China Family Visa (Q/S Visa) Overview
China offers two types of family visas: Q visa for visiting Chinese citizens who are family members, and S visa for visiting foreign nationals who work or study in China.
Q Visa Types
- Q1 Visa: Long-term family reunion (over 180 days), requires residence permit conversion
- Q2 Visa: Short-term family visit (up to 180 days)
Required Documents
- Valid US passport
- Invitation letter from family member in China
- Proof of family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Copy of inviter's Chinese ID or passport
- Completed COVA application form and photo
Application Process
1
Submit Online
Fill out application form
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2
Document Guidance
Personal review & checklist
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3
Submission
Filed at consulate
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4
Return Delivery
Secure mail back
Need Help? Contact Our Visa Consultants
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q签证适用于探望具有中国国籍的家庭成员（Q1长期团聚超过180天，Q2短期探亲不超过180天）；S签证适用于探望在中国工作或学习的外国人家属（S1长期，S2短期）。
需要提供亲属关系证明文件，如出生证明、结婚证、户口本等，以及邀请人身份证明（中国身份证/护照复印件）。所有非英文文件需要翻译并公证。
Q2签证每次入境最长停留180天，不可延期。如需长期居留，应申请Q1签证并在入境后转换为探亲类居留许可。美国公民通常可获得10年多次往返。
探亲邀请函应包含：邀请人姓名、身份证号、联系方式、与被邀请人的关系、邀请目的、预计停留时间、住宿安排和费用承担说明。需要邀请人签名，最好附上邀请人身份证复印件。