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Chinese Family Reunion Visa, Q visa for short, is issued to relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners residing in China with a permanent residence permit. Depending upon the duration of stay and applicants' eligibility, the Q visa is further divided into two subclasses: Q1 and Q2. Q1 is issued for a stay longer than 180 days, while Q2 is for a short-term visit less than 180 days.
Differences between Q1 Visa and Q2 Visa
| Type | Application Conditions | |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 visa | 1.Intended Duration of Stay > 180 days 2.Applicants restrictions: Family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence, such as spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law; or those who are going to China for the purpose of foster care | |
| Q2 visa | 1.Intended Duration of Stay ≤ 180 days 2.Applicants restrictions: Relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence, including family members mentioned above | |
Q1 visa is generally issued allowing a single entry, and the holders must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit within 30 days after entry. The residence permit can be granted for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years, and the holders can exit and reenter freely during the validity of the residence permit.
Q2 is flexible from 30 to 180 days, allowing single, double, or multiple entries, and the holders can stay in China for the duration as indicated on visa.
China Q Visa Requirements & Documents
1. Passport
- Original passport valid for more than 6 months and a copy of the information page. US citizens can apply for a 10 years China Q2 visa if their passport is valid for one year or longer.
2. Application Form + Recent Photo
- China Visa Application Form with a recent color passport-sized photo.
3. Invitation Letter
- An invitation from the family member residing in China who is either a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with a Chinese permanent residence permit.
The invitation letter should contain:
a. Informationregarding the applicant, including full name, gender, date of birth, etc.
b. Informationabout the visit, like purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relation of the applicant to the inviting entity or individual, and financial source for expenditures.
c. Informationregarding the inviting individual, including name, contact number, address, official stamp, signature of the inviting individual, etc.
See sample of the invitation letter.
4. Photocopy of Chinese ID or Foreign Passport and Permanent Residence Permit of the Inviter
5. Proof of Family Relationship - For Q1 Visa Application Only
- Original and copy of kinship proof such as Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate.
How to Apply for China Q Visa
Applicants should go to the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) wherever available for an application. Those aged 14-70 need to goin person. Besides, an appointment is required in most countries.
Processing Time
Normal processing takes about 4 working days. The applicant should apply one month prior to the intended travel. In case Express/Urgent Processing is approved by the Chinese embassy or the consulate-generals, the applicant will be required to pay an additional fee.
China Q Visa Fees
The fee for the China family reunion visa is the same as the fee for other types of Chinese visa. Generally, fees vary according to nationalities, and number of entries. But for some countries, like US, Canada, and Australia, the fee is fixed regardless of visa types and number of entries.
| China Q Visa Types | US Citizens | Canadian Citizens | UK Citizens | Australian Citizens |
| Single Entry | USD 185 | CAD 142 | GBP 151 | AUD 109.5 |
| Double Entries | USD 185 | CAD 142 | GBP 151 | AUD 139.5 |
| Multi Entries for 6 Months | USD 185 | CAD 142 | GBP 151 | AUD 169.5 |
| Multi Entries for 12 Months or Longer | USD 185 | CAD 142 | GBP 151 | AUD 229.5 |
*The table is for reference only. For more details, please click China Visa Fees.
Further Reading:
8 Tips for Filling Out Chinese Visa Application Form
- Last updated on Apr. 08, 2024 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on China Family Reunion Visa
Asked by Richard from CHINA/UK | May. 02, 2024 19:40
Reply
Q1 or Q2
My daughter and I will go back to the UK in the Summer (UK passport) and my wife (Chinese) and son will stay in China for his last year of school. Am i correct in thinking that my daughter and I should get a Q2 visa, while my son gets a Q1 visa? We will come back to China at least 3 times per year - not staying longer than 6 weeks each time. Thanks for any advice.
Answers (2)
Answered by Lori | May. 07, 2024 00:37
0
0Reply
You are right that you and your daughter need a Q2 visa. You son studies in China and lives with his mother? Does he have a UK passport? I think he will need a X1 visa for long-term study.
Answered by Richard | May. 07, 2024 22:24
00Reply
Thanks for the advice.
Asked by Pingping from CANADA | Apr. 29, 2024 15:06Reply
Can I sign letter of invitation with my digital signature? Do I need proof of relationship for Q2?
For the letter of invitation, do I have to print it out the sign my signature or can I sign it on my device? Also, I am applying for Q2 visa. Do I still need proof of relationship between invitee and inviter?
Answers (1)
Answered by Marcy | Apr. 30, 2024 00:09
00Reply
Yes, you can sign it on your device. And you need proof of relationship between invitee and inviter.
Asked by Yu from AUSTRALIA | Apr. 07, 2024 19:04Reply
With a Q2 visa, can I conduct my regular work for a foreign company in China
I'm an Australian citizen, will be visiting my family in China on the Q2 visa.
Can I continue some occasional work while I'm in China, given my work is complying with any tax, security, data/privacy laws, etc.
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita | Apr. 08, 2024 01:50
00Reply
You cannot work in China with a Q2 visa. It's not allowed.
Asked by Kitty from UNITED STATES | Mar. 07, 2024 01:05Reply
Which visa is correct for me?
My husband (Chinese) and I (US Citizen) just got married. He will be going back home to mainland China while I go back to the US. During the time waiting period for the immigration paperwork, which visa is appropriate for me to apply for so I can go visit him in mainland China, the Q1 or the Q2 visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Hailey | Mar. 07, 2024 19:47
00Reply
It depends on the time you want to stay. Q1 is for those who want to stay longer than 180 days, while Q2 is for a short-term stay, less than 180 days.
Asked by Sherrie from USA | Mar. 04, 2024 17:30Reply
My husband is a naturalized US citizen, previously a citizen of the PRC. Can we both get Q2 visas?
My husband of over 30 years has been a US citizen for the last 25 years. He still has a valid visa for the PRC. We are both over 75 years old and want to make a trip to see family (his children, brother, nieces, etc.). He still has a valid tourist visa (L). Should I apply for a tourist visa or for a Q2 visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Hailey | Mar. 04, 2024 19:56
00Reply
It depends on how long you want to stay. If you want to stay longer, then it is better to apply for a Q2 visa.
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