Invitation Letter for China — Who Issues It, What to Include & Templates

An invitation letter is a short document from a host in China that supports your visa application. It explains who you’re visiting, why, and for how long, and confirms accommodation or sponsorship. It’s not a visa by itself, but it can be required or highly recommended depending on your visa type and the consulate.

Who Can Issue the Letter (By Situation)

Requirements vary by consulate and visa type. Always follow the specific document list for your application center.

When You’ll Need One

• Family or private visit: Usually required from the person you’re visiting.
• Business meetings: Commonly required from the inviting company.
• Study: Your school acceptance + invitation/notification is typical.
• Au pair/cultural programs: Host family or program issues a letter confirming purpose, address, and support.

What the Invitation Letter Must Include

Bilingual (Chinese + English) letters are ideal. Use the inviter’s China phone number for verification calls.

Supporting Documents to Attach

• Inviter’s ID scan (Chinese ID front/back) or passport/visa if non-Chinese resident.
• Proof of address or property lease (for private hosts), if requested.
• Company license / school letterhead & contact (for business/study).
• Program confirmation (for au pair/cultural placement) mentioning family, duties, and city.

Formatting & Delivery

• Type on letterhead (if company/school) or include inviter’s full contact block at the top.
• Export as a PDF, then send a color scan of the signed copy (photo is okay if crisp, no glare).
• Keep originals handy in case the consulate asks for them.

Timeline, Validity & Practical Tips

• Ask 3–4 weeks ahead of your visa appointment to allow time for edits.
• Dates in the letter should match your application form and (roughly) your flight plan.
• Use the same spelling as your passport (no nicknames).
• For multi-entry requests, state the need for multiple visits within the period.

Special Notes for Minors (Under 18)

• Include a guardian consent letter authorizing the trip, with parents’ passports and contact details.
• List the responsible adult in China (host parent/guardian) with address and phone.
• If traveling without both parents, some consulates ask for a notarized consent—check your center’s rules.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong passport number or name order (match machine-readable line exactly).
• Missing phone number in China or inviter’s address.
• Dates that don’t match application/flight info.
• No signature or missing official stamp for company/school letters.

Simple Template — Host Family / Cultural Exchange

Invitation Letter

To: Consulate/Embassy of [Country] in [Location]

I, [Inviter Full Name], holder of [Chinese ID No. / Passport No.], residing at
[Full Address in China, District/City/Province, Postal Code], phone: [+86-...],
email: [email@example.com], hereby invite:

Guest: [Full Name as in Passport], [Nationality], DOB: [DD/MM/YYYY],
Passport No.: [XXXXXXXXX].

Purpose of visit: Cultural exchange (au pair) with our family through [Program/Agency Name].
Planned stay: from [DD Month YYYY] to [DD Month YYYY], mainly in [City/Province].
Accommodation: The guest will stay at [home address / arranged apartment].
Financial support: [Host/Program] will provide daily accommodation and local guidance.

Relationship: [Brief description, e.g., Host family for cultural exchange].

We confirm that the information above is true and we will assist the guest in complying with
local registration and safety rules. Please contact me if further information is required.

Inviter:
[Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Date]
(Attach: Inviter ID copy, proof of address; Program confirmation)
    

Simple Template — Company / Business Visit

[Company Letterhead + Official Seal]

To: Consulate/Embassy of [Country] in [Location]

Our company, [Company Name], located at [Address, City, Province, Postcode], tel: [+86-...],
invites: [Guest Full Name], [Nationality], Passport No. [XXXXXXXXX].

Purpose: Business meetings/training with [Department/Project].
Planned dates in China: [DD Month YYYY] to [DD Month YYYY]; cities: [City list].
Accommodation & costs: [Company / Self-pay]. Contact at company: [Name, Title, Phone, Email].

We guarantee the accuracy of the information and will comply with relevant regulations.

Authorized Signature:
[Name, Title]
[Date]
(Attach: Business license scan if requested)
    

FAQ — Invitation Letters

Do I need the original paper?
Usually a clear color scan is fine; some offices may ask for the original—check your center’s list.

Does the letter guarantee a visa?
No. It supports your application; approval is at the consulate’s discretion.

What language should it be in?
English or Chinese both work; bilingual is best. Contact details must be valid in China.

Who signs for families?
An adult resident at the hosting address (include ID) or the program coordinator.