INSTRUCTIONS FOR
APPLICATION MAIL SERVICE

1. The Chinese Embassy and Consulates take authentication applications sent by mail, but do not take visa applications sent by mail.
• For visa applications��if the applicant is unable to come to the visa office himself, he can send some one else or a travel/visa agent to come to the visa office for the application process.
2. Please read the relevant application instructions, e.g. AUTHENTICATION INSTRUCTIONS before submitting your application.
3. Applicants are required to submit applications to the corresponding visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General according to consular district jurisdiction.
• Please check the Consular districts of the Embassy or Consulate-General, and be sure the application goes to the correct office. Otherwise, it will be returned without processing.
• Mark your envelope with "Authentication Application" or "Consular Application".
4. Due to technical reasons, the Consulate General in Houston can not accept Certified Mail, Registered Mail or mails requesting Return Receipt.
5. It takes 7-10 business days to process applications received by mail.
• No rush service is available for applications received by mail.
6. In addition to the application fee, a $5 handling fee PER PACKAGE shall be charged. This handling fee is not return postage.


• Please pay by Money Order, Cashier's Check or Company Check. Personal checks are not acceptable.


• Please make the check or money order payable to Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate.


• All payments can be written on one check or money order.
7. A self-addressed pre-paid RETURN envelops with sufficient postage must be included.
• The following next day arrival trackable return delivery is recommended: FedEx, Post Office Express Mail, Airborne, UPS or DHL, etc.


• Meter stripe postage, Certified Mail or Registered Mail can not be used as return delivery.


• The applicant shall put his/her name and address as the SENDER on the RETURN ENVELOPE instead of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.


• Applicants are solely responsible for the correct address and postage provided on their return envelopes.
  
8. To facilitate your application, please provide a cover letter with a list of the items being mailed, and your daytime telephone number.
9. Do not make any inquires regarding the status of your application if it is less than 15 days old. Should you need the status in case of real emergency, please fax or email us the name of the applicant, nature of the application and the telephone number through which we may reach you. We'll get back to you as soon as possible. The fax number of the Consulate General in Houston is 713-5248466 and the email address is: visa@chinahouston.org
10. A reviewing fee of $20 shall be charged if you withdraw your application while it is being processed.
11. The Visa Office is not responsible for the loss, damage, delay or mishandling of your passport and documents caused by the delivery services.