Q1 visa

[Operator 1,927]

Does anybody have one? I'm interested in hearing your story and asking questions.

[SBB 74]

I have a Q2. What are you planning to do that would necessitate a Q1 if you're currently going through the ROC process in the US?

[Operator 1,927]

I have a Q2. What are you planning to do that would necessitate a Q1 if you're currently going through the ROC process in the US?

We are moving to SH in early February. We applied for her ROC because we weren't ready to move in September when her 2 year GC expired. She will either apply for a re-entry permit and then an extension or just give up her GC all together and file for an IR-1 when we decide to move back.

I currently have an M visa but it's only good for 60 day stays so I'm looking for something that won't have me taking the train to HK every 59 days. Q1 requirements are fuzzy and seem to be different for each PSB office.

I''m just looking for some inside scoop on the do's and dont's.

How long is your Q2 good for? Are the stays less than 180 days?

Edited October 13, 2014 by Operator

[SBB 74]

My Q2 is good for two-years, multiple entries (of 180 days or less). Based on your description though, the Q1 is the more appropriate visa. The one catch is that for a Q1 (and Q2) you need an invitation letter and documentation from a relative living in China. In other words, your wife can't "sponsor" you unless she is already in China. For my Q2, we went through my father-in-law.

[Operator 1,927]

We were thinking that we might have to use my MIL for for the sponsorship.

Did you need a notarized (apostille) copy of your marriage certificate?

[RandyW 149]

We were thinking that we might have to use my MIL for for the sponsorship.

Did you need a notarized (apostille) copy of your marriage certificate?

The overseas consulate (in the U.S.) may or may not require that - the PSB in China will. It will need to be certified by the secretary of (your) state (where your certificate was issued), and will need to be certified by the Chinese consulate with jurisdiction over that state.

You will need a "fresh" copy of the marriage certificate (less than six months old)

Notarization/Authentication Guidelines

[Ryan H 3,812]

Not everyone who applies for a Q visa will get it. My daughter and I both applied for Q visas to go visit my wife's family; however, we were both issued L visas.

Edited October 23, 2014 by Ryan H

[Operator 1,927]

Not everyone who applies for a Q visa will get it. My daughter and I both applied for Q visas to go visit my wife's family; however, we were both issued L visas.

That is what I understand. What was the length of stay you requested?

Unlike the US if you apply for one type of visa they might issue you another that they feel is more appropriate. The US will just flat out deny it.

[Ryan H 3,812]

That is what I understand. What was the length of stay you requested?

Unlike the US if you apply for one type of visa they might issue you another that they feel is more appropriate. The US will just flat out deny it.

49 days for me and my daughter was the length of stay requested per the invitation letter. They gave me 60 days of authorized stay and her 90 days of authorized stay.

[SBB 74]

Getting the Q visa requires a fair amount of documentation. I needed to bring a copy of my father-in-law's national ID card, a copy of my wife's national ID card, a signed invitation letter, and a copy of our marriage license (untranslated). A copy of the front page of my wife's passport was requested, but proved ultimately unnecessary, and I can't remember if we included my wife's notarial birth certificate or not. Basically you need enough documentation to connect the dots between yourself and your Chinese relative through your spouse. Ultimately, it ended up taking more effort than applying for an L visa since we ended up needed to do most of the same work plus all the family stuff.

[Dan & Juan 12]

So this is a big question. When my wife gets her US citizenship she will want to travel back to China to visit her family on a Q visa. <180 days. Trying to skirt the fact that she has dual citizenship until she travels to China and they cancel that as not being allowed seems dangerous and unnecessary if she can get a plus year multi visit Q visa it would fit her needs very well.

I wouldn't mind paying for a visa every couple years but to get the first one I am really curious of real people's experiences. We would get it in Chicago. I don't know if I would try to get one at the same time even though I don't have specific plans to visit it might make it easier in future.

thoughts?

[Operator 1,927]

So this is a big question. When my wife gets her US citizenship she will want to travel back to China to visit her family on a Q visa. <180 days. Trying to skirt the fact that she has dual citizenship until she travels to China and they cancel that as not being allowed seems dangerous and unnecessary if she can get a plus year multi visit Q visa it would fit her needs very well.

I wouldn't mind paying for a visa every couple years but to get the first one I am really curious of real people's experiences. We would get it in Chicago. I don't know if I would try to get one at the same time even though I don't have specific plans to visit it might make it easier in future.

thoughts?

From the research that my wife and I have done it seems as though your wife's situation is what the Q visa really supports. Have her research what other Chinese are saying about it, my wife says there is lots of discussion about it on the internet. I also believe that an L-Visa can be pretty easily extended once you are in China.

I'm currently waiting for the DOS to authenticate our marriage certificate and then I plan to head up to Washington to apply for my Q-2. I'll be sure to report back.

[Operator 1,927]

Went to the embassy last Friday with my application and other documents in hand for my Q2. Waited all of 3 minutes for my number to be called and handed the young lady my stack. She handed me back a slip to pick up the visa on Wednesday (today). No questions, 5 year up to 180 day stays. I could have applied for a 10 year but my passport expires in 4 and I didn't want to have to carry two passports.

We also had our marriage certificate authenticated while we were there in case I need to renew my visa while in China because you can't get that done in China.

So this is a big question. When my wife gets her US citizenship she will want to travel back to China to visit her family on a Q visa. <180 days. Trying to skirt the fact that she has dual citizenship until she travels to China and they cancel that as not being allowed seems dangerous and unnecessary if she can get a plus year multi visit Q visa it would fit her needs very well.

I wouldn't mind paying for a visa every couple years but to get the first one I am really curious of real people's experiences. We would get it in Chicago. I don't know if I would try to get one at the same time even though I don't have specific plans to visit it might make it easier in future.

thoughts?

They now offer a 10 year visa. It shouldn't be an issue for her to get.

[Operator 1,927]

Received my visa today and even though I didn't ask for it they issued the visa for 10 years.