October 15, 2026 · Visa Knowledge
"Which visa should I get to visit family in China?" — one of the most common questions we hear. The answer comes first: it depends on how long you plan to stay — over 180 days means Q1, 180 days or less means Q2.
Both cover the same eligible group: family members of Chinese citizens living in China, or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence.
1. Q1 vs Q2: The difference at a glance
- Q1 (family reunion): for entering China to reside for family reunion, intended stay over 180 days; Q1 holders must apply for a residence permit at local exit-entry authorities within 30 days of entry.
- Q2 (short visit): for short-term family visits of 180 days or less; no residence permit needed after entry.
Family members include spouses, parents (and parents-in-law), children (and their spouses), siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren.
2. Basic documents (both Q1 and Q2)
- Passport: valid at least 6 months with one blank visa page; plus a copy of the data page.
- Application form: completed online (COVA) with the confirmation page printed.
- Photo: one 48mm×33mm white-background color photo (see our October 7 photo guide).
- Old passport / previous China visa copies (if any): recommended if you held a Chinese visa before.
3. Additional documents for Q1
- Invitation letter from the inviter living in China (see our October 10 invitation-letter guide for the required format).
- Copy of the inviter's ID: Chinese citizens provide a copy of their ID card; foreign inviters provide a copy of their passport plus permanent residence permit.
- Original and copy of family-relationship proof: marriage certificate, birth certificate, kinship certificate from the local police, or a notarized kinship certificate.
4. Additional documents for Q2
- Invitation letter: same requirements as Q1.
- Copy of the inviter's ID: same as Q1.
- Family-relationship proof: prepare the same proof as for Q1.
- Round-trip flight itinerary: to show the trip stays within 180 days.
5. Four common pitfalls
- Picking Q1 for a trip under 180 days. Choose by your actual stay length — the wrong category gets returned.
- Invitation letter missing key details. Names, ID/passport numbers, the relationship, purpose, and visit dates are all required.
- Names don't match. Names on every document must match your passport and the invitation letter exactly — no nicknames or abbreviations.
- Q1 holders forget the residence permit. You must apply at the local exit-entry bureau within 30 days of entry, or you'll be overstaying.
Fees: US citizens pay a flat $140 per visa, plus $25 for express service; the reduced-fee policy runs through December 31, 2026 (see our October 13 fee breakdown). Policies follow the Consulate's official website.
6. How we can help
- Q1/Q2 form-filing + drop-off: from $80 per form, with a one-on-one document checklist review
- Invitation-letter templates: three formats with signature and seal requirements explained
- Returned applications: we review the return slip and help you fix and re-submit
Not sure whether you need Q1 or Q2? Contact us — tell us your planned stay length and who you're visiting, and we'll help you decide. Free consultation.