This is what I heard:
With the imminent change in leadership in China in October, the Chinese government is tightening up the visa application process. Effective immediately, all applicants will require additional documentation as follows:
FOR BUSINESS VISA (F VISA)
1. An Invitation Letter from the Sponsoring Company in China
o Must be on the company letterhead in China
o Must include the following information:
a) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, and date of passport's expiration
b) Information concerning the invitee's visit to China: purpose of the visit, date of entry and exit, places to visit, relationship between the applicant and the inviter, and who will be financially responsible for the applicant
c) Information of the inviter: name of the inviter, inviter's phone number, inviter's address, and seal and signature of the legal representative in China
o A copy by email or fax is acceptable
o Must be signed and sealed by an authorized person
2. A copy of the official business license of the inviting entity
FOR TOURIST VISA (L VISA)
One of the following documents is required:
1. Photocopy of the Hotel Reservation and Roundtrip Airline Ticket/Travel Itinerary
2. An Invitation Letter issued by companies, corporations, institutions and individuals in China. If an individual issues the invitation letter, a photocopy of the ID of the individual must also be submitted.
3. An Invitation Letter for a Tourist by a Duly Authorized Tourism Unit
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