Navigating China's VISA Process: Do I Really Need an Original Invitation Letter?

Dear Seniors,

I am working as an HR Executive in a software company. In December this year, one of the team members, who is a software engineer, needs to go to Shanghai, China. I am currently trying to get the documents that he'll be needing for the VISA Application. However, on one issue, I am stuck. I have already received the invitation letter from the client company in China, but my travel agent has informed me that I need to obtain the original letter, i.e., originally stamped by Chinese officials and then couriered to my office. However, in the Visa formalities that I searched for on the Chinese Embassy website, I see no such requirements. Please guide me through the whole process of setting up an appointment for the VISA Application and the necessary documents needed for the VISA Application for China.

Please help me.

Thanks,
Swati

Dear Swati,

Season's Greetings.

Kindly check the relevant details from the official website of the Government of China and the Embassy website in India.

Dear Swati,

No need to submit the original invitation letter to the China embassy. The invitation letter is only a backup document. You will need to speak with your travel agency. A Xerox copy, fax, or email copy is sufficient to obtain the business/employment visa.

Sankar

These agents contrive to fetch more money by misleading clients and making simple things complicated. Your software engineer is not going for smuggling smacks or illegal stuff.

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Hi friends,

Most of the embassies have started asking for original documents for verification. It is recommended to obtain the originals and proceed in order to expedite the process.

Regards,
V. Jagn

Hi Sawti,

Greetings! I am also working on the same. A few of our engineers are also going to China for training in December. The original invitation letter is needed, so it's better to provide them with an original letter. I was also stuck there. I am also sending them an original letter.

Regards,
Manjeet

Hi,

It is not only for the China visa; for all country visa processes, we need to submit the original client letter.

Hi friends,

Thank you so much for your quick and wise suggestions. On the website of the Chinese Embassy, I found information about an agency that deals with providing visas. It's an official agency, and when I inquired about the required documents, they informed me that a faxed letter would suffice. If anyone needs their contact number, please ask, and I'll provide you with the details.

Thanks,
Swati

Hi Manjeet,

Please go through the following links:
- [CONSULAR AFFAIRS](http://www.chinaembassy.org.in/eng/lssw/)
- [Introduction of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC)](http://www.chinaembassy.org.in/eng/lssw/t477529.htm)

I hope this will help.

Thanks,
Swati