Call us(201) 445-7088
Start a Request
For short-term visits to relatives who are Chinese citizens or Chinese permanent residents. We prepare, pre-check, and submit your application so it moves smoothly the first time.
A China Family (Q2) visa is issued to family members of Chinese citizens or Chinese permanent residents for short-term family visits, typically up to 120 days per visit. U.S. passport holders are often eligible for multiple-entry validity up to 10 years, though the Consulate may issue a shorter validity or fewer entries at its discretion.
*Not guaranteed — the Chinese Consulate may issue a visa with fewer entries, shorter duration, or shorter validity at its discretion.
Most delays come down to one of these items being missing or out of spec — start here.
A photocopy of your driver's license, or a recent major utility bill showing your name and address.
A hand-completed and signed form listing every address where you'll stay while in China. Waived for New York and San Francisco consulate jurisdictions — we'll confirm whether it applies to you.
A shorter-form invitation letter is typically sufficient for Q2 visits, most commonly for spouses or immediate family. It should include the relative's information, your relationship, and the purpose and length of your visit.
Documentation proving your relationship to the inviting Chinese citizen or permanent resident.
If you've held more than one, copy your most recent visa. If it's in a different passport, include a photocopy of that passport's bio page as well.
Where to find the form, how to register, and what to do before submitting: see our COVA form guide.
Tell us the service level you'd like and provide your contact and mailing information. One form covers multiple applicants traveling together.
Start a Service Request| Service level | Review & processing | Shipping | Embassy fee | Service fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (Pre-check + Submission) | 5–6 weeks | 2 days | $140 | From $299* |
| Express (Pre-check + Submission) | 3–4 weeks | 2 days | $165 | From $399* |
| Rush (Pre-check + Submission) | 2–3 weeks | 1–2 days | $165 | From $449* |
*Fees and schedules vary by consulate. Rush service is subject to availability.
A few situations call for extra documentation. Check each one — skip whichever doesn't apply.
Requirements are largely consistent across Chinese Consulates, but each one has a few rules of its own. If any apply to you, we'll let you know during the pre-check — nothing for you to look up.
If the applicant is under 18 and traveling to join a parent or other relative, additional documentation — such as notarized parental consent or proof of custody — may be required. Contact us and we'll confirm the exact requirements for your situation.
If you or your child were born in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan — or are of Chinese descent — the Consulate asks for extra documents on top of the standard requirements. See the additional requirements for Chinese descendants → Skip this if it doesn't apply to you.
Following these steps closely is the single biggest thing you can do to avoid delays.
Start a Service Request