New visas give overseas Chinese longer stays in China   

入出境管理新规增设Q签证 华人回国探亲最长达5年

《中华人民共和国外国人入境出境管理条例》自9月1日起正式施行。据中国国务院法制办负责人介绍，该条例充分考虑到外籍华人的特点，专门设立了Q系列签证，华人回国探亲居留最长达5年。 [查看全文]

Beijing (CNS) -- Under China's new visa rules which came into force on Sunday, overseas Chinese people who hold foreign passports can obtain a new Q visa for home visits, allowing them longer stays than ordinary tourists.

The Q visa was created in response to calls by overseas Chinese for improved exit and entry procedures, according to an official at the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council.

The Q visa is divided into Q1 and Q2 categories. Q1 is applicable to foreigners who apply for entry into China for reunions with relatives or with foreigners with permanent residency, as well as those who need to visit China for adoption issues. It allows a long-term stay of up to five years for its holders.

The Q2 visa is applicable to foreigners who come to China for a temporary visit to Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residency. It allows a short-term stay of 180 days or less.