Chinese phrase
可以提前多久申请？ ké yǐ tí qián duō jiǔ shēn qǐng
Meaning
How far in advance can I apply?
When to use it
This asks how early an application can be submitted. It is a polite way to ask about the earliest allowed time for applying.
Example dialogue
我想申请九月入学，可以提前多久申请？ wǒ xiǎng shēn qǐng jiǔ yuè rù xué ké yǐ tí qián duō jiǔ shēn qǐng
I want to apply for September admission. How early can I apply?
一般建议提前半年准备，最晚须提前三个月交材料。 yì bān jiàn yì tí qián bàn nián zhǔn bèi zuì wǎn xū tí qián sān gè yuè jiāo cái liào
Generally, prepare six months ahead, but submit the documents at least three months ahead.