Business visa for me - what about my family?

[muyongshi]

I am attempting to go back into China on a business (M) visa as opposed to a tourist visa as I've done in the past. However, I'm not sure how my family plays into all of this. Would they be listed on the invitation letter too? Or do they have to apply separately for something else altogether?

 

Our intent is to come and then apply for an FEC once we are in the country. Is there a different route/visa that others would suggest?

 

Thanks!

Edited August 20, 2014 at 01:09 AM by muyongshi

[muyongshi]

So, in light of no replies, I think we are going to attempt just including every family member (with relevant passport info) on the invitation letter.

[imron]

It's quite possible that you will become the forums' leading expert on this matter, so be sure to come back and let us know how everything worked out

[muyongshi]

Hmmm... that is what I was afraid of 

[leeovisa]

I'm afraid your family cannot be listed on the M visa invitation letter. They have to apply for L visas. 

If you apply for residence permit for work (work visa), your family members can apply for residence permits for Alien employee's family members. 

 

[chinese visa expert]

hi, in UK, the embassy can issue your wife as the business visa, for you children will be only tourist visa due to he\she is under 18 years old. However It seems for your family, no any difference with the M visa and the L visa.

[muyongshi]

What we wound up doing was including a list of my accompanying family members on the invitation letter. On the letter we just mentioned their names and passport numbers and included a second page listing all the details of each person (still on letterhead w/chop).

They issued me an M visa and all of my family members L visas. All 1 year multiple entry, 90 day visas.

I'm sure we didn't do it right (on visa applications I asked for accompanying family member visa for Fam) and they still processed it without asking for any changes and issues L instead.

Oh we also sent in marriage and birth certificates to prove relationship.

Like I said, I'm sure it wasn't "correct" but it worked and satisfied what their requirements. This was the San Francisco office, BTW.