China Q1 vs. Q2 Visa: Which Family Visa Fits?
Q1 and Q2 both concern relatives of Chinese citizens or foreign citizens with Chinese permanent residence, but they serve different plans. Q1 is for family reunion exceeding 180 days; Q2 is for a visit of no more than 180 days.
The decision points that matter
- Choose by the genuine intended stay, not by which label appears easier.
- Q1 requires the original relationship certificate for verification; upload its copy during online review.
- Q2 requires the invitation and inviter identification; relationship evidence may still help resolve unclear names or connections.
- A Q1 visa is an entry document. Long-term residence planning continues with the local exit-entry authority after arrival.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming another applicant's category, validity or stay will apply to your case.
- Letting names, dates or purpose conflict across COVA and inviter, school or employer documents.
- Uploading cropped screenshots or incomplete pages that hide the issuer or key facts.
Can Q2 be used for a stay over 180 days?
No. The published Q2 purpose is a family visit of no more than 180 days; use the actual plan when selecting a category.
Reddit and other community reports can reveal common confusion, but an individual outcome is not an official rule and does not replace current consular requirements.
Related guides
- Related China visa guide: china q1 family reunion visa guide
- Related China visa guide: china q2 family visit visa guide
- Related China visa guide: china family visa invitation letter template
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- Chinese Embassy in the U.S.: Visa requirements and procedures (September 2025 update)
- r/Chinavisa—individual experiences used only as question context, not official requirements.
eChinaVisa is an independent visa application assistance service owned and operated by Dragon Byte Design Inc. It is not a government website and is not affiliated with any Chinese embassy or consulate. Approval, validity and official processing time are determined by Chinese authorities. This general guide does not guarantee approval or timing.