The following is the complete list of Visa types in China:
| Visa Categories | Description of Visa |
|---|---|
| C | Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships. |
| D | Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently. |
| F | Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study toursand other activities. |
| G | Issued to those who intend to transit through China. |
| J1 | Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. |
| J2 | Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. |
| L | Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist. |
| M | Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities. |
| Q1 |
Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. "Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. |
| Q2 | Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. |
| R | Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China. |
| S1 | Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. |
| S2 |
Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. "family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. |
| X1 | Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days. |
| X2 | Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days. |
| Z | Issued to those who intend to work in China. |
Source http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/t1071018.htm
To enter China people are normally required to have an entry visa which then, through a seemingly complicated process, would have to convert into another visa depending on why you’ve decided to move to Nanjing.
As an intern, what is my status in China?
The current immigration regulations were enacted in September 2013 creating more than ten types of visas. Most people only need to know about either the work (Z visa), dependent (S visa), business visitor (F or M visa), or tourist (L visa).
Breakdown of the type of Visas.
The Z visa is for those expats that are here primarily to work. S visas for dependents and spouses of a Z visa holder. F or M visas are the business visas and those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities. The L visa is for tourists.
As an intern with ICI you will be advised of which type of visa you will require and we will help you get it.
How do I get a Visa?
It may seem daunting but it’s pretty simple to get a visa. We’ve broken it down into two easy steps.
This is done before coming to China in your country of origin. It involves heading over to the local Chinese embassy and submitting the relevant paperwork. An entry visa in most countries is issued within a week. You can get a consultant to streamline this process for you.
This is done after you arrive in China. Generally you’d need passport copies, recent photos and attested- notarized documents. You’re employer or school usually helps you with this process.
Add: 1 Honggongci, Sanyuangang, Nanjing 地址：南京市三元巷洪公祠1号, 南京市公安局出入境管理处 Tel: 025 8442 0114, 8442 0005
Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?
Yes! Teaching English. English teachers are comparatively high in demand and with a little networking it is fairly easy to find a job as one. However dependents have to switch from an s to a Z visa before they are allowed to legally work in China.
What else do I need to do to be a legal resident?
Other than a valid visa, interns are also required to apply for a resident permit within 30 days of entering China using the entry visa. Dependents including children are also required to have this permit. For children to attend school no additional immigration documents are required.
What other procedures do I have to do?
When moving into your residence or moving to another district, you should register with the local Public Security Bureau.
What items should I avoid bringing into China?
We recommend you use your discretion but just in case, do not bring the following into the country:
Useful Links
Nanjing Government website: Click Here