Quick answer
Q1 is for a longer reunion; Q2 is for a short visit
Q1 generally covers family reunion with a Chinese citizen or Chinese permanent resident when the intended stay exceeds 180 days. Q2 covers a visit of no more than 180 days to a relative who is a Chinese citizen living in China or a foreigner with Chinese permanent residence.
If the person you are visiting is a foreign national working or studying in China, the relevant category may instead be S1 or S2. Start from the inviter's actual status, not only the family relationship.
Official reference: San Francisco consulate visa categories and required documents.
Q1 and Q2 compared
| Question | Q1 | Q2 |
|---|---|---|
| Intended stay | More than 180 days for family reunion, or a qualifying foster-care purpose. | No more than 180 days for a short family visit. |
| Inviter | A Chinese citizen or foreign citizen with Chinese permanent residence who lives in China. | A Chinese citizen living in China or a foreigner with Chinese permanent residence. |
| Core records | Signed invitation, inviter identity or permanent-residence evidence, and relationship certification. | Signed invitation stating the relationship, plus inviter identity or permanent-residence evidence. |
| Original at submission | Current San Francisco guidance requires the original relationship certification for verification. | Follow the online case instructions. The consulate can request additional originals. |
What the family invitation should include
The San Francisco consulate's current outline asks for:
- The inviter's name, gender, date of birth, Chinese ID number or foreign passport and Chinese permanent-residence card number, current China address, phone, and email.
- The invited person's name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and relationship to the inviter.
- The short-visit or long-residence purpose, expected arrival date, and intended length of stay.
- The inviter's signature and date.
Spellings, dates, addresses, and relationship descriptions should match the online application and supporting records.
Build a clear relationship record
For Q1, current guidance calls for relationship certification such as a marriage or birth certificate, uploaded online and presented as an original during passport submission. For Q2, the published core list emphasizes the invitation and inviter identity. The consulate can request relationship or other supplementary evidence for an individual case.
Name changes
Connect maiden names, transliterations, aliases, and legal name changes with appropriate records.
Multi-generation links
A grandparent or in-law relationship can require more than one record to make the chain understandable.
Inviter status
Use the current Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent-residence evidence that matches the inviter's situation.
Family groups
Keep every applicant's passport, relationship, history, and online status organized separately.
Application steps from Washington
- Identify the inviter's status and the real length of stay. Compare Q1/Q2 and, where relevant, S1/S2.
- Prepare the invitation and relationship chain. Resolve spelling, date, and name-history differences before completing the form.
- Apply online through San Francisco. Upload the category-specific and common documents requested by the system.
- Respond to preliminary review. Add corrections or supplementary documents in the online system.
- Submit the passport and required originals. Wait for “Passport to be Submitted.” Q1 applicants should plan to present the original relationship certification under current guidance.
For the common passport, residence, history, fee, and timing rules, read the Seattle Chinese visa application guide.
Common family-visa problems
Wrong category family
Q is selected even though the inviter is a foreigner working or studying in China, which may point to S1/S2.
Stay mismatch
The selected Q category, intended duration, and invitation describe different short- or long-term plans.
Unclear relationship
Records do not connect name changes, translations, or multiple generations.
Missing original
A Q1 applicant uploads a relationship record but does not prepare the original for passport submission.
Family visit FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is Q1 simply a longer Q2 visa?
No. Q1 is a family-reunion category for an intended stay over 180 days and can lead to a residence-permit step after entry. Q2 is for a visit of no more than 180 days.
Who counts as family for Q1?
The current official list includes spouses, parents, children, children's spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents-in-law. Check the official wording for the individual case.
Does a Q2 applicant always need a birth or marriage certificate?
The published San Francisco core list for Q2 focuses on the invitation and inviter identity, while the invitation must state the relationship. The consulate can request relationship or other additional evidence after review.
What happens after entering on Q1?
Current consular FAQ guidance says Q1 holders should apply for the required residence document within 30 days after entry. Confirm the current local procedure in China.
Can a tourist visa be better for a mixed trip?
If sightseeing is genuinely the primary purpose, review the L tourist-visa requirements. Describe the real purpose instead of selecting the category that seems easiest.
Official sources
Last checked August 26, 2026. Follow the official source if requirements change.
Have a complicated family-document chain?
Tell us the relationship, intended stay, inviter status, residence, and timing. Do not include passport numbers or document images in the inquiry form.
Request an initial assessment