Chinese Q vs L visa; what's easier?

[mugatu300 8]

Hello all, I live in Buffalo, NY and my wife is a Chinese citizen residing in Toronto. Her whole family lives back in China. We are planning to visit in fall or winter 2023. We married just 1.5 weeks ago. I was originally planning on applying for a L tourist visa a few months ago but never submitted the application. Now that we are married, I am wondering should I apply for a Q visa instead? Is one any easier than the other in terms of obtaining? I was hoping to get a 10-year visa if possible since I will likely be making several trips over there in the upcoming years and would rather not have to re-apply every time. Thanks kindly in advance.

[RandyW 149]

The best answer is from the Consulate -

 

If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant. The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant. 

[Ryan H 3,812]

Injecting a little personal experience, the last time I applied for a Chinese Visa, I applied for a Q, the Consulate of jurisdiction on their own issued me an L visa (with a slightly longer authorized duration of stay than the standard) on their own.

 

Sometimes you can apply for 1 type a visa and instead of denying the application, they'll just issue the type visa they think you're qualified for.

 

7 hours ago, mugatu300 said:

I was hoping to get a 10-year visa if possible since I will likely be making several trips over there in the upcoming years and would rather not have to re-apply every time.

 

This would be in the L category.

[mugatu300 8]

11 hours ago, Ryan H said:

Injecting a little personal experience, the last time I applied for a Chinese Visa, I applied for a Q, the Consulate of jurisdiction on their own issued me an L visa (with a slightly longer authorized duration of stay than the standard) on their own.

 

Sometimes you can apply for 1 type a visa and instead of denying the application, they'll just issue the type visa they think you're qualified for.

 

 

This would be in the L category.

So it doesnt really matter which category I apply for? Do you recommend I apply for 1 category over the other initially?

 

I read online that since I am a US passport holder, I am eligible for a 10 year-multiple entry Q2 visa... 

[LBeachey 44]

On 6/21/2023 at 9:39 AM, mugatu300 said:

So it doesn't really matter which category I apply for? Do you recommend I apply for 1 category over the other initially?

 

I read online that since I am a US passport holder, I am eligible for a 10 year-multiple entry Q2 visa... 

My Q2 visa was issued in I believe 2015 so this information is a little old but it is a Q2 10 - Year Multi-entry.  You will need a letter of invitation from a relative of your wife's living in China. I would apply for the Q2 but Ryan's experience doesn't particularly surprise me. I also lived in China for two years and at the time was applying with my US citizens daughter .  My wife remains a Chinese citizen green card holder. Given you have never been to China, that might be a factor.

So apply for the Q2 and see what they do?  

[mugatu300 8]

On 6/20/2023 at 9:04 PM, RandyW said:

The best answer is from the Consulate -

 

If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant. The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant. 

 

On 6/20/2023 at 9:40 PM, Ryan H said:

Injecting a little personal experience, the last time I applied for a Chinese Visa, I applied for a Q, the Consulate of jurisdiction on their own issued me an L visa (with a slightly longer authorized duration of stay than the standard) on their own.

 

Sometimes you can apply for 1 type a visa and instead of denying the application, they'll just issue the type visa they think you're qualified for.

 

 

This would be in the L category.

 

On 6/22/2023 at 1:36 PM, LBeachey said:

My Q2 visa was issued in I believe 2015 so this information is a little old but it is a Q2 10 - Year Multi-entry.  You will need a letter of invitation from a relative of your wife's living in China. I would apply for the Q2 but Ryan's experience doesn't particularly surprise me. I also lived in China for two years and at the time was applying with my US citizens daughter .  My wife remains a Chinese citizen green card holder. Given you have never been to China, that might be a factor.

So apply for the Q2 and see what they do?  

 

So I will be applying through the NYC office. According to their site, I first must complete the COVA form (which I have 95%) and then you use the AVAS system to make an in-person appointment for submission. Based on your previous experiences, do you know why, if I use a visa agency, I can avoid the in person-appointment? What is so special about the visa agency that you can avoid doing the AVAS/in person stuff?

[RandyW 149]

On 7/4/2023 at 11:06 AM, mugatu300 said:

 

 

 

So I will be applying through the NYC office. According to their site, I first must complete the COVA form (which I have 95%) and then you use the AVAS system to make an in-person appointment for submission. Based on your previous experiences, do you know why, if I use a visa agency, I can avoid the in person-appointment? What is so special about the visa agency that you can avoid doing the AVAS/in person stuff?

 

Talk to the visa agency, not necessarily one that would go to your own consulate. The visa agency will tell you if you are required to go in person. This is usually only the case if you need to submit fingerprints (I don't think this is required for American applicants).

 

There is nothing "special" about visa agencies. They simply go to the consulate on your behalf, saving you a trip and/or having to take time off during working hours. They will also preview your application for any ommissions or errors.

Edited July 7, 2023 by RandyW