa
If your current visa is set to expire before January 27, make sure to complete the renewal or extension procedures before the Spring Festival holiday. Visa renewals and extensions cannot be processed during the holiday period.
07
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Check Your Visa's Validity for Travel
If you plan to travel abroad, check that your visa will remain valid for the duration of your trip and return. Proper visa planning in advance is essential to avoid disruptions to your travel schedule due to visa issues.
08
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Avoid Peak Visa Application Periods
The period around the Spring Festival holiday typically sees a surge in visa applications, which may result in longer processing times. To avoid delays, we recommend submitting your application as early as possible, thus avoiding the peak application period and ensuring smooth travel plans.
If you have questions about China visa or need assistance, feel free to consult our visa advisor, Maggie!
09
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Prepare Complete Application Materials
Ensure that your application materials are complete and meet all requirements to avoid delays caused by missing or incomplete documents. Providing accurate and truthful information is crucial for obtaining your visa approval.
10
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Stay Updated on Consular Notifications
During the application process, the consulate may contact you for verification or additional documents. It is essential to keep all communication channels open and respond promptly to any consular requests.
The Spring Festival is a joyful time for family reunions, and we hope you can enjoy it with your loved ones. At the same time, we are here to support you, ensuring that your visa or permanent residency application proceeds smoothly.
We wish you a Happy Spring Festival and all the best for the year ahead!
If you have any questions about China visa applications (work visa, company registration and more), please contact our visa consultant Maggie.
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