探望对象为 中国公民 选 Q 类；探望对象为 在华外籍人士（持居留许可）选 S 类。长期团聚选 1（S1/Q1），短期探亲选 2（S2/Q2）。
停留期是 180 天吗？
短期探亲一般签注 ≤180 天/次（部分馆区可能是 120 天）；以实际签发页为准。
可以多次往返吗？
多数情况下可申请多次入境签证；是否核发、多次有效期长短由受理馆审核决定。
入境后要不要再办理？
持 Q1/S1 入境后需至公安机关出入境管理部门换发 居留许可，以实现长期停留。
免责声明：以上为通用指引，不构成法律意见；实际要求以中国驻外使领馆及国家移民管理部门最新规定为准。
Family Visa (S1 / S2 / Q1 / Q2)
Family Visa (S1/S2/Q1/Q2) – Complete Guide
Prepared by the Echinavisa team. This page covers categories, requirements, timelines, fees, and tips to help you apply right the first time.
Default CN, EN toggleUp-to-date checklistMail-in & Expedited available
Who should apply for a family visa?
Family visas are issued to those visiting relatives in China or for private affairs. Choose a category based on who you visit (a Chinese citizen or a foreign national with a valid residence permit in China) and your intended stay (≤180 days for short-term; >180 days for long-term).
Q2 – Short-term visit, visiting Chinese citizens
For short-term family visits to Chinese citizens; multiple entries possible.
U.S. passport holders often receive up to 10-year validity; max stay per entry usually up to 180 days (as printed on the visa).
Inviter must be a Chinese citizen; provide ID and relationship proof.
Q1 – Long-term reunion with Chinese citizens
For long-term family reunion (>180 days) with Chinese citizens in China.
Typically single-entry, valid 3 months; convert to a residence permit at the local exit-entry bureau after arrival.
Provide inviter’s Chinese ID and relationship proof.
S1 – Long-term reunion with foreign nationals in China
For visiting foreign national immediate family holding a valid residence permit in China; stay >180 days.
Usually single-entry, valid 3 months; convert to residence permit after arrival.
Provide inviter’s passport and valid Chinese visa/residence.
S2 – Short-term visit to foreign family members in China
For short-term visits to non-Chinese family members residing in China with a residence permit.
Validity can be multi-year depending on the inviter’s status; max stay per entry usually 120–180 days.
Provide inviter’s passport and valid visa/residence.
Standard 4–5 business days once accepted by the consulate (mailing/review extra).
Expedite possible subject to consular capacity and policy.
Validity/Stay subject to issuance; varies by passport and jurisdiction.
Checklist
1) Passport
At least two blank visa pages; longer validity recommended for multi-entry/long-term scenarios.
2) Proof of U.S. residence (example)
State DL/ID copy, or utility/bank statement (recent, matching address).
3) Visa photo
One digital photo taken within 6 months. See photo specs.