The Chinese Q visa (Family Reunion Visa, Q = Family Reunion/Relatives) is issued to foreign nationals who are close relatives of Chinese citizens residing abroad or of foreigners holding China’s Permanent Resident ID Card (China Green Card), and who intend to enter China for family visits, reunions, or other family-related purposes.
The Q visa is divided into two categories: Q1 (long-term reunion) and Q2 (short-term visit). The core logic being “family reunion based on blood or marital ties.” It is clearly distinct from the S visa, which is intended for the families of ordinary foreign nationals residing in China.
The primary requirement for a Q visa is complete and authentic proof of kinship. A Q1 visa is for those planning long-term residence in China and must be converted into a family-reunion-type residence permit after entry. A Q2 visa is strictly for short-term family visits with a defined duration of stay and does not require conversion into a long-term residence permit.
Who Is the Chinese Q Visa For?
The Q visa is available exclusively to close relatives of Chinese citizens or holders of the China Green Card, including:
- Spouses;
- Parents and parents-in-law;
- Children and children’s spouses;
- Siblings;
- Grandparents;
- Grandchildren.
Required Documents for a Chinese Family Reunion Visa
- Original passport and a copy of the photo page;
- Completed visa application form and confirmation page;
- Original and photocopy of kinship documentation (core supporting material).
Application Process for the Q Visa
- Provide free initial consultation regarding Q visa applications
- Offer tailored advice to applicants and guarantors on eligibility, alternative options and likelihood of approval
- Invoicing and payment
- Obtain signed authorization from the applicant and/or guarantor
- Prepare a customized document checklist
- Review all submitted documents to ensure accuracy and completeness
- Complete the full set of visa application forms
- Maintain ongoing communication with the Visa Center and track application progress
- Respond to inquiries from the Visa Center on behalf of the applicant
- Collect the approved visa label upon issuance
- Deliver the visa to the applicant
- Provide guidance on applying for a family-reunion-type residence permit post-entry.
Processing Time
Under normal circumstances, approval takes approximately 5 – 9 working days after submission of complete documents. Actual processing time is subject to the chosen service type (such as Top Urgent, Express & Standard services), as well as the review schedule of the Chinese visa authorities.
Important Notes
- Convert Q1 to a residence permit promptly: Q1 holders must apply for a family-reunion-type residence permit at the local exit-entry administration within 30 days of entry.
- Q vs. S Visa Distinction:
- If the person being visited is an ordinary foreign national working in China (holding a Z visa/work residence permit) or studying in China (holding an X1 visa/student residence permit), their family members should apply for an S visa, not a Q visa.
- Only when the person being visited is a Chinese citizen or a China Green Card holder is the Q visa the correct category.
