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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

- Last updated on Sep. 07, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on China Family Reunion Visa
Asked by Jack from UNITED STATES | Nov. 15, 2023 05:46Reply
Q2 Visa reentry
My son has a multi entry Q2 visa (valid for 10 years) and is living in China for almost 180 days with his grand parents. We are currently in the US. Grandparents currently cannot bring the child to the US. Can they take my son to a nearby country for a short period of time (a few days) and reenter China to get another 180 days of stay in China (or possibly less days)? Thank you!
Answers (4)
Answered by Hailey | Nov. 15, 2023 21:42
00Reply


Yes, it is possible. Hong Kong or Macau is also available.
Answered by Alvin | Nov. 30, 2023 08:50
00Reply


My wife and I are planning on having my infant daughter stay with wife's parents (Chinese citizens) in China with a Q1 or Q2 visa (with US passport) for daughter while we will be working in the US. Is it usually an issue for grandparents to bring our child back to the US? If so, is there a way to allow for my daughter to travel with her grandparents

I am a US citizen while my wife is a Chinese citizen with US green card.
Answered by Harry | Nov. 30, 2023 19:07
00Reply


It is possible for your daughter to get a Q1 or Q2 visa but I'm not very sure about if the grandparents can get an American visa successfully.
Answered by Alvin | Dec. 01, 2023 10:36
00Reply


Thank you for your reply Harry!

The grandparents don't need a visa. I'm wondering if grandparents will have trouble bringing my daughter back to the US from Chinese airport without her parents. Thanks!
Asked by Chris from UNITED KINGDOM | Nov. 06, 2023 20:35Reply
Changing my Visa
I am currently here in Shenzhen on a Z visa. I would like to quit my job and stay on a family visa instead since I have been married to my Chinese wife for 3 years. Is it possible to switch the visa, or do I have to wait a certain amount of time before applying for a new visa? The Z visa was issued in July of this year (4 months ago).
Answers (1)
Answered by Andrew | Nov. 07, 2023 22:47
00Reply


Generally, you don't need to wait. It is suggested to go to the local entry and exit administration bureau to change your visa directly.
Asked by Sebastian Perez from UNITED STATES | Oct. 26, 2023 18:42Reply
Marriage and visa
I am planning on marrying my Chinese girlfriend. Once married what is the process for me to remain in china? How long are the visas good for? Do I have to leave and reenter or can just extend them?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Oct. 26, 2023 19:09
00Reply


Once married, you can apply for Q1 visa. Q1 visa is generally issued allowing a single entry, but the holders can 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.
Asked by Dan from JAPAN | Oct. 24, 2023 17:10Reply
Q2 Visa invitation letter
My wife is a Chinese citizen, but we both live in Japan currently. The Q2 states "Relative of Chinese citizen(s) living in China applying for a visa for visit less than 180 days". Would my wife still be able to write the invitation letter, or should my parents-in-law (who are Chinese citizens living in China) write the letter?
Answers (2)
Answered by Jessica | Oct. 24, 2023 23:20
00Reply


It should be your parents-in-law to write the invitation letter.
Answered by Dan | Oct. 25, 2023 18:32
00Reply


Thank you for your quick reply.
Asked by Gordon Rivers from USA | Oct. 20, 2023 13:08Reply
I’m a UK citizen living in USA. Can I renew Q1 visa in USA ?
I have a 3 years Q1 visa IN MY UK PASSPORT, that will expire before I arrive in China with my (Chinese)wife.

We are staying in USA until we go to China . Can I apply to renew the Q1 at China Embassy in Washington DC?
Answers (1)
Answered by Daisy | Oct. 22, 2023 22:50
00Reply


I'm afraid it is hard.
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