China Family Visit Visa Q1 and Q2: Application Procedures
What Are China Family Visit Visas Q1 and Q2?
China family visit visas Q1 and Q2 are visa categories for foreign nationals who wish to enter China for family reunion, family visit or suitable foster care purposes under the regulations of the competent Chinese authority.
Q1 and Q2 visas generally apply to family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence status in China. Depending on the intended duration of stay, relationship with the inviter and entry purpose, applicants should select the correct visa category before preparing the application.
Choosing the wrong visa type may cause the application to be inconsistent with the entry purpose, require additional documents or affect the review process.
Difference Between China Q1 and Q2 Visas
Both Q1 and Q2 visas are China family visit visa categories, but they differ in purpose and intended duration of stay.
| Criteria | Q1 Visa | Q2 Visa |
| Main purpose | Long-term family reunion or foster care | Short-term family visit |
| Intended duration of stay | More than 180 days | Not more than 180 days |
| Common applicants | Family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China | Relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China |
| Application nature | May require residence procedures after entry according to Chinese authority guidance | Suitable for short-term family visits within the granted stay period |
Applicants should carefully check their entry purpose and intended stay duration before choosing Q1 or Q2. The visa category should not be selected only based on personal preference, but should be based on the actual dossier and regulations at the time of submission.
Who Can Apply for China Family Visit Visas Q1 and Q2?
Q1 and Q2 visas are generally for family members or relatives of:
- Chinese citizens residing in China;
- Foreigners with permanent residence status in China;
- Foster care or other suitable family-related purposes under regulations.
Family members may generally include:
- Spouse;
- Parents;
- Parents-in-law;
- Children;
- Spouse of children;
- Siblings;
- Grandparents;
- Grandchildren;
- Other family-related cases if accepted by the reviewing authority based on the actual dossier.
Depending on the visa type and case, the reviewing authority may request documents proving the relationship, inviter information, inviter’s residence status in China and other supplementary documents.
What Documents Are Required for China Q1 and Q2 Family Visit Visas?
The documents required for China Q1 and Q2 family visit visas vary depending on entry purpose, stay duration, relationship with the inviter, applicant’s nationality and requirements at the time of submission.
In general, the dossier usually includes two main groups: the applicant’s documents and documents from the inviter in China.
Applicant’s Documents
The applicant generally needs to prepare:
- Original passport with suitable validity, generally at least 06 months remaining and at least 02 blank visa pages;
- Copy of the passport information page;
- Previous passports if they contain China visas or relevant travel history;
- China visa application form using the current template;
- China visa photo meeting requirements, usually color, white background, front-facing, 48mm x 33mm;
- Citizen ID card or corresponding identity document if needed for cross-checking;
- Residence information confirmation or documents proving residence if required;
- Documents proving relationship with the inviter;
- Flight ticket, intended itinerary or travel information if requested;
- Additional documents requested by the Visa Application Center or consular authority if any.
Documents for Foreigners Residing in Vietnam
If the applicant is not a Vietnamese citizen but is residing in Vietnam, additional documents may be required:
- Temporary residence card, Vietnam visa or documents proving lawful residence in Vietnam;
- Valid Vietnam entry stamp if requested;
- Work permit, employment confirmation or study documents in Vietnam if relevant;
- Documents proving residence address in Vietnam;
- Additional documents requested by the reviewing authority.
Documents Proving Family Relationship
Depending on the relationship between the applicant and the inviter, relationship documents may include:
- Marriage certificate;
- Birth certificate;
- Family relationship certificate;
- Civil status documents;
- Relationship confirmation issued by a competent authority;
- Documents proving foster care, guardianship or family relationship if any;
- Other documents proving the relationship as requested by the reviewing authority.
If documents are issued overseas, they may need to be translated, notarized/certified or consular legalized according to requirements at the time of submission.
Documents From the Inviter in China
The inviter in China generally needs to provide:
- Invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with permanent residence status in China;
- Copy of the inviter’s identity document;
- If the inviter is a Chinese citizen: copy of Chinese identity card or suitable identity document;
- If the inviter is a foreigner with permanent residence in China: copy of passport and documents proving permanent residence status in China;
- Documents proving residence address or contact information of the inviter if requested;
- Additional documents depending on the specific application.
What Should the Invitation Letter for Q1 and Q2 Visas Include?
The invitation letter is an important document in China family visit visa applications. Its content should be clear and consistent with the travel purpose and relationship documents.
In general, the invitation letter should include:
- Information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, nationality and passport number;
- Entry purpose: family reunion, family visit, foster care or another suitable purpose;
- Intended entry date, stay duration and accommodation address in China;
- Relationship between inviter and invitee;
- Information of the inviter: full name, address, phone number, identity document or residence status in China;
- Undertaking or support details if the inviter provides accommodation, financial support or other related support;
- Inviter’s signature;
- Inviter’s supporting documents if required.
