China Family Visa
The “China Family Visa,” expertly facilitated by China Visa Expert, is designed for individuals planning to visit family members residing in China. This visa category is ideal for those wishing to spend time with relatives, attend family events, or engage in extended family visits.
Our service streamlines the application process, assisting with gathering necessary documentation such as invitations from family members in China and proof of relationship. We guide you through each step, ensuring a thorough and accurate application. Choose China Visa Expert for a smooth and supportive experience in obtaining your China Family Visa, and reconnecting you with your loved ones.
Eligibility Criteria
The China Family Visa, or Q visa, is split into two types: Q1 for long-term stays (over 180 days) and Q2 for short-term visits (under 180 days). Eligibility for these visas includes family members of Chinese citizens or foreign residents with permanent residence in China. This encompasses spouses, parents, children, and other relatives like in-laws, siblings, and grandparents. For the Q1 visa, proof of family relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, is required.
The China Family Visa, categorized into Q1 and Q2 visas, is available to relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China. For the Q1 visa, aimed at long-term stays over 180 days, eligible applicants include spouses, parents, children, and extended family members like grandparents and siblings.
The Q2 visa, intended for short-term visits under 180 days, has similar eligibility criteria. Proof of relationship is mandatory for Q1 applicants, involving official documents like birth and marriage certificates. Understanding these criteria is crucial for a successful application.
Visa Application Requirements
Applicants need a valid passport, a completed Q visa application form, and a recent photo. An invitation letter from a family member in China, including details about the visit and the relationship, is crucial. For Q1 visa applicants, additional documents to prove the family relationship are required. All forms should be filled out carefully, and no section should be left blank.
Applicants for a China Family Visa must prepare several key documents. A valid passport, a completed application form, and a recent passport-sized photo are fundamental.
The application also requires an invitation letter from a family member in China, detailing the visit’s purpose, duration, and relationship. For Q1 visas, additional proof of family relationship is essential. Ensuring all documents meet the specific criteria and are submitted accurately is vital for the application’s success.
Application Submission Process
Applicants must submit their documents in person at a Chinese embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Service Center. Mailed applications are generally not accepted. It’s recommended to apply at least one month before the intended travel date.
To apply for a China Family Visa, applicants must submit their documents at a Chinese embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Service Center, usually in person. Mailed applications are typically not accepted.
It’s recommended to apply well in advance of the travel date, at least a month prior, to accommodate processing times. Understanding the submission process, including where and how to apply, is key to a smooth application experience.
#1. Information
Activities Allowed
- Family Visit
- Touring China
Processing Time
- Normal 5 Working Days
- Express Up to 48 Working Hours.
Duration of Visa
- Up to 24 Months
Embassy Fee
- Normal £151
- Express £182
UVS Service Fee
- Normal £150
- Express £175
Total
- Normal £301
- Express £357
Delivery
- Special Delivery £12
- 9am Delivery £25
- Saturday Guaranteed Delivery £25
- 9am Saturday Guaranteed £35
- Courier Varies
#2. Requirements
Passport
Passports should be:
- Valid for at least the next 6 months from entry in China.
- Two totally blank pages. One page is for the visa, the other is for the stamp(does not include the page reserved for “observations”.
Photograph
A copy of passport photo page
Photographs One recent (under 6 month old) passport photo (45mm x 35mm) taken against a white background.
Photocopy Of Passport
A copy of passport photo page. Also copy of previous China Visa.
Invite Letter
Invitation letter (signed with pen not electronic) which include information about the applicant, including their
- Date on Letter
- Full name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Planned visit, including arrival date(s), place(s) to stay
- Details of any financial support to be provided
- The relationship between the applicant and the inviting party
- information about the inviting party
- Full name
- Contact telephone number
- Address
- Signed by the inviting party.
- Proof of Relationship. Original and photocopy of EITHER marriage/birth certificate OR notarized certification of kinship, showing the family relationship between the inviting party and the applicant.10.
- Original and photocopy of a valid UK residence permit.
- THE S2 VISA is for stays of no more than 180 days, and is available to spouses, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents-in-law, and spouses of children of the inviting party.
NON UK OR EU/EEA PASSPORT HOLDERS
Non UK or EU/EEA passport holders must have a valid UK visa in their passport and should provide the original and a copy of their permanent residence or work permit which should be valid for at least half a year(except for those who are visa or permit exempt for residing or working in the UK).
Proof of Relationship
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
Fingerprints
As per Chinese laws and guidelines, and based on the standard of correspondence, as of 1st November 2018, all the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in London, Manchester and Edinburgh (hereinafter alluded to as ‘Visa Application Centre’s) will take fingerprints of all visa candidates in the interest of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the U.K.
Please note that fingerprints are not required for:
- Kids under 14 years of age and grown-ups more than 70 years of age;
- Applicants who have fingers mutilation or for whom the fingerprints can’t be collected for various reasons.
Visa Duration and Validity
The Q1 visa is typically a single entry and requires the holder to apply for a temporary residence permit within 30 days of entry, allowing a stay of 1 to 5 years. The Q2 visa’s validity ranges from 30 to 180 days and can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries.
The Q1 visa, for stays longer than 180 days, generally allows a single entry. Holders must apply for a temporary residence permit within 30 days of arrival in China, valid for 1 to 5 years.
The Q2 visa, suitable for shorter visits, varies in validity from 30 to 180 days and can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries. Applicants should consider their travel plans and duration of stay when selecting the appropriate visa type.
Visa Fees and Costs
The cost of the China Family Visa is consistent with other Chinese visa types and varies by country. For instance, fees for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens are fixed regardless of the visa type and number of entries.
The fees for the China Family Visa are consistent with other Chinese visa types, varying by nationality and number of entries. For some countries, like the US, Canada, and Australia, the fee is fixed irrespective of the visa type or entry number.
Applicants should check the specific fee structure relevant to their nationality and chosen visa type, as this can influence the overall cost of the visa application process.
Foster Care Provisions
For those applying for a family visa under foster care provisions, additional documents such as an official notarization of foster care, and a consent letter for foster care issued in China are required. This also includes photocopies of parents’ passports and marriage and birth certificates showing the relationship between the guardians and the child.
For family visa applications under foster care provisions, additional documentation is required. This includes an official notarization of foster care issued by Chinese embassies abroad and a consent letter for foster care from a guardian in China.
Additionally, photocopies of the guardian’s passport, marriage certificate, and birth certificate demonstrating the relationship with the child are needed. These documents are crucial to demonstrate the legitimacy of the foster care arrangement and must be submitted along with the standard visa application materials.