China Tourist / Family Visit Visa

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China Tourist Visa (L Visa)

The China Tourist Visa, known as the L Visa, is specifically designed for travelers intending to visit China for tourism, leisure, and sightseeing activities. This visa category is ideal for tourists interested in experiencing China’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and vibrant cities. The L Visa is essential for short-term stays dedicated primarily to sightseeing, recreational activities, or informal visits.

China Family Visit Visa (Q Visa)

The China Family Visit Visa, known as the Q Visa, is categorized into two types—Q1 and Q2—depending on the duration and nature of your visit. The Q1 Visa is designed for those intending to reside in China for more than 180 days, commonly for family reunions involving spouses, parents, or children who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents. Applicants who obtain a Q1 Visa must typically apply for a residence permit upon arrival. In contrast, the Q2 Visa is intended for short-term family visits lasting less than 180 days, making it ideal for visitors attending family events, holidays, or personal matters. Both visa types facilitate meaningful family reunions, strengthening personal connections across international borders.

Comparison of China Tourist and Family Visit Visas

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

AspectDescription
PurposeTourism, leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends/family (casual)
Typical ApplicantsTourists, informal visitors, individuals on short-term visits for tourism or social gatherings
Duration of StayShort-term (generally less than 30 days)
Resident Permit Needed?
No

 

Family Visit Visa (Q1 Visa)

AspectDescription
PurposeFamily Reunion (Long-term)
Typical ApplicantsImmediate family members (spouses, parents, children) of Chinese citizens or permanent residents
Duration of StayMore than 180 days
Resident Permit Needed?
Yes (upon arrival)

 

Family Visit Visa (Q2 Visa)

AspectDescription
PurposeShort-term family visit
Typical ApplicantsIndividuals visiting relatives for family events, holidays, and short stays
Duration of StayLess than 180 days
Resident Permit Needed?
No

magnified chinese visa document

Required Documents for China Tourist / Family Visit Visa

Your Passport

Important: If your current passport was issued after January 15, 2015, you must also provide your original previous passport. There must be no time gap between the expiration date of your old passport and the issue date of your new one. If your passport renewal happened after your old passport expired or if you no longer have your previous passport, please include a written explanation. We will guide you through any additional requirements specified by the Chinese Consulate.

  • Your ORIGINAL Passport must:

    • Be valid for at least 8 months.

    • Have at least two blank visa pages.

    • Show no physical damage.

    • If it is valid for fewer than 8 months but more than 6 months, you can only apply for a single-entry visa.
  • If you are applying outside the country where you hold citizenship, you must provide the original and a photocopy of your valid visa or resident, employment, or student permit in your current location.
  • If this is your first time applying and you were formerly a Chinese citizen, you need to submit your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page.

  • If you have previously been issued Chinese visas and now have a new passport that does not show those visas, you must submit your old passport containing the Chinese visas. If you have changed your name, you must also include an official document confirming the change.

  • Applicants of Chinese ethnicity or non-Canadian citizens should refer to the Special Requirements below.

Special Requirements for Applicants of Chinese Descent & Non-Canadian Citizens

  1. If you were born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau, your Chinese name (in Chinese characters) must be written on the Visa Application Form.
  2. First-time applicants born in China must provide their original Chinese passport. Individuals with a renewed Canadian passport should also include a copy of their previous Canadian passport and any Chinese visa history, if available.
  3. Canadian-born children of Chinese descent under 12 years old must provide a copy of their birth certificate, plus copies of their parents’ passports and Permanent Resident (P.R.) Cards.
  4. Applicants of Chinese descent may be eligible to apply for a 12-month multiple-entry tourist visa.
  5. Non-Canadian passport holders must possess a valid, long-term Canadian visa (for example, a Work or Study permit; visitor visas are not accepted) or a Permanent Resident Card in order to apply for a Chinese visa in Canada. The original permit or Permanent Resident Card must be submitted with the application.

Photocopy of Your Passport

Along with your original passport, you must provide a clear photocopy of the information and photo page.

China Visa Application Form

Please contact us for guidance on the online application.

Photograph

Click HERE for the updated photo specifications, which must be carefully followed.

You must provide one recent color photograph taken within the last six months, with a pure white background, sized 48mm x 33mm.

A date stamp must be visible on the back of the photo.

Additional Supporting Documents

For Tourism:

  • Travel itinerary details such as round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations OR an invitation letter from a relevant organization or individual in China. The invitation letter must include:
    1. Applicant’s personal details (name, gender, date of birth)
    2. Proposed travel itinerary (arrival and departure dates, destinations to visit)
    3. Details of the inviting party (name, contact number, address, official stamp, and signature)

For Family Reunion:

  • An invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or a foreigner who has permanent residence in China. The letter must include:
    1. Applicant’s personal details (name, gender, date of birth)
    2. Purpose of visit, intended arrival date, where you will stay, duration of stay, relationship to the inviter, and source of financial support
    3. Details of the inviter (name, contact number, address, official stamp, signature)
  • A photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID, or if the inviter is a foreign national, their passport and permanent residence permit.
  • The original and a photocopy of documents verifying the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, kinship certification from the Public Security Bureau, or a notarized document.
  • “Family members” include spouses, parents, children and their spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents-in-law.

Processing Fees: Please contact us for our fees.

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Cellia Xiao

Cellia Xiao is an experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) with over 20 years of expertise, providing personalized solutions for Canadian immigration needs, including visa applications, permanent residency, and citizenship.

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