How to Apply for a Chinese Travel Document for Children Born in the United States

For a child born in the United States who is a 'Chinese national,' if at the time of birth neither parent was a U.S. citizen nor a green card holder (permanent resident), under current policy the child should apply for a travel document rather than a Chinese visa. Parents can use the 'China Consular' app to apply for or renew the child's travel document. An 'American baby' who returns to China with a travel document can register for household registration (hukou) in China.

Differences Between Chinese Passport, Travel Document, and Visa

1. Chinese Passport

A passport is a citizen's identification document. Children born in the United States cannot apply for a Chinese passport in the United States. "American babies" who return to China with a travel document can register for household registration (hukou) in China (note: some cities now require the travel document to be canceled after household registration), and then they can apply for a Chinese passport. Chinese-American children born in the United States can only apply for a travel document, not a passport; see this article for an explanation.

2. Chinese Travel Document

A travel document is an identification document used in special circumstances to replace a passport. Travel documents are not unique to China. When applying for a visa extension in the United States using Form I-539, there is an item called "Travel Document Number" — generally, if you entered with a passport, you will not have a travel document, and you can fill in N/A for this item; see the I-539 instructions.

Cover of a Chinese Travel Document

A travel document is valid for two years and cannot be extended, but it can be reissued.

3. Chinese Visa

A visa itself is not an identity document; it is only a permit to enter China and must be used together with a foreign passport.

• If at the time of the child's birth the parents were not U.S. citizens or green card holders, then even if the child has a U.S. passport, they should not apply for a Chinese visa but should apply for a travel document; however, it is said that consulates sometimes interpret this policy differently. See the discussion in this article: {https://gonglue.us/1119}.

• If at the time of the child's birth the parents were U.S. citizens or green card holders, the child should travel to China with (1) a U.S. passport + (2) a Chinese visa. A 10-year multiple-entry visa can be obtained, and travel agencies can handle the application; see this article: {https://gonglue.us/15916}. When entering with a foreign passport and Chinese visa (such as Q1), if the child intends to reside in China long-term, a residence permit must be obtained within China.

Process for Applying for a Chinese Travel Document During the Pandemic

Please first download the "China Consular" app, log in, and select "Passport/Travel Document" (do not select "Emergency Travel Document"). Choose the appropriate embassy or consulate based on your place of residence, and follow the prompts to gradually, completely, and accurately fill in basic personal information, electronically sign the "Declaration of Nationality Status," and upload ID photos and other materials in the required format. Note: The applicant should fill in the child's name; for children under 10 years old, parents may sign on their behalf.

For how to download and fill out the "China Consular" app, see {https://gonglue.us/84103}, or refer to the website of the Chinese Embassy in the United States. This website strives to update information promptly; if any individual content is inconsistent, please refer to the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

Some materials need to be uploaded in the app; the images to prepare in advance are:

• A digital version of a photo for a Chinese passport/travel document; you can DIY it by taking a photo with your phone in just a few minutes! See this tutorial.

• If the applicant (child) has an old travel document, a photo of its data page.

• A photo of the guardian's passport data page.

• Proof of the guardian's immigration status in the United States (work/student visa, I-94, I-797, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, etc.).

• Other materials prompted by the app for upload.

When the order status changes to "Under Review," please mail the materials as soon as possible. Do not mail in advance if the system has not indicated "Under Review." Please use a USPS envelope with tracking capability, such as Priority or Priority Express; do not use First Class Mail. The envelope cover must clearly indicate "Applicant's state of residence + Chinese name + LXZ Issued." If applying for renewal of a travel document, indicate "Applicant's state of residence + Chinese name + LXZ Renewal."

List of materials to mail:

• A photocopy of the screenshot of the order information page from the 'China Consular' app.

• Three front-facing, bareheaded, color half-length ID photos taken within the past six months.

• If renewing a travel document, the original old travel document/Chinese passport/exit-entry permit is required.

• The original signed 'Letter of Commitment for Chinese Passport/Travel Document Application' (for minors, a legal guardian may sign on their behalf).

• A photocopy of proof of residence within the embassy's consular district (such as a driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, etc.).

• A Money Order or Cashier's Check for $23, including an $8 processing fee and a $5 mailing service fee. The check should be made payable to 'Chinese Embassy' or 'Chinese Consulate in XXX.' If the fee was already paid online when submitting the application via the 'China Consular' app, please note this on the photocopy of the order information page; no additional check needs to be mailed. If you have recently arrived in the U.S. and are unfamiliar with how to write a check, see this illustrated tutorial.

• A prepaid return envelope with your address as both sender and recipient. Please use USPS flat rate Priority or Priority Express; the embassy does not accept return envelopes from courier companies other than USPS.

• For minor applicants, the following are also required: birth certificate, original valid passports of both parents, and original proof of parents' status in the U.S. (such as I-20, I-94, DS-2019, I-797, etc.).

• If entrusting someone else to handle the application, a notarized power of attorney and the original passport of the entrusted person are required.

Illustrated Guide for Passport and Travel Document Applications

Below is the illustrated guide provided by the DC Embassy; the list of materials to mail is here.