How Do I Exchange My Q2 Visa For A Residence Permit?

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]o you know you can change your residence permit after applying for Q2 visa?

Let’s begin with understanding a conceptual difference between Q1 and Q2 visa:
 
Q1 visa

Family members of Chinese citizens (spouses, parents, children, spouses of children, brothers and sisters, grandparents, grandchildren and parents of spouses) and family members of foreigners with permanent residence status in China (spouses, parents, children, spouses of children, brothers and sisters, grandparents, grandchildren and parents of spouses) who apply for residence in China on the gounds of family reunion, as well as persons applying for entry and residence for reasons such as foster care.

Q2 visa

Relatives of Chinese citizens residing in China and relatives of foreigners with permanent residence status in

China who enter the country for a short period (not exceeding 180 days) to visit realtives.

Documents required to apply for a Q2 visa:

– Passport;

– Photographs;

– Visa application form;

– A letter of invitation issued by a Chinese citiyen residing in China or a foreign citizen with permanent residence status in China;

– A copy of the inviter’s Chinese ID card or a copy of the foreigner’s passport and permanent residence permit.

When the Q2 visa is approved , it will show the period of stay after entry: 180 days. This means that the holder does not need to apply for an additional residence permit after entering China. However, there are some special cases, for example, if one or both parents are Chinese citizens and bring their minor children at that time. In this case, it is possible to apply for resinece permit.