Q and S visas for family

Q and S visas for family
Q is for the family of a Chinese national or permanent resident. S is for the family of a foreigner living in China. Getting the letter wrong sends the file back.

Both come in two numbers, and the number is the length: Q1 and S1 for stays over 180 days, Q2 and S2 for visits. Q1 and S1 carry the thirty-day residence permit obligation; Q2 and S2 do not.

Visa Who it is for Length
Q1 Family of a Chinese citizen or permanent resident, or adoption Over 180 days
Q2 Visiting family who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents Short visit
S1 Family of a foreigner working or studying in China Over 180 days
S2 Visiting family of a foreigner in China Short visit

The document that proves the relationship

For Q1 and S1 the office asks to see the original proof of an immediate family relationship between you and the person inviting you: a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, or the household register. A photocopy is uploaded online; the original is presented at the counter and taken back.

What the counter wants to see
  • An invitation letter from the family member in China
  • A copy of that person’s Chinese ID card, passport or residence permit
  • Original proof of the relationship, for Q1 and S1
  • The usual passport, residence proof and barcode page
  • For adoption cases, the documents the officer specifies, these are handled individually
    •  Immediate family means parents, spouse, children, parents-in-law and siblings.  Grandparents and grandchildren are included for Q visas. A cousin or a friend is not, whatever the invitation says, and that is where most refusals in this category come from.

    Which letter, in one question

    Ask who is inviting you. If that person is a Chinese citizen or holds Chinese permanent residence, the visa is Q. If that person is a foreigner living in China on a work or study visa, it is S. The relationship you have with them does not change the letter; their status does.

    Which letter do you need?
    Which letter do you need?

    The number then follows from how long you are staying: over 180 days takes the 1, a visit takes the 2. Applying for Q1 when a Q2 would do is not a safe default, because Q1 brings the thirty-day residence permit obligation with it.

    All the proceduresAppointments and walk-ins

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