The Q visa is for visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or foreign permanent residents in China. Q1 is long-term family visit (over 180 days; convert to a residence permit after entry), Q2 short-term (usually up to 180 days per stay).
Core documents: valid passport and form; an invitation letter from your relative in China; proof of kinship (birth certificate, marriage certificate or notarized relationship proof); the inviter’s ID in China; return tickets and proof of funds.
The process mirrors the L visa. After entering on Q1, apply for a residence permit within 30 days; Q2 can be extended before expiry, subject to local rules on total stay.
The Q visa is a family-visit visa for foreigners entering China for family reunion or visiting relatives. It has two types: Q1 (stay over 180 days) and Q2 (stay up to 180 days).
Who can apply: family members living in China, including spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren. Note: boyfriends, girlfriends and friends are NOT family members and cannot get a Q visa.
Documents: ① passport and copy; ② application form and photo; ③ invitation letter from the family member in China stating relationship, purpose and intended stay; ④ the inviter ID copy (Chinese ID or residence permit); ⑤ proof of kinship (marriage or birth certificates, notarised if necessary).
Q1 vs Q2: Q1 requires a residence permit within 30 days of entry, for long-term reunion; Q2 is short-term visiting, usually up to 120 days, no residence permit needed, but extensions are possible.
Common questions: can Q2 be extended? Yes, generally 30-60 days at a time, but total stays should not be excessive; Q1 moves straight to a residence permit, commonly valid for 1 year and renewable.
Notes: the invitation letter must be truthful - false invitations carry legal risks; no working on a Q visa; if planning a long stay, get the residence permit early to avoid overstaying.
Advice: have family double-check documents before submitting; visa centres are busy in peak seasons (before Spring Festival, summer) - book ahead; Q visa fees are similar to L visa; check your local embassy.
Practical reminders: ① if the inviter has no ID card yet (e.g., renewing), a passport or residence-permit copy works with a written note; ② foreign kinship documents need Chinese translation and legalisation; ③ when converting Q1 to a residence permit, the bureau may ask for accommodation registration and a medical exam - prepare early. Well-prepared files speed up approval.
A point many miss: for Q2, entry count and stay days are set by the consulate per your invitation and passport, commonly single entry for 60-120 days. If ageing parents need long-term care, apply for Q1 and convert to a residence permit, which usually allows multiple entries - far more convenient than repeated Q2 applications. Know your real need, choose the right type, and save time and money.
