China Family Reunion Visa (Q)
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. Information regarding the applicant, including full name, gender, date of birth, etc.
b. Information about 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. Information regarding 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 go in 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
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0ReplyAnd it's possible to change your Q1 to Z in China, but not guaranteed. For detailed requirements, you should consult the local exit and entry administration in China.
Reply10Reply00ReplyReply00ReplyReplySince I am already in China, I can deliver the necessary documents rapidly. While my passport is away being processed, am I allowed to stay in China if my residence permit has expired?
Thanks
00ReplyReplyI'm currently on a Q1 Visa, which still has 16 months remaining. Unfortunately, I will divorce but I have a 5 year old Chinese daughter and need to be here for her. I have a few questions: 1) How and what must I do to remain on the Q1 visa? 2) Will it remain Q1 or will they convert it to Q2? 3) Do I sort this visa issue first, then get the divorce?
Kind regards Lee
00Reply