Do you have any service recommendations, or what to expect? Or how much money the service would cost?
When you say consulate, do you mean like embassy? There are unfortunately no embassies in Texas, and I'm very concerned that I could be tracked or harassed by the U.S. government for mailing a Chinese embassy.
Consulate is like embassy yeah. There’s only like 6 in the US, and each region is assigned to one. For me, I had to go to Chicago’s, as it was the nearest to me and the one I’m assigned to. You have to go to the one you’re assigned, regardless if another is closer. I didn’t use the service, I went in person, but I saw many of the people who did work for the service. I looked into it, and it was about $500 I think, you have to give them your passport and paperwork, they’ll go to the consulate, get your visa, which takes like 3 days, and then return to you with your passport with the Visa inside.
For the picture, you need it to match specific specifications. I had my aunt take a picture of me against a white background with no shadowing on my face or behind me, and then used an online tool to adjust the dimensions, resolution, and center my head to exactly match their specifications. I saw a guy next to me get denied with his Walgreens photo, so I really recommend the online tool rather than relying on paying someone for the photo.
You don’t have to mail the consulate, but even if you did, you shouldn’t worry. Thousands of Americans go to China and live in China every year. Unless you’re actively working with the Party in some way, I don’t think any of us are nearly important enough for the US government to give two shits about. I already get harassed by the USA gov for being brown in public though, so maybe I’m not the best judge of that kinda thing.
Do you have any service recommendations, or what to expect? Or how much money the service would cost?
When you say consulate, do you mean like embassy? There are unfortunately no embassies in Texas, and I'm very concerned that I could be tracked or harassed by the U.S. government for mailing a Chinese embassy.
Consulate is like embassy yeah. There’s only like 6 in the US, and each region is assigned to one. For me, I had to go to Chicago’s, as it was the nearest to me and the one I’m assigned to. You have to go to the one you’re assigned, regardless if another is closer. I didn’t use the service, I went in person, but I saw many of the people who did work for the service. I looked into it, and it was about $500 I think, you have to give them your passport and paperwork, they’ll go to the consulate, get your visa, which takes like 3 days, and then return to you with your passport with the Visa inside.
For the picture, you need it to match specific specifications. I had my aunt take a picture of me against a white background with no shadowing on my face or behind me, and then used an online tool to adjust the dimensions, resolution, and center my head to exactly match their specifications. I saw a guy next to me get denied with his Walgreens photo, so I really recommend the online tool rather than relying on paying someone for the photo.
You don’t have to mail the consulate, but even if you did, you shouldn’t worry. Thousands of Americans go to China and live in China every year. Unless you’re actively working with the Party in some way, I don’t think any of us are nearly important enough for the US government to give two shits about. I already get harassed by the USA gov for being brown in public though, so maybe I’m not the best judge of that kinda thing.
Nevermind, I saw that Texas is assigned to the actual embassy. I guess I'll have to email or mail them.
How do you know which region you are assigned to?