US citizens travelling to China for treatment need an M-visa. Application fee USD 185, processing 5–10 business days, 10-year multi-entry validity most common. Full step-by-step pathway.
US citizens need a Chinese M-visa (商务签证 — medical / business) for treatment in China. Application fee is USD 185 plus the visa book, processing is 5–10 business days standard or 2–3 days expedited , and the standard issuance is a 10-year multi-entry visa with 60–90 days per stay. Apply in person at one of six Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASCs) in the US — Washington DC, NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston.
The Short Answer
US citizens need a Chinese M-visa (商务签证 — medical / business) for treatment in China. Application fee is USD 185 plus the visa book, processing is 5–10 business days standard or 2–3 days expedited, and the standard issuance is a 10-year multi-entry visa with 60–90 days per stay. Apply in person at one of six Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASCs) in the US — Washington DC, NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston.
What You Need Before You Apply
- Passport — original, 6+ months validity beyond intended departure, with 2 blank visa pages.
- Hospital invitation letter — issued by the receiving Chinese hospital. Arranged automatically through a coordinator after submitting the quote wizard; turnaround 3–5 business days.
- Appointment confirmation — written confirmation from the receiving hospital with provisional treatment dates.
- Recent medical records — diagnosis letters and supporting imaging summaries; English or with translation.
- COVA application form (V.2013) — completed online at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn, printed and signed.
- Passport photo — one 33×48mm colour photo, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
The 5-Step Process
- Receive the invitation letter — 3–5 business days after a confirmed quote.
- Complete the COVA form — 30–45 minutes online; print the confirmation.
- Book a CVASC appointment — biometric / fingerprint capture is required in person; walk-in availability varies by region.
- Submit in person — bring documents + passport + photo. Fingerprinting takes 5–10 minutes. Pay fees by cash or card. Receive a collection slip.
- Collect the visa — 5–10 business days later (or 2–3 days expedited). Proxy collection is permitted with an authorisation letter at most CVASCs.
Total Cost Breakdown
- USD 185 visa application + USD 5 visa book.
- ~USD 40 expedited service (optional).
- USD 40–60 CVASC / CIBT service fee.
- Typical total: USD 230–290 per applicant.
Common Questions
- Can I extend my stay if treatment runs long? Yes — once in China, M-visa stays can be extended at the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration with a hospital letter; 30–90 day extensions are routine, processed in 3–7 business days.
- Do my companions need an F-visa? Usually yes — accompanying family members typically apply for an F-visa using a companion invitation letter from the same hospital.
- Is fingerprinting really required? Yes, in person, for all US-to-China visa applicants since 2019.
For your country-specific visa pathway, use the visa eligibility checker. For full destination details and citation links, see the US → China visa guide. Travelling with a family member? See our F-visa companion guide.
Sources: Chinese Embassy in the United States official visa requirements 2026; CVASC published fee schedules; CIBT service-fee disclosures.