How do I get a Z work Visa for China?

Well typically it is up to your employer to help you with a Z work visa, cause they are a pain and impossible to do without a real employer. Note that if you are simply going to China to conduct some short term business, such as a factory visit or other type of negotiations, a F or even a tourist visa should do. Here is a link to the Chinese embassy in the USA for more information and visa application forms.

You can also do a search for the consulate in a large city near you.

For your reference most Chinese cities have about the same Z visa requirements.

Here is a overview of the typical Chinese Z visa flow you can expect:
• Need Work Permit issued (from your Chinese or Joint venture employer) along with invitation letter from City government before can even apply for Z visa in the States. To do this you need to submit:
• Health Certificate – physical exam form (each city may have their own form or expect you to re-do this after arrival grrrr) here is a link for a general form. Physical examination for foreigners form
• Resume
• Your highest academic qualification Diploma – You probably need to get it authenticated by your secretary of State
• Application – (each city has their own form)

Once you receive these items you can now go to the Chinese consulate in your home area and apply for a Z visa. The Z visa they issue will be a 30 day visa, after you arrive in China, your employer must now go through yet even more formalities to issue a residency permit, then onto your 1 year z visa for you and your spouse.
• You may want to bring your original marriage license and get it authenticated to save some work once you get to China if you want a Spouse long term Visa (sometimes they take the original but some cities also need the authentication).

Please feel free to post any questions or further comments about the process below.