China has officially introduced its China Online Visa Application (COVA) system in the United States, marking the next stage in its global digital visa rollout. Beginning September 30, 2025, all Chinese consulates in the U.S. will transition to the new online platform for visa applicants.
The system is already in operation in more than 150 countries, including Canada, Japan, the UK, and across the European Union. Its U.S. debut is designed to streamline the visa process, though travelers should anticipate adjustments in processing times as the program ramps up.
What Travelers Should Expect
The COVA system shifts the initial stage of visa filing into an online environment:
- Digital Form Completion: Travelers’ China visa applications must be completed via the COVA portal.
- Document Upload: Supporting materials are uploaded for preliminary review before consulates accept physical submissions.
- Real-Time Updates: Applicants will have the ability to track progress and update information without starting from scratch.
It’s important to note that while this step modernizes the application journey, the final visa remains a physical, paper visa affixed in the traveler’s passport. This is not an eVisa system.
G3’s Role in the Process
For G3 clients, the experience of applying for a China visa remains simple and fully managed:
- Provide your travel details and documents securely through G3’s online portal.
- Our team reviews your materials for accuracy and completeness, advising on any issues before submission.
- G3 transmits your application digitally to the appropriate consulate.
- Once online approval is confirmed, we coordinate the secure transfer of original documents, including your passport, to the consulate.
- When your visa is issued, G3 returns your passport directly to you, ready for travel.
By combining the new COVA system with G3’s hands-on service, our clients can navigate this transition smoothly, with minimal disruption to travel plans.
Key Considerations
- Pre-approval ≠ Issuance: An online pre-screen does not guarantee visa approval. Consular officers will still conduct full reviews and may request additional materials or interviews.
- Processing Times May Vary: Early phases of implementation can introduce delays or policy changes. G3 will monitor consular updates daily to ensure clients receive the most accurate information.
- No eVisa Option: Travelers should plan for the same in-passport visa issuance as before, with COVA serving only as the application gateway.
For applicants who need assistance beyond visas, such as document authentication and legalization services, G3 provides a full suite of solutions to support international travelers and corporate partners.
Staying Ahead with G3
As Chinese consulates adjust to this new platform, G3 Global Services remains committed to providing personalized guidance, proactive updates, and expedited handling for all of our clients.
We encourage travelers and corporate partners to plan visa applications early and lean on G3’s expertise during this transition. Our team will continue to publish updates as new details emerge.
For questions about your specific case, contact G3 Global Services directly.
This update is for informational purposes only. Immigration regulations may change without notice. For specific case guidance, please contact G3 Global Services directly.