The Dependent (Q) Visa

 

 

 

The Dependent visa is designed for Chinese descendants or foreigners who are spouses of Chinese citizen. Issued to those who are immediate family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go for China for family reunion or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. It is usually issued for 1 entry with duration of 000 stay (to be determined). This then has to be converted at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB Police Station), who will then have the final say at the duration of the visa.

If applied whilst in China you will often receive the exact duration right away, without the need to visit the PSB. There are two types of Q visa with Q1 for long-term over 180 days and Q2 for short-term under 180 days. Q1 visas are not guaranteed and may require additional interviews. Exit-Entry Bureau/Chinese Consulate may issue Q2 visa at their discretion. Immediate family members refers to spouses, parents, sons daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For Q2 visas certain nationalities (US, UK, CAN, IL) may be approved for 10 year visas.

Requirements

• Applicant passport with 12 months validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages for visas (not all blank pages are designated for visas).

• 1 Recent passport sized colored photograph with white background.

• One filled visa application form. Every space needs to be completed, using N/A whenever it is not applicable.

An invitation letter from the inviting individual (Chinese or foreign individual) containing:

• Applicant’s name, date of birth, gender and passport number.

• Purpose of visit.

• Intended residence.

• Arrival and departure dates.

• Itinerary, cities and places to be visited.

• Relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual.

• Information on the inviter (name, contact number, address signature).

• Photocopies of the inviter’s supporting paperwork such as ID/passport, Work Permit, X/Z visas, Residence Permit, Chinese Temporary Form of Residence, Household Registration Booklet (Hukou).

• Financial statements, financial source for expenditures, bearer of responsibility.

• Signed by the inviter.

Proof of kinship if visiting relatives:

• Original and photocopies of marriage certificates, birth certificates, notarized certification of kinship.

Additional for anyone applying on the Q1 visa:

• Health certificate (Medical checkup)

If the Chinese inviter is not local to the city, for example someone from Nanjing invites you to Shanghai (their Household booklet is not from Shanghai) then additional documents are required:

• Chinese inviter’s Shanghai Residence Permit

• Employment Statement or Property Ownership Certificate

Process Duration

Regular service time requires 10-15 working days
Express service time requires 8-10 working days