Migration operations in China will move from Shanghai to Beijing
Update Explained
Migration operations in China that were previously handled by the consulate-general in Shanghai will be transferring to the embassy in Beijing. This process will gradually take place and be completed by January 1, 2027. Starting October 1, 2026, the embassy in Beijing will be responsible for processing visa applications from the three Visa Application Centres that were managed by the Shanghai consulate-general, which will cease to receive visa applications after that date. As of November 1, 2026, interviews, investigations, and other migration-related tasks for those residing in China will also transition to the Beijing embassy. By January 1, 2027, all migration operations in China will be conducted exclusively through the embassy in Beijing, concluding any migration activities at the consulate-general in Shanghai.
What changed
Migration operations are moving from the consulate-general in Shanghai to the embassy in Beijing.
Why it matters
People in China who are applying for visas or involved in migration-related processes will need to interact with the embassy in Beijing instead of the consulate-general in Shanghai after the specified transition dates.
Who is affected
- Individuals in China applying for visas
- Those needing migration-related interviews or investigations in China
Key dates
Start transferring visa applications
Oct 1, 2026
From this date, the embassy in Beijing will handle visa applications previously managed in Shanghai.
Start transferring interviews and other tasks
Nov 1, 2026
Interviews and migration case tasks will begin being handled in Beijing.
Completion of transition
Jan 1, 2027
All migration operations in China will be managed by the embassy in Beijing by this date.
Key details
- Visa applications will be processed in Beijing from October 1, 2026.
- Interviews and investigations will be conducted in Beijing from November 1, 2026.
- All migration operations will be consolidated in Beijing by January 1, 2027.