New visas give overseas Chinese longer stays in China   

入出境管理新規增設Q簽證 華人回國探親最長達5年

《中華人民共和國外國人入境出境管理條例》自9月1日起正式施行。據中國國務院法制辦負責人介紹，該條例充分考慮到外籍華人的特點，專門設立了Q系列簽證，華人回國探親居留最長達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.