Gringoblog: David Pitt's guide to international visas

China:
1. Mail passport and visa request to Chinese consulate. ($20.00 visa fee, $1.40 postage)
2. Receive visa.
Total Time: 4-7 days
Total Cost: $21.40

YOUR CHINESE VISA

Argentina:
1. Obtain special "long form" birth certificate from your state. ($15.00)
2. Have birth certificate notarized. ($5.00)
3. Obtain birth certificate official translation. ($75.00)
4. Obtain notarized certificate of accurate translation. ($15.00)
5. Obtain international Apostille seal for birth certificate. ($25.00, $1.40 postage)
6. Obtain police record from municipality of residence. ($10)
7. Have police record notarized. ($5.00)
8. Obtain police record official translation. ($75.00)
9. Obtain notarized certificate of accurate translation. ($15.00)
10. Obtain international Apostille seal for police record. ($25.00, $1.40 postage)
11. Obtain visa request form from Argentine Consulate.
12. Obtain parental consent to travel form.
13. Have parental consent form notarized. ($5.00)
14. Obtain international Apostille seal for parental consent form. ($25.00, $1.40 postage)
15. Obtain school acceptance letter from institution in Argentina.
16. Obtain travel itinerary with all international flight information.
17. Obtain valid bank statement.
18. Pay immigration tax. ($85)
19. Pay visa processing fee. ($40)
20. Provide proof of Spanish proficiency.
21. Assemble all required documents with cover letter.
22. Bring passport and all required documents in person to Argentina consulate.
23. Return after 7-10 days to receive visa.
Total Time: 2 months - 4 years.
Total Cost: $424.20

YOUR ARGENTINE VISA