Time limit between online approval and visiting visa centre?

Question

Hi all,

I submitted my application online and received my approval certificate yesterday.

I already had plans to go to London in a months time (i live over a 2 hour drive away) but i think i read somewhere that you have to go to the visa centre within 15 days of receiving your approval certificate. Does anyone know if this is true?

I have tried to contact the visa centre but have had no response.

Thank you

Answer

When you apply for a Chinese visa online and receive an approval certificate, there is typically a time limit within which you must visit the visa application centre (VAC) to submit your documents and provide biometric information. This time frame is usually 15 calendar days from the date of issuance of the approval certificate, but it can vary slightly depending on the type of visa and the consulate or VAC processing your application.

Here are some important points to note:

The 15-day period usually starts from the date on the approval certificate. You must go to the visa centre within this window; otherwise, your online approval may expire and you could need to reapply.
Some visa centres may allow a short grace period, but this is not guaranteed. It’s safest to plan your VAC visit within the 15-day limit.
If you live far away from the nearest VAC (like a 2-hour drive), you should try to schedule your appointment as early as possible within the allowed window.
It’s generally not possible to extend this window, so arranging transportation or accommodation in advance is recommended if needed.

Tips for managing this:

Check the official website of the Chinese consulate or the VAC for your region to confirm the exact time limit, as rules can vary slightly between locations.
If your planned travel to London conflicts with the 15-day window, consider adjusting your travel dates or booking an earlier appointment at the VAC.
Keep a printed copy of the approval certificate and any correspondence with the consulate or VAC when you go.

In summary, yes, you are generally expected to visit the visa centre within 15 days of receiving your approval certificate. Failing to do so may require you to restart the application process, so it’s important to plan accordingly.