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China Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2 Visa)

The China Family Reunion Visa, issued as either a Q1 or Q2 Visa, is designed for family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners holding Chinese permanent residence who wish to reunite in China. The Q1 Visa is issued for long-term family reunion or foster care purposes, with an intended stay exceeding 180 days, and holders must convert their visa into a residence permit within 30 days of entering China. The Q2 Visa is issued for short-term visits of 180 days or less to relatives who are Chinese citizens or hold Chinese permanent residence, and does not require a residence permit. This visa category is distinct from the S Visa, which applies to relatives of foreigners (not Chinese citizens or permanent residents) working or studying in China. Final approval rests solely with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General handling the application.

Eligibility

To apply for a China Family Reunion Visa, applicants generally must:

  • Be a qualifying family member — spouse, parent, son, daughter, spouse of a son or daughter, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or parent-in-law — of a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with Chinese permanent residence, for the Q1 Visa (long-term reunion or foster care, over 180 days)
  • Or intend a short-term visit (180 days or less) to a relative who is a Chinese citizen or holds Chinese permanent residence, for the Q2 Visa
  • Hold original proof of kinship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or equivalent) confirming the family relationship (generally required for Q1; not always required for Q2)
  • Hold an invitation letter from the Chinese citizen or permanent resident relative in China
  • Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application, with at least 2 blank visa pages
  • Meet standard health and character requirements, and may be asked to attend an interview

Government Visa Fees

Fee ComponentApproximate Cost (Indian Passport Holders)
Single-entry Q1/Q2 VisaApproximately ₹2,900
Double-entry Q2 VisaApproximately ₹4,400
Multiple-entry (6 months to 1 year)Approximately ₹5,900–₹8,800
CVASC service feeApproximately ₹1,973 (regular) / ₹2,908 (express)
Express processing surchargeApproximately ₹1,800

*The Chinese Embassy in India has extended reduced visa fees for Indian passport holders. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is declined. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances — always confirm exact China Visa Fees on the official Chinese Embassy in India website or the CVASC portal.

China Visa Processing Time

China Visa Processing Time for the Q1/Q2 Family Reunion Visa is generally 4 to 6 working days for standard processing, with express service available in 2 to 4 working days for an additional fee. Since Q1 applications require original kinship documents and, in some cases, an interview with the applicant, processing can take longer if relationship evidence is incomplete or unclear. Processing times exclude weekends and public holidays in both China and India. Applicants are advised to apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before their intended travel date to allow time for document verification, particularly for the long-term Q1 category.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank visa pages)
Photocopy of the passport bio-data page and any previous Chinese visa pages
Completed online application form (Form V.2013 via the CVASC/COVA portal), printed and signed
Recent colour photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications (33mm x 48mm, white background)
Invitation letter from the Chinese citizen or permanent resident relative in China
Original proof of kinship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or equivalent), generally required for Q1
Copy of the inviting relative's Chinese ID card, household register (hukou), or permanent residence permit
Proof of sufficient funds for the visit
Biometric data (fingerprints), collected in person at the CVASC

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm whether a Q1 (long-term) or Q2 (short-term) Family Reunion Visa applies to your visit.
Ask your relative in China to prepare and send the invitation letter and their identity documents.
Complete the online application (Form V.2013) through the official CVASC/COVA portal.
Print the completed form and confirmation page, and sign it by hand.
Gather proof of kinship (for Q1) and all other required supporting documents.
Visit the CVASC serving your jurisdiction during application hours.
Submit your application, passport, and documents in person for biometric collection.
Attend an interview if requested by the consular officer.
Pay the applicable visa fee and CVASC service charge.
Collect your passport with the visa, then register with the Public Security Bureau and apply for a residence permit within 30 days if issued a Q1 Visa.

Important Notes

Visa approval is decided solely by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.
Q1 Visa holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering China.
Original kinship documents are generally required for the Q1 category; requirements are lighter for Q2.
Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa application is declined.
An interview with the applicant may be required as part of the Q1 assessment process.
Mailed, faxed, or purely online applications are not accepted — in-person submission is mandatory.
Providing false information may lead to visa refusal and affect future applications.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a China Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2 Visa) requires proper documentation, including proof of your family relationship, an invitation letter from your family member in China, copies of the host’s Chinese ID card or residence permit, and compliance with the latest Chinese visa requirements. Shivansh Consultants provides personalized guidance and end-to-end assistance with preparing your visa application, reviewing all supporting documents, and ensuring your paperwork meets the latest Embassy requirements. Our experienced visa consultants carefully verify every detail to help minimize delays and improve your chances of visa approval. With a transparent process and dedicated support, we assist you throughout your China Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2 Visa) journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Q1 and Q2 China Family Reunion Visa?
The Q1 Visa is for long-term family reunion or foster care, with an intended stay exceeding 180 days, requiring a residence permit within 30 days of entry. The Q2 Visa is for short-term visits of 180 days or less and does not require a residence permit.
How much does a China Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2) cost for Indian citizens?
Under the current reduced fee structure, a single-entry visa costs approximately ₹2,900, with higher fees for multiple-entry visas. A CVASC service fee also applies. Always confirm current rates on the official Chinese Embassy in India website.
How long does the China Family Reunion Visa take to process?
Standard processing takes 4 to 6 working days, with express service available in 2 to 4 working days for an additional fee. Q1 applications with complex kinship evidence may take longer.
What is the difference between the Q Visa and the S Visa?
The Q Visa is for relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence. The S Visa is for relatives of foreigners who are working, studying, or otherwise residing in China but are not Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
Do I need an interview for a China Family Reunion Visa?
An interview may be required as part of the assessment process, particularly for Q1 (long-term) applications, to verify the genuineness of the family relationship. This is at the discretion of the consular officer.