Based on one’s purpose of entry, the newly released Administrative Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners have provided for the following 12 types of visas:
C Visa Applicable to train attendants, air crew members and seamen operating international services, and to their accompanying family members
D Visa Applicable to foreigners who are to reside permanently in China
F Visa Applicable to foreigners who come to China for exchanges, visits and inspections G Visa Applicable to foreigners who transit through China
J Visa
J-1 Visa: Applicable to resident foreign journalists in China (long term stay – more than 180 days)
J-2 Visa: Applicable to foreign journalists who make short trips to China for reporting tasks (short term stay – less than or equal to 180 days)
L Visa Applicable to overseas tourists (those traveling with tour groups can be issued a group L Visa)
M Visa Applicable to foreigners who come to China for business or commercial activities
Q Visa
Q-1 Visa: Applicable to foreigners who apply for entry into China for family reunification with Chinese relatives or foreigners with permanent residency in China, as well as to those who need to visit China for adoption issues (long term stay – more than 180 days)
Q-2 Visa: Applicable to foreigners who come to China for a temporary visit to Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residency in China (short term stay – less than or equal to 180 days)
R Visa Applicable to senior-level foreign talents and foreign nationals whose special skills are urgently needed in China
S Visa
S-1 Visa: Applicable to spouses, parents, parents-in-law and children under 18 years old of foreigners who stay in China for study or working purposes, and to foreigners who need to reside in China for other personal reasons (long term stay – more than 180 days)
S-2 Visa: Applicable to family members of foreigners who stay in China for study or working purposes, and to foreigners who need to reside in China for other personal reasons (short term stay – less than or equal to 180 days)
X Visa
X-1 visa is applicable to foreigners who come to China for a long-term study period (more than 180 days)
X-2 visa is applicable to foreigners who come to China for a short-term study period (less than or equal to 180 days)
Z Visa Applicable to foreigners who apply to work in China.