China uses different family categories depending on who the family member in China is and whether the intended stay exceeds 180 days. Q categories generally relate to Chinese citizens or foreign permanent residents in China; S categories generally relate to foreign nationals working or studying in China.
Who this visa is for
- Q1: family reunion with a Chinese citizen or Chinese permanent resident for a stay exceeding 180 days
- Q2: a family visit to a Chinese citizen or Chinese permanent resident for no more than 180 days
- S1: qualifying immediate-family visit to a foreign worker or student in China for more than 180 days
- S2: qualifying family visit to a foreign worker or student in China for no more than 180 days, or certain private matters
When to review another category
- Tourism or visiting a friend without a qualifying family/private-affairs basis
- Work or study as the applicant’s own primary purpose
- Selecting a long-stay category without understanding the post-entry residence-permit process
Basic application documents
- Passport bio page and the blank visa page requested by the receiving office; the current U.S. guidance says the passport should have more than six months of remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages.
- A completed online China visa application with a recent, compliant photo.
- Proof of lawful stay or residence in the United States when applicable, plus any jurisdiction-specific residence evidence requested for the case.
- Previous Chinese passport or previous Chinese visa records when the applicant formerly held Chinese nationality or the authority asks for prior records.
Current checklist basis: Chinese Embassy in the United States guidance updated September 2025. Requirements remain case-specific.
Family-specific evidence
- A signed invitation identifying the inviter, applicant, relationship, purpose, planned dates, address, and contact information.
- For Q cases, the inviter’s Chinese ID or foreign passport and Chinese permanent residence permit, as applicable.
- For S cases, the inviter’s passport plus current Chinese visa or residence permit, as applicable.
- Relationship evidence such as a marriage or birth certificate where required; current guidance calls for original relationship certification for Q1 and S1 passport submission.
Start a case and provide your actual travel purpose. Our team can help organize the category and supporting-document review.
Documents that may apply to your case
- Documents for a minor applicant, including parent or guardian records where required.
- Name-change, naturalization, immigration-status, or prior-passport evidence when relevant.
- Additional originals, explanations, or supporting evidence requested during online preliminary review or passport submission.
How the assisted application works
- Start your case. Create an account and tell us your nationality, U.S. residence, travel purpose, and planned dates.
- Category and document review. We identify inconsistencies and provide a case-specific preparation checklist.
- Online preliminary review. The application and uploads follow the current official online process; additional materials may be requested.
- Passport submission and return. Submit only after the case reaches the required status and follow the case-specific mailing instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing Q when the inviter is a foreign worker or student rather than a Chinese citizen/permanent resident
- Choosing S when the inviter is a Chinese citizen
- Missing relationship evidence or mismatched names after marriage or naturalization
Frequently asked questions
Does eChinaVisa decide whether my visa is approved?
No. eChinaVisa is an independent application-assistance service. The relevant Chinese authority decides acceptance, category, validity, entries, duration of stay, processing time, and approval.
Can the authority request more documents?
Yes. Published checklists are a starting point. The reviewing authority may request corrections, explanations, additional uploads, or original documents for an individual case.
Should I buy nonrefundable travel before approval?
Avoid relying on a visa outcome or date that has not been issued. Plan conservatively and review cancellation terms before making travel commitments.
Ready to prepare your Q / S visa application?
Create your case online. You will receive the next document and submission instructions for your situation.
Start Your China Visa ApplicationOfficial source
Chinese Embassy in the United States: Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application