How much does a Chinese visa cost in Atlanta?

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For Chinese residents living and working in Georgia, if you’re planning to visit China soon for family, tourism, or business, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to apply for a Chinese visa. Since there’s no Chinese consulate in Georgia, locals have to go through the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. This can be a time-consuming and stressful process for many Chinese living or studying in Atlanta and nearby areas. The following is a detailed guide to help you understand the Chinese visa online application process (COVA), visa-related costs in Atlanta, common tips, and how to use a visa agency like CEV to save time and effort.

The Chinese Community in Georgia & Visa Application Challenges

Georgia is located in the southeastern United States, with Atlanta as its capital and its main economic and cultural center. In Atlanta and surrounding areas, the Chinese community is mainly concentrated in the following neighborhoods:

Duluth: Popular among Chinese families, with many Asian grocery stores and restaurants.

Chamblee: Known for its variety of Asian eateries and Chinese businesses; very convenient for daily life.

Johns Creek: Offers great school districts and safe neighborhoods—ideal for home buyers.

Alpharetta: A tech hub with many Chinese professionals working in IT and engineering.

Marietta: Good transportation access, relatively affordable housing, and a growing Chinese community.

Whether you’re in the Atlanta metro area or other cities like Savannah, Augusta, or Columbus, if you need a Chinese visa, you’ll have to send your application to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. The long distance, cost of flights and lodging, and limited free time during the workweek make this a difficult task. That’s why many people turn to professional visa agencies, and CEV has become a popular option.

Chinese Visa Fees and Application Costs in Atlanta

For U.S. Citizens

According to the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the U.S., the visa fee for U.S. citizens is $140, regardless of whether you’re applying for a single-entry, double-entry, six-month multiple-entry, or a one-year or longer multiple-entry visa.

Expedited processing comes with additional fees.

If you use an agency in Atlanta, you’ll also need to pay for service and mailing fees.

For Non-U.S. Citizens

Fees vary slightly depending on your nationality.

Non-U.S. citizens typically pay less than U.S. citizens.

Expedited service also incurs extra costs.

Service, Mailing, and Other Fees

Because you can’t submit your materials in Georgia, you must send your passport, photo, and other documents by mail to Washington, D.C., which naturally adds shipping costs.

When using a professional visa agency, you’ll typically pay a flat service fee that covers time, document checks, material organization, and communication with the embassy.

If you need urgent processing, expedited services are available for an extra fee.

In short, for U.S. citizens in Atlanta, the base visa cost is $140, with additional charges for service, shipping, and expedited options. While it increases the overall cost, hiring a visa agency can save you time and eliminate travel and scheduling headaches.

COVA (Chinese Visa Online Application) and Photo Requirements

COVA Application System

Chinese visa applications must be filled out via the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system, which requires detailed personal, travel, and inviter information.

The form is thorough and very strict. Mistakes or missing details can lead to rejections or delays.

Because of this, many applicants prefer to have agencies assist with the COVA form to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Visa Photo Requirements

Your visa photo must meet specific standards for size, background color, and head proportions. The photo must be a recent, color, front-facing headshot with a white or near-white background, sized 48mm x 33mm.

Photos that don’t meet the standards may be rejected by the embassy.

Professional visa agencies usually offer photo-check services to ensure compliance and avoid delays.

Why Choose CEV Visa Agency?

Save Time and Energy

If you live in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, going to the Chinese Embassy in Washington yourself means taking time off work and paying for airfare, hotels, and transportation.

With CEV, you can prepare your documents from home or your office and send your materials by secure mail. CEV submits your application to the embassy and sends your passport back once your visa is issued.

Professional Guidance Minimizes Mistakes

Chinese visa requirements can be detailed and strict. First-time applicants or those who haven’t applied in a while may overlook key items.

CEV’s experienced staff know the policies and embassy expectations. From filling out the COVA form to checking your photo, they provide step-by-step help to avoid rejections or the need for re-submissions.

Reasonable Fees and Secure Mailing

While agency services come with a fee, it’s often more cost-effective than traveling to Washington, considering airfare, lodging, and time lost from work.

CEV works with trusted mail carriers and offers secure shipping options to ensure your passport and documents are delivered safely.

Expedited services are also available when needed.

One-Stop Service, No Worries

CEV offers end-to-end service—from initial consultation and materials prep to final visa delivery.

You can track your application status by phone, email, or online chat, and any issues are resolved quickly.

This is especially helpful for busy professionals or anyone unfamiliar with the visa process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Consult and Prepare

Contact CEV via website or customer service to get the full list of required documents (passport, photo, invitation letter, itinerary, etc.).

Understand the base visa fee ($140 for U.S. citizens), and factor in service, mailing, and potential expedited fees.

2. Fill Out the COVA Form

With CEV’s guidance, complete the online COVA application with your personal details and travel plans.

Print and sign the confirmation page after completion.

3. Prepare a Visa-Compliant Photo

Make sure your photo meets all requirements.

If unsure, send a digital copy to CEV for review.

If rejected, re-take the photo or use a professional printing service.

4. Submit Your Materials

Mail or deliver all required documents to CEV securely.

CEV will double-check everything and forward it to the Chinese Embassy.

5. Wait for Visa Approval

Embassy processing typically takes 4–5 business days. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.

Once approved, CEV will send your passport and visa back via secure mail.

For Chinese residents in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia, applying for a Chinese visa can be quite a hassle—especially since the embassy is far away and the process can be complicated. It’s easy to run into problems like incomplete materials, incorrect photo sizes, or errors in the application form. Using a service like CEV can help avoid these issues and make the process smoother.

For U.S. citizens, the base visa fee is $140, and while additional service, mailing, and expedited fees may apply, the total cost is still reasonable compared to doing everything yourself. CEV has extensive experience with the COVA application, photo reviews, and embassy communication, saving you both time and money. Most importantly, they use secure mailing methods to protect your important documents.

If you’re planning to visit China soon—whether to see family or for business—consider using CEV’s visa service to make the process easier. Just prepare your documents at home or at the office, follow the agency’s instructions for the COVA form, and enjoy a smooth, one-stop visa application experience. Here’s hoping every Chinese resident in Georgia gets their visa smoothly and sets off on their journey back to China or on their business trip without a hitch!

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