Uploading your photo correctly to the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system is crucial for your visa application. This mini-guide walks you through the exact process with visual instructions.
Before You Start
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Step-by-Step Upload Process
Step 1: Create Your COVA Application and Select Consulate
What you see: COVA landing page with consulate selection dropdowns
What to do:
- Select your correct consulate - this is critical for your application
- Click Start to begin your application
- Write down your Application ID - COVA immediately issues a unique 20-character ID
🔗 Need help choosing the right consulate? See our detailed consulate selection guide with state-by-state jurisdiction maps.
⚠️ Critical: Using the wrong consulate can delay or reject your entire application.
Step 2: Navigate to Photo Upload Section
What you see: COVA application form with photo upload section showing two options:
- "Review the Photo Requirements" - to understand specifications
- "Upload Photo" - to start the upload process
What to do:
- Optional: Click "Review the Photo Requirements" to see detailed specs
- Click "Upload Photo" to open the photo upload tool
Step 3: Open Photo Upload Dialog
What you see: Photo upload modal with:
- File selection area
- Upload interface
- Technical requirements reminder
What to do:
- Click "Choose Photo" or drag and drop your image file
- Select your compliant photo file from your device
- Wait for the photo to upload and load
Step 4: Initial Photo Preview (Before Adjustment)
What you see: Your uploaded photo appears with:
- Default positioning (often too zoomed in)
- Oval face overlay guides
- Head may extend beyond the oval circles
- Adjustment tools: rotation buttons and zoom slider
Status: Photo needs adjustment to fit properly within the oval guides.
Step 5: Adjust Photo Position and Size
What to adjust:
- Use the zoom slider to zoom OUT so your face fits inside the oval circles
- Drag the photo to center your head within the oval guide
- Click Rotate if your photo is tilted
- Ensure white background fills the entire frame
💡 Snap2Pass users: If you used our Chinese visa photo service, zoom out to maximum level for perfect fit!
Goal: Your entire head should fit comfortably within the outer oval guide.
Step 6: Upload Success Confirmation
What you see:
- Right-hand preview panel shows your final thumbnail
- Green checkmark with "Upload successfully" message
- "Photo uploaded successfully" replaces the upload buttons
What to verify before continuing:
✅ Head is centered and fits within oval guides
✅ Eyes are level and clearly visible
✅ Shoulders are visible at bottom
✅ No shadows on face or background
Final action: Your photo is now permanently saved to your COVA application. Continue filling out the remaining form sections.
Important Reminders
You Still Need a Print Photo
Even after successful digital upload, you must bring an identical 33×48mm print photo to the consulate and attach it to your printed COVA form.
Retrieving Your Application Later
If you need to return to your application:
- Go to cova.mfa.gov.cn
- Click Retrieve Application
- Enter your Application ID and passport number
- Your photo and all entered data will be preserved
Common Upload Issues and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| File too large | Compress image or reduce quality slightly |
| File too small | Use higher resolution source image |
| Wrong dimensions | Crop/resize to 354×472 minimum |
| Background not white | Retake photo with pure white background |
| Face too small/large | Use size slider to adjust proportion |
| Photo appears tilted | Use rotation buttons to level |
What Happens After Upload
Once your photo is successfully uploaded:
- Photo is locked to your Application ID
- Cannot be changed without starting a new application
- Will appear on your printed COVA form
- Must match the physical photo you bring to consulate
Need Professional Help?
If you're having trouble with photo specifications or upload requirements, consider using our professional Chinese visa photo service. We guarantee:
- Exact 33×48mm dimensions
- Pure white background
- Proper face positioning
- Digital file in correct specifications
- Print photo included
This ensures your photo will pass both the COVA upload validation and consulate inspection.
Next Steps
After successfully uploading your photo:
- Complete the remaining COVA form sections
- Print your entire application
- Attach your physical 33×48mm photo to the printed form
- Gather your supporting documents
- Visit your consulate for submission
For the complete visa application process, see our comprehensive Chinese visa application guide.
Sources
All information compiled from official sources. Last updated July 10, 2025.
Official Government Sources
- China Online Visa Application (COVA) - Official visa application portal with photo upload functionality
- Embassy of the P.R.C. in the United States - Visa Requirements - Official photo specifications
Technical Documentation
- Visa-Photo Requirements (48 mm × 33 mm) - Chinese Visa Application Service Center, Published February 2024
- Official Photo Specifications for Chinese Visa (PDF) - Consulate-General of China in Alexandria