New China Online Visa Processing System to Launch in the U.S. on October 1, 2025, If you are planning to start apply Chinese visa, first step will be fill out the visa application form online and upload supporting documents directly through the New China visa online system, after registered in New system, one of the first steps is select which type of Chinese visa you should apply for. China offers multiple visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit—tourism, business, family visit, work, study, or residence. Choosing the correct visa type is very important because submitting the wrong category can result in delays or rejection.
Below is the full list of Chinese visa types with explanations to help you decide which one fits your situation.
Main Chinese Visa Type for US Citizens
1. L Visa – China Tourist Visa
- Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends.
- Validity: 10 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year
- Duration of stay: 90 days per entry.
2. M Visa – China Business Visa
- Purpose: Commercial and trade activities.
- Validity: 10 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year
- Duration of stay: 90 days per entry.
3. Q /S Visa – China Family Reunion Visa
- Purpose: Visiting family relatives who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
- Q1/S1: Long-term family stay (Stay more than 180 days, single entry visa, valid 30 days upon entry, then residence permit required).
- Q2/S2: Short visits (stay less than 180 days, 10 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year).
4. F Visa – China Non business visa
- Purpose: Exchanges, visits, and study tours
- Validity: 6 months
- Duration of stay: 30-90 days per entry.
5. YES Visa – China YES program visa
- Purpose: Exchanges, visits, and study tours for young Americans
- Validity: 5 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year
- Duration of stay: 90 days per entry.
- Visa processing fees (including express service fees) will be waived.
6. Z Visa – China Work Visa
- Purpose: Employment in China.
- Validity: Single-entry, valid for 3 months.
- Duration of stay: 30 days upon entry, then must apply for a work-based residence permit.
7. X Visa – China Student Visa
- X1: Long-term study (>180 days). Requires residence permit after entry.
- X2: Short-term study (≤180 days). Duration granted based on admission letter.
8. R Visa – China high-level talent visa
- Purpose: designed for high-level foreign professionals whose skills are in high demand in China
- Validity: 10 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year
- Duration of stay: 90 days per entry.
- Visa processing fees (including express service fees) will be waived.
8. K Visa – China Youth Talent Visa(Start on Oct 2025)
- Purpose: Foreign youth talents in science & technology.
- Validity: 5 years multiple-entry if your passport valid more than 1 year
- Duration of stay: TBD.
9. Other China Visa Types
- G Visa: Transit visa (short stay).Issued at designated China ports, Please refer to Guide for China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy.
- C Visa: Crew members (aviation, shipping, international transport).
- J Visa: Journalists (short-term or long-term).
How to Choose the Right Visa
- Tourism → L Visa
- Business meetings or trade → M Visa
- Family visit -Q2 Visa or Q1 Visa
- Working in China → Z Visa
- Studying in China → X1 Visa or X2 Visa
- Cultural, scientific, or technological exchanges→ F Visa
- Visiting family resident China→ S2 Visa or S1 Visa
- Special talent professionals → R or K Visa
Need Help Applying?
At Visit China Visa Center, we help applicants choose the right visa type, prepare documents, and submit to the Chinese Visa Center. Whether you need a tourist visa, business visa, or a family reunion visa, our service is fast, low-cost, and reliable.
Starting from October 1, 2025, you will have two options for Use our service:
- If you have already completed the new Chinese visa application form and received approval notice, you can use our submit & pick-up only service.
- If you need us to assist with the application and supporting document submission for approve , you only need simply fill out this brief form here.
👉 Ready to start your visa application? Contact Visit China Visa Center for expert guidance today!