China visas
19 routes, checked against official sources
Study
- X1 Visa (Long-Term Study)For foreign students enrolled in degree programmes (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) or long-term non-degree programmes exceeding 180 days. Must be converted...CNY 400 · 4 weeks
- X2 Visa (Short-Term Study)For foreign students enrolled in short-term study programmes of 180 days or less: language courses, semester exchanges, and summer programmes. Official appli...CNY 206 · 4 to 5 working days
Work
- C Visa (Crew Member)Chinese visa for crew members performing duties on international transport: international train attendants, international aircraft crew, seafarers on ships i...USD 140 (驻美使领馆对等费率，一次入境；非全国统一标准) · 4–5 days
- J1 Visa (Resident Foreign Journalist)Chinese visa for resident foreign journalists of foreign news organisations stationed in China, for a residence of more than 180 days.CNY 400 (有效期不满1年的记者类居留证件（非签证费）) · 4–5 days
- J2 Visa (Short-Term Foreign Journalist)Chinese visa for foreign journalists entering China for short-term news coverage, a stay of no more than 180 days.Visa fee set by the Chinese mission (varies by nationality and number of entries). · 4–5 days
- Permanent Residence (Chinese Green Card)China's permanent residence card, commonly called the "Chinese Green Card." Extremely selective with very few approvals annually. Multiple pathways including...CNY 1,500 (受理外国人永久居留申请时，每人) · 6 to 12+ months
- Port Visa (Special Economic Zone Entry)On-arrival visa issued at designated ports for foreign nationals invited by Chinese entities for emergency business, tourism, or humanitarian reasons. Also c...CNY 206 (国家移民管理局收费表；该表未出现'口岸签证'字样)
- R Visa (High-End Talent)For internationally recognised high-level talent urgently needed by China. Includes Nobel laureates, leading scientists, and professionals meeting criteria o...USD 140 (驻美使领馆对等费率，一次入境；非全国统一标准) · 4–5 days
- Z Visa (Work)Standard work visa for foreign nationals employed in China. Requires a Chinese employer sponsor, work permit from SAFEA/MOHRSS, and is converted to a Residen...USD 140 (驻美使领馆对等费率，一次入境；非全国统一标准) · 4–5 days
Family
- Q1 Visa (Family Reunion -- Long-Term)For foreign family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents who intend to reside in China for more than 180 days. Must be converted to a Family Reu...CNY 400 · 4 weeks
- Q2 Visa (Family Visit -- Short-Term)For foreign family members of Chinese citizens visiting for less than 180 days. No conversion to Residence Permit needed. Official applicant scope: relatives...CNY 206 · 4 to 5 working days
- S1 Visa (Dependent of Work/Study Visa Holder)For spouses, parents, children under 18, and in-laws of foreigners working or studying in China who need to stay more than 180 days. Must convert to Residenc...CNY 400 · 4 to 7 working days
- S2 Visa (Short-Term Private Visit)Chinese visa for a short visit (no more than 180 days) by family members of foreign nationals staying or residing in China for work, study or other purposes,...CNY 206
Business and investment
- F Visa (Non-Commercial Visit / Exchange)For foreign nationals visiting China for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other non-commercial activities. Covers academic exchanges, cultural programmes,...USD 140 · 4–5 days
- M Visa (Business/Trade)For foreign nationals visiting China for commercial and trade activities: meetings, contract signings, trade fairs, and sourcing. Does not permit employment....USD 140 · 4–5 days
Tourism and short stays
- G Visa (Transit)For foreign nationals transiting through China who do not qualify for the visa-free transit policy or need a longer transit stay. Official applicant scope: p...USD 140 · 4–5 days
- L Visa (Tourist)Standard tourist visa for foreign nationals visiting China for sightseeing, family visits, or personal matters. Single, double, or 10-year multiple entry ava...USD 140 · 4–5 days
- Visa-Free Transit (240-Hour / 10-Day)Nationals of 54 countries transiting China to a third country may enter visa-free at any of 60 open ports across 24 provinces and stay in the permitted areas...Free (可免办签证；无签证申请，故无签证费) · On arrival (immediate)