What is a China Q2 visa?

What Is a China Q2 Visa?The China Q2 visa is a short-term family visit visa issued to foreigners who wish to travel to China to visit their relatives for a limited period (usually no more than 180 days).

The relatives you are allowed to visit must fall under one of the following categories:

Chinese citizens (holders of a Chinese passport and household registration).
Foreign nationals who hold permanent residence status in China.

Overview of the China Q2 Visa

According to statistics from the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Hanoi, the Q2 visa is one of the most commonly requested visa types among Vietnamese applicants. The Q2 visa currently accounts for a significant proportion of all Chinese visas issued to Vietnamese citizens each year.

The Q2 visa typically allows a stay of 30 to 120 days per entry. In addition, applicants may be granted single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visas depending on their travel needs.

Compared to the China Q1 visa, which is for long-term family reunification, the Q2 visa is more flexible and easier to obtain. However, it does not permit work or study in China.

For Vietnamese with relatives living in major cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing, the Q2 visa is considered a “golden ticket” for legal, convenient, and cost-effective family visits compared to a standard China tourist visa.

Requirements and Documents for Q2 Visa Application

Eligibility for a China Q2 Visa

Applicants must meet two basic conditions: Have a relative who is a Chinese citizen or legally residing long-term in China. Anh The purpose of the trip must be a short-term family visit.

Required Documents

Applicants need:

A valid passport.
A white-background photo (4.8×3.3 cm).
Completed and printed electronic visa application form from the CVASC system.
An invitation letter from the relative in China, specifying personal information, relationship, and duration of stay.
Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or household registration, along with a copy of the inviter’s ID.

Notes on Document Preparation

Documents prepared in Vietnam must be legalized by consular authorities and translated into Chinese or English. Missing this step may result in rejection. Applicants should double-check all information, organize documents neatly, and keep copies for reference.

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China Q2 Visa Application Process

Step 1: Online Appointment

Visit www.visaforchina.org, select the application location (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City), create an account, and schedule an appointment. Booking in advance helps reduce waiting time and prevents congestion at the CVASC.

Step 2: Prepare and Arrange Documents

Print the electronic application form, attach the photo, and organize all documents in the prescribed order. Many applications are rejected due to missing copies of the inviter’s ID or residence card, so careful preparation is essential.

Step 3: Submit at CVASC

Arrive on time, present the original passport, have a photo taken, and provide fingerprints as required. Staff will review the documents and issue a receipt with a tracking number for progress monitoring.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fee

The Q2 visa fee ranges from 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 VND, depending on single or multiple entries. Payment can be made in cash or by card at the center.

Step 5: Track Application Status

Processing usually takes 4–7 working days, and may extend to 10 days if verification of the inviter or relationship is required. Applicants can check the status online using the receipt code.

Step 6: Receive Visa

Check the visa carefully for entries, validity, and duration of stay. Any errors should be reported immediately for correction.

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Practical Tips and Notes

According to iVISA statistics, about 70% of China Q2 visa applications are delayed or rejected due to missing valid invitation letters or copies of the inviter’s ID. This highlights that thorough and accurate document preparation is crucial to increase the visa approval rate. Understanding what a Q2 visa is and knowing practical tips will help applicants proactively prepare their documents, avoid risks, and save time. Below are key tips based on practical experience:

Tips to Increase Q2 Visa Approval Rate

Prepare a clear invitation letter with the inviter’s signature and ID copy, as this is the part most thoroughly checked by consular staff.
Correctly state the purpose of the visit as “family visit” to ensure the application appears credible.
If the inviter is an elderly Chinese citizen, include a family verification certificate issued by local authorities to increase reliability.
For Vietnamese-Chinese couples, attaching wedding photos or shared family photos also enhances the authenticity and persuasiveness of the application.

When these elements are properly prepared, the Q2 visa approval rate can reach 90–95% on the first submission.

Common Mistakes Leading to Rejection

Some common errors causing delays or rejection include:

Relationship documents not legalized by consular authorities.
Incorrect photo size or format.
Invitation letter missing important details, such as duration of stay or signature verification.

These mistakes are the main reasons applications are returned or experience prolonged processing times, which can disrupt family visit plans. Therefore, applicants should carefully check all documents before submission.

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Updates on China Q2 Visa Policy

From the beginning of 2025, China has further expanded its Q2 visa policy to facilitate family visits following the travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key updates in the Q2 visa policy include:

Increased frequency of multiple-entry visas within 24 months for applicants with a history of entry and good compliance with regulations.
Requirement to submit scanned copies of the invitation letter and the inviter’s ID online before visiting the Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).
Some provinces, such as Guangdong and Zhejiang, allow on-site Q2 visa extensions of up to 90 days if the reason for the family visit is legitimate.

These updates demonstrate the Chinese government’s effort to provide more convenience for foreigners. By understanding what a Q2 visa is and staying updated on the latest policies, applicants can proactively prepare appropriate documents, increase their approval chances, and save processing time.

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Detailed Q&A About China Q2 Visa

Understanding what a China Q2 visa is helps entrants grasp their rights, obligations, and prepare their documents thoroughly. Below are frequently asked questions:

Can I work on a Q2 visa?

No. The Q2 visa is issued solely for family visits, including visiting parents, spouse, children, or siblings. Entry holders under a Q2 visa are not permitted to work, run a business, or engage in income-generating activities. Violations may result in penalties or visa revocation by Chinese immigration authorities.

How is a Q2 visa different from an L (tourist) visa?

The Q2 and L visas serve different purposes. A Q2 visa requires an invitation letter from a relative and supporting documents proving a blood or marital relationship. In contrast, the L visa is for short-term tourism and does not require an invitation or proof of family relationship. Therefore, a Q2 visa application is usually more detailed and requires more careful preparation than an L visa.

How long does it take to process a Q2 visa?

The average processing time is 4–7 working days, depending on the application and the accepting office. In some cases, additional verification of the inviter or relationship documents may extend the processing time to up to 10 days.

Can a Q2 visa be extended in China?

Yes. If the reason for the stay is legitimate and the visa is still valid, entrants can apply for a Q2 visa extension at the local Chinese immigration office. Extension periods typically range from 30–90 days, depending on the region and specific circumstances. Extensions allow visitors to continue their family visits legally without having to leave China prematurely.

The China Q2 visa is not just an entry permit-it is a bridge connecting families across borders. Understanding the application process and preparing documents carefully helps save time, effort, and avoids unnecessary rejection. For professional guidance on China Q2 visa applications, contact iVISA for comprehensive support.

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