Tourist (L) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for tourism.

Business (M) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for business and trade activities.

Student (X) Issued to aliens who are going for study, furthering studies.

Work (Z) Issued to aliens who are going for a post or employment.

Transit (G) Issued to aliens who are going to a third country in transit of PRC.

Private Visit (S) Issued to family members of foreigners residing in China for work, study, etc.

Family Reunion (Q) Issued to relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence permit residing in PRC.

Noncommercial Visit (F) Issued to aliens who are invited to a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges, study tours, etc.

Talent (R) Issued to high-level personnel and much-needed highly talented people.

Crew (C) Issued to crewmembers involving international-based transportation by trains, airway and ships and their accompanying family members.

Resident (D) Issued to aliens who are going to reside permanently in PRC.

Journalist (J-1, J-2) Issued to foreign journalists for the purpose of reporting from PRC.