Information in the invitation letter should be consistent with the visa application form, relationship documents, itinerary and the applicant’s personal documents.
China Q1 and Q2 Family Visit Visa Application Process
The China family visit visa application process may change depending on timing, submission location and actual dossier status. In general, applicants need to follow the basic steps below:
Step 1: Identify the Suitable Visa Type
Applicants should clearly identify entry purpose, intended stay duration and relationship with the inviter to choose Q1 or Q2.
If the intended stay exceeds 180 days for family reunion or foster care, the application may fall under Q1. If the applicant only plans a short-term family visit of not more than 180 days, the application may fall under Q2.
Step 2: Prepare Documents Based on the Specific Case
The applicant prepares personal documents, relationship documents, invitation letter and documents of the inviter in China. Documents should be reviewed to ensure the information is consistent, clear and suitable for the entry purpose.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form and Make an Appointment if Required
The applicant completes the China visa application form through the applicable system or form. Depending on the rules at the time of submission, an appointment may be required before attending the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Step 4: Submit the Application at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center
On the appointment date, the applicant brings the complete dossier to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or the suitable receiving channel according to instructions. The Center will conduct an initial review, receive the application and provide information on the expected collection date if the application is accepted.
During review, the consular authority may request additional documents, explanations or an interview if necessary.
Step 5: Collect the Result and Check the Visa
When the result is available, the applicant collects the passport according to the Center’s guidance or the registered method. If the visa is granted, the applicant should carefully check visa information such as full name, passport number, visa category, number of entries, visa validity and duration of stay.
For Q1 visa holders, after entering China, the applicant should pay attention to residence procedures or related procedures according to the guidance of the Chinese authority if applicable.
Where to Submit China Q1 and Q2 Family Visit Visa Applications?
In Vietnam, China visa applications of ordinary passport holders are generally submitted at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or according to the guidance of the Chinese diplomatic mission at the relevant time.
Commonly mentioned locations include:
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Hanoi: 7th Floor, Truong Thinh Building, No. 1 Phung Chi Kien Street, Nghia Do Ward, Hanoi
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Ho Chi Minh City: 16th Floor, SaiGon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Da Nang: According to the receiving information published on the Center’s system at the time of application
Applicants should check address, working hours, appointment schedule, submission method, fees and result collection method through official channels before proceeding, as application receiving information may change from time to time.
Is an Interview Required for a China Family Visit Visa?
Not every China family visit visa application requires an interview. However, during the review process, the consular authority may request additional documents, explanations or an interview if necessary.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that using a service means an interview will definitely not be required. Whether an interview, document supplementation or further verification is needed depends on visa type, actual dossier and requirements of the reviewing authority.
How Long Does a China Family Visit Visa Application Take?
China visa processing time should not be understood as a fixed period for all applications. According to reference information from the Chinese consular authority, regular processing may take several working days after the application is validly accepted. Express or urgent service may be considered in suitable cases but does not apply to every application and requires approval from the competent authority.
In practice, the total visa timeline may include:
- Consultation and identifying the suitable visa type;
- Personal document preparation time;
- Time to prepare the invitation letter and documents from China;
- Translation, notarization/certification or consular legalization if needed;
- Visa application form completion;
- Appointment booking;
- Application submission;
- Supplementation or interview if requested;
- Waiting time for processing result;
- Passport collection time.
For urgent, express or fast-track handling needs, Nhị Gia will review the visa type, dossier status, appointment availability, document requirements and current regulations to advise on a suitable handling option. The actual timeline depends on dossier completeness, additional requests if any and the processing progress of the competent authority at the relevant time.
China Q1 and Q2 Family Visit Visa Fees
China visa costs should be distinguished between the visa fee and the service fee of the Visa Application Service Center.
In general, applicants may need to pay:
- Service fee of the Visa Application Service Center, generally collected in VND at submission;
- Visa fee collected on behalf of the Chinese diplomatic mission, generally paid in USD upon collection;
- Express or urgent service fee if the application is accepted under the corresponding service and approved by the competent authority;
- Other costs such as translation, notarization/certification, consular legalization if any, delivery, travel or consulting service fees.
For Vietnamese citizens, common reference visa fees include:
| Visa type | Reference visa fee |
| Single-entry visa | USD 45 |
| Double-entry visa | USD 68 |
| Multiple-entry visa, valid for 06 months | USD 90 |
| Multiple-entry visa, valid for 01 year | USD 135 |
Actual fees may vary depending on nationality, visa type granted, number of entries, processing option and announcements from the receiving authority at the time of submission. Therefore, clients should check the current fee schedule before proceeding.
When Should Applicants Submit China Family Visit Visa Applications?
Applicants should prepare the dossier early enough to review documents, prepare the invitation letter, book the submission appointment and handle additional requests if any.
