| L (Tourist) | Tourism / visiting friends | Multi‑year, multiple (case‑dependent) | 30–90 days | No | Passport, photo, itinerary/hotel or invitation |
| M (Business) | Trade, meetings, negotiations | Often multi‑year, multiple | 30–60 days | No | Business invitation, employment/dispatch letter, itinerary |
| F (Visitor) | Academic/cultural, non‑profit | Multiple within 6 months (some longer) | 30–60 days | No | Host invitation, event schedule |
| Q1 (Family Reunification) | Long‑term with Chinese citizen immediate family | Single entry; convert after arrival | >180 days (permit) | Yes | Relationship proof, notarization/legalization, invitation |
| Q2 (Short Visit) | Short visits to Chinese citizen family | Multi‑year, multiple (often) | ≤180 days | No | Invitation, relationship statement |
| S1 (Reunification) | Long‑term with foreigner legally in China | Single entry; convert after arrival | >180 days (permit) | Yes | Inviter’s residence proof, relationship docs |
| S2 (Short Visit) | Short visits to foreigner in China | Possible multi‑year, multiple | ≤180 days | No | Invitation, relationship docs, residence proof |
| X1 (Study, long) | Study for more than one semester | Single entry; convert after arrival | >180 days (permit) | Yes | Admission, JW forms, medicals (if required) |
| X2 (Study, short) | Study up to one semester | Single/multiple | ≤180 days | No | Admission/training proof |
| Z (Work) | Employment in China | Single entry; convert after arrival | >180 days (permit) | Yes | Work permit notice, job offer |