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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 Danny from USA | Jun. 12, 2024 01:55
Reply
Q visa
Hello, I'm on a working visa in China but I'm married to a Chinese girl. Can I transfer from a Z visa to a Q visa while in China not do I need to leave China? If I have to leave China can I transfer to a visa from Thailand or do I have to go back to the USA? Thank hou
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Jun. 12, 2024 19:56
0
0Reply
Do you still work in China? If yes, you cannot transfer Z to Q. If not, I think you need to go back to your home country then apply for a Q visa as I haven't heard of a Z visa transferring to a Q, normally Q to Z in China. Maybe you can consult the exit and entry administration at first.
Asked by Tim from UK/CHINA | May. 22, 2024 01:40Reply
Convert Z to Q1
I am a UK citizen currently on a Z visa, planning to marry my Chinese girlfriend. Can I convert my Z visa to a Q1 visa after we're married? My Z visa expires in July.
Answers (1)
Answered by Marcy | May. 23, 2024 02:10
00Reply
Yes, it's possible. You can contact the local exit and entry administration for consultation.
Asked by Helen from UNITED KINGDOM | May. 19, 2024 14:49Reply
Q2 or L visa
I am a UK citizen and plan to fly out with my mum to meet my brother and sister in law in Bejing. My sister in law is Chinese but no longer lives in China, am I able to apply for a Q2 visa or do I need an L?
Reading an answer to a similar question above it sounds like my mum would qualify for a Q2 but I need an L, is that correct?
Thanks very much
Answers (1)
Answered by Daniel | May. 22, 2024 18:17
00Reply
What about your brother? Is he a Chinese and does he live in Beijing? And you said you want to meet your sister in law in Beijing but she doesn't live in China? I'm a little confused. But I pretty sure that you will need a L visa because you are not a close relative of a Chinese. As for your mum, is she the natural mum of your brother and sister in law (let's assume that one of them is a Chinese and live in China)? If yes, then she will need a Q2 visa if she plan to stay for less than 180 days.
Asked by Bob Mitchell from UK | May. 15, 2024 10:25Reply
Converting a L visa to a Q1 while in China
I am a UK citizen and next year intend to marry my Chinese citizen fiancé in China. I assume I need a L visa to initially enter China. My question basically is once married, can I then convert this visa to a Q1 while in China or do I need to travel back to the UK?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lori | May. 16, 2024 00:05
00Reply
I'm afraid you need to go back to the UK to apply for a Q visa.
Asked by jerry from CANADA | May. 11, 2024 03:20Reply
Do aunts and uncles qualify as relatives for the Q2 visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Marcy | May. 12, 2024 18:20
00Reply
No, only the person's spouse, parents, children, children's spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents of the spouse.
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