Categories

Description of Visa

Purpose of Visit

F

Invited to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.

Exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities

M

Invited to China for commercial and trade activities.

Commerce & Trade

L

Travel to China for tourism.

As a tourist

Q

Those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for a long-term family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purposes of foster care (Q1 stays exceeding 180 days, or Q2, less than 180 days). "Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

Family reunion, foster care or visiting relatives with permanent residence in China

S

Relatives of foreigners working or studying in China for the purpose of long-term visit, or to those who intend to visit China for other private reasons (S1 stays exceeding 180 days, or S2 stays less than 180 days). “Relatives” refer to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 years and parents-in-law.

Visiting relatives working or studying in China or other private affairs

Z

Those taking up a post or employment, or giving commercial performances, in China.

Employment / Commercial performances

G

Those who are going to transit through China on route to a third country (or region).

Transit

C

Foreign crew members of aircraft, trains and ships, motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, and also to the accompanying family members of the above-mentioned ships’ crew members.

As a crew member or a motor vehicle driver

X

Those intending to study in China for a period of more than 180 days, X1, or less than 180 days X2.

As a student

R

Issued to those who are high-level qualified talents or whose skills are urgently needed by China.

As an introduced talent

J

Issued to resident foreign journalists/media staff of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days, J1 or less than 180 days J2.

As a journalist

D

Issued to those who are going to reside in China permanently.

Permanent Residence

Note: This summary is not intended to cover every situation. It does not cover every step in the proceeding. You should consult our expert for more details.