GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (GTC)

The following terms and conditions form the legal basis for visa procurement by 1a Visa Consulting Limited. They are recognized by the client upon placing an order. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between 1a Visa Consulting Limited ("The Company", "We", "Us", or "Our"), a company incorporated in England and Wales, and the individual or entity placing an order for our services ("The Client", "You", or "Your"). By submitting an application form, using our website, or making a payment, you explicitly accept and agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER
1.1 Private Commercial Agency 1a Visa Consulting Limited is a private commercial agency. We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of the Chinese Government, the Chinese Embassy, or the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). 1.2 Official Channels You acknowledge that you have the option to apply directly through the official government channels (visaforchina.cn) at a lower cost. By using our service, you agree to pay a premium service fee for our professional consultation, document preparation, appointment management, and submission assistance, in addition to the standard government fees. 1.3 External Links Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., airlines, insurance). We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content or practices of any third-party sites.

2. SERVICE SCOPE, TIMING & DISCRETION
2.1 Service Definition Our services include: (a) reviewing your application materials for completeness; (b) data entry and form generation; (c) booking submission appointments; and (d) submitting documents to the Visa Centre on your behalf. 2.2 No Guarantee of Result The granting of a visa is the sole prerogative of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. The Company cannot guarantee that a visa will be issued, nor can we guarantee the specific validity period, number of entries, or processing speed. 2.3 Processing Time & "Business Days" Any processing times mentioned on our website refer strictly to Business Days (Monday to Friday). Exclusions: Processing time does NOT include weekends, UK Bank Holidays, or official closure dates of the Chinese Embassy (e.g., Chinese National Day, Chinese New Year). Calculation: The processing timeframe begins only after the Visa Centre has officially accepted the application, not from the moment you place the order. We are not liable for delays caused by the consulate's administrative processing or unforeseen closures. 2.4 Discretionary Authority (Vital for Express Service) Unless strictly instructed otherwise in writing, you authorize the Company to act in your best interest to facilitate the issuance of a visa. This includes the discretion to accept a visa with a shorter validity or fewer entries than originally requested (e.g., accepting a Single Entry instead of Multiple Entry) if the Consulate refuses the original request, especially in urgent cases where we cannot contact you immediately. Such adjustments do not constitute grounds for a refund..

3. CLIENT OBLIGATIONS & INSPECTION DUTY
By placing an order, you warrant and represent that: 3.1 You are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into this contract. 3.2 All information and documents provided to us are true, accurate, complete, and genuine. 3.3 Email Responsibility: You are obligated to check your emails (including Spam/Junk folders) regularly. Any delays or losses resulting from unread or missed emails are at your own risk. 3.4 Duty to Inspect (7-Day Rule): Upon receipt of your passport and visa, you must inspect them immediately for correctness (e.g., spelling of name, validity dates). Any defects or errors must be reported to us in writing within 7 days of receipt. The Company accepts no liability for errors reported after this 7-day period or after the Client has traveled.

4. FEES AND PAYMENT
4.1 Fee Structure Our total charge is comprised of: Service Fee: Covers professional operations, document verification, online form completion (COVA), appointment booking, and submission management. Consular/Embassy Fee: Paid strictly to the government/visa centre on your behalf. 4.2 Payment Terms & Arrears Full payment is generally due immediately upon placing the order. Late Fees: In cases where post-payment is agreed or additional fees arise (e.g., extra courier charges), payment is due immediately upon invoicing. If payment is not settled within 10 business days of a reminder, a Late Payment Fee of £20.00 will be charged. Debt Collection: We reserve the right to refer overdue accounts to a debt collection agency. The Client shall be liable for all recovery costs.

5. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
5.1 Statutory Right (Cooling-off Period) Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, consumers generally have a 14-day right to cancel. 5.2 Waiver of Cooling-off Period Due to the urgent nature of visa services, by placing an order, you expressly request that the Company commences the service immediately. You acknowledge that by requesting this immediate start, you waive your right to cancel the contract for the Service Fee once the work has begun. 5.3 Refund Rules Service Fee: Once the Company has commenced work (defined as reviewing your data, drafting forms, OR booking an appointment), the Service Fee is considered fully earned and is STRICTLY NON-REFUNDABLE. Consular/Embassy Fee: If the application has not yet been submitted to the visa centre/embassy, the Consular Fee is 100% Refundable. Once paid to the authorities, it is non-refundable.

6. REJECTION PROTECTION (MONEY BACK GUARANTEE)
If you have purchased a service that includes our "Money Back Guarantee", we will refund our Service Fee if your visa is rejected, subject to the following exclusions. 6.1 Exclusions (No Refund) The guarantee does NOT apply if the rejection is caused by: Fraudulent, fake, or doctored documents provided by the Client. Failure to disclose criminal records, previous visa denials, or overstays. Failure to attend a mandatory interview or fingerprint appointment. Applying in a jurisdiction where the Client does not hold legal residency. Changes in government policy, border closures, or force majeure.

7. LIABILITY & LIMITATIONS
7.1 Standard of Care We provide our services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015. 7.2 Limitation of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall NOT be liable for: Any indirect, consequential, or special damages, including but not limited to missed flights, hotel cancellations, lost wages, or lost business opportunities. Loss or damage to passports caused by the Embassy or Visa Centre. 7.3 Liability Cap In the event of direct loss caused by the Company's proven negligence (e.g., loss of a passport while in our physical possession), our total liability shall be limited to the cost of replacing the documents, up to a maximum aggregate of £500. 7.4 Third-Party Couriers By selecting a courier return service, you acknowledge that delivery is executed by an independent third party. In the event of loss by a courier, our liability is strictly limited to assisting you with the claims process against the courier and refunding the postage fee paid to us. 7.5 Time Limit for Claims Any legal claims against the Company arising from our services must be brought within 6 months of the delivery date. Claims brought after this period will be deemed time-barred and invalid.

8. DATA PROTECTION & ARCHIVING
8.1 Data Processing: We process your personal data solely for visa procurement. By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to data transfer to the Chinese Embassy. 8.2 (Optional) Archiving Service: If you selected the "Data Archiving Service", we will securely retain your documents to facilitate future applications. You may request deletion at any time in accordance with UK GDPR.

9. GOVERNING LAW.
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.