With the rapid development of global integration and increasing exchanges between different countries, Visa applicants for many countries have increased greatly and the work load for the Embassies and Consulates has become very heavy. Many visa applicants have complained about long waiting time and crowded environment at the visa office. To meet this challenge, more than twenty countries such as Britain and India have established Visa Application Service Center to help their Embassies and Consulates with visa applications. Since 2008, China has also gradually established twenty Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in thirteen countries such as Britain, Australia, France, Italy and Singapore. It is proven that Visa Application Service Center can provide visa appplicants with quicker and more convenient services. The Chinese Consulate-General in Vancouver has therefore decided to introduce the Chinese Visa Application Service center (CVASC).

CVASC is responsible for receiving visa applications of ordinary passport holders for visiting mainland China, collecting visa fees on behalf of the Consulate-General and returning passports with approved Chinese visa to applicants. Services offered by CVASC include :

1. website containing information related to Chinese visa applications

2. call center or email reply to frequently asked questions regarding Chinese visa application

3.online filling in the visa application form

4.online appointment for application submission

5. more windows and extended office hours for submitting applications

6. postal delivery services of submission of applications and return of processed applications

7. payment in cash or by debit card

Advantages of using CVASC:

1. completing application form and booking appointments online at home

2. shorter waiting time

3. no need to visit the Center if using the full postal service

4. multiple choices of payment, cash or debit card

5. automated inquiry or consultant service

6. comfortable reception hall environment

Relevant Explanations:

The Chinese Consulate-General in Vancouver has authorized CITS V SERVICE (CANADA) LTD. to establish the Chinese Visa Applicaion Service Center (CVASC). The operation will start in middle December, 2011. In accordance with Canadian laws, CVASC will take all measures to protect the safety of applicants' personal information and passports. To ensure CVASC's operation, a service fee will be charged and the rate will be published .

With the opening of the Center, the holders of diplomatic, service (official) passport, or applicants qualified for the Chinese diplomatic, courtesy, service visa, or applicants applying for the Hong Kong visa/ entry permit or Macao visa still have to submit their applications directly to the Chinese Consulate-General without online-appointment.

CVASC has no involvement in the visa assessment and decision-making process. The Chinese Consulate-General in Vancouver reserves the right to approve or reject visa applications, decide the type of the visa to be issued, the period of validity, the duration of stay and the number of entry based on China's relevant laws and regulations. The Chinese Consulate-General also reserves the right to request the applicant to provide additional supporting documents or to come to the Consulate-General for an interview.