In general, documents should be prepared at least several weeks before the intended departure date. For Q1 applications, complex family relationship documents, foreign-issued documents requiring legalization/translation or cases with previous visa refusal, earlier preparation is recommended to reduce risks affecting the travel plan.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a China Family Visit Visa
Common mistakes when preparing Q1 and Q2 visa applications include:
- Choosing the wrong Q1/Q2 visa category for the intended stay duration;
- Relationship with the inviter is not clearly proven;
- Invitation letter lacks inviter information, invitee information, stay duration or address in China;
- Inviter’s documents are incomplete or unsuitable;
- Information in the visa application form, passport, invitation letter and relationship documents is inconsistent;
- Passport validity is too short or blank visa pages are insufficient;
- Foreign-issued documents are not translated, notarized/certified or consular legalized if required;
- Appointment availability, receiving hours or center holidays are not checked;
- No handling plan is prepared if additional documents or an interview are requested.
These mistakes may delay processing, require supplementation or affect the travel plan to China.
China Q1 and Q2 Family Visit Visa Consulting Service by Nhị Gia
China Q1 and Q2 family visit visa applications must be prepared with the correct visa category, entry purpose and relationship documents for each case. If the dossier lacks information, the invitation letter is unsuitable, family relationship documents are unclear or information is inconsistent, the review process may take longer or require supplementation.
With experience in outbound visas, Vietnam visas, work permits, temporary residence cards, entry approvals, consular legalization and legal dossiers for individuals and enterprises, Nhị Gia supports clients in preparing China family visit visa applications based on each specific case.
Nhị Gia supports clients with:
- Advising on whether Q1 or Q2 is suitable for the travel purpose;
- Reviewing personal documents, passport, visa history and residence status;
- Guiding preparation of documents proving family relationship;
- Guiding preparation of the invitation letter and inviter’s documents in China;
- Checking information consistency across the dossier;
- Supporting completion of the visa application form based on information provided by the client;
- Guiding appointment booking, submission and result tracking;
- Advising on handling previously refused applications or additional document requests;
- Advising on translation, notarization/certification and consular legalization if the dossier involves foreign-issued documents;
- Supporting urgent, express or fast-track handling needs where applicable;
- Maintaining confidentiality of personal information and client dossiers.
For urgent, express or fast-track handling needs, Nhị Gia will review the visa type, dossier status, appointment availability, document requirements and current regulations to advise on a suitable handling option. The actual timeline depends on dossier completeness, additional requests if any and the processing progress of the competent authority at the relevant time.
Nhị Gia has recorded a high approval rate for eligible applications that are fully, truthfully and properly prepared in accordance with the entry purpose. However, visa results remain subject to the decision of the competent reviewing authority. Using a consulting service does not replace the authority’s decision, but it can help clients reduce errors, prepare clearer dossiers and be more proactive throughout the procedure.
Nhị Gia Support Process for Q1 and Q2 Visa Applications
The support process at Nhị Gia focuses on reviewing the dossier first, advising on a suitable approach and helping clients prepare documents based on each specific case.
- Step 1: Information Collection. Nhị Gia collects information about travel purpose, intended stay duration, relationship with the inviter, nationality, passport type, visa history and the applicant’s residence status.
- Step 2: Visa Category and Dossier Direction Consultation. Nhị Gia advises whether the applicant should apply for Q1 or Q2, document groups to prepare and key points to note based on the actual dossier. For urgent, express or fast-track handling needs, Nhị Gia will further check document completion capacity, appointment availability, translation/notarization/consular legalization requirements and current regulations to advise on a suitable option.
- Step 3: Document Preparation Guidance and Dossier Completion. Nhị Gia guides clients in preparing personal documents, relationship documents, invitation letter and inviter documents. The dossier is reviewed to reduce errors in information, entry purpose and document requirements.
- Step 4: Submission Support and Result Tracking. Nhị Gia supports clients in carrying out submission steps through the suitable method, tracking results and handling additional requests from the receiving authority if any.
- Step 5: Result Delivery and Visa Information Check. After the result is available, Nhị Gia delivers the passport according to the service agreement and guides clients in checking visa information if granted, including full name, passport number, visa category, number of entries, visa validity and duration of stay.
If you need to apply for a China family visit visa under Q1 or Q2 category, the correct visa type, dossier conditions, relationship documents and invitation letter should be reviewed before submission.
With experience handling various China visa application groups, Nhị Gia supports clients in preparing clear, purpose-consistent and case-appropriate dossiers. For urgent, express or fast-track handling needs, Nhị Gia will review the actual dossier status and advise on a suitable option.
Please contact Hotline 1900 6654, mobile hotline 0906 736 788 or email info@nhigia.vn for case-specific consultation from Nhị Gia’s specialists.
