Chinese Long Term Private (S1) Visa Application Requirements


Chinese Long Term Private (S1) visa required for applicants who intend to live with immediate family members who are foreigners working or studying in China. “Immediate family members” refers to spouses, parents, children under the age of 18 or parents-in-law. S1 visa is usually issued for a single entry with duration of stay of 000. After obtaining S1, they must enter China within 90 days after the visa was issued and must register at local public security bureau within 30 days of arrival in China. S1 visa allows multiple entry for one year or longer. S1 visa is not guaranteed. Chinese Consulate may issue a S2 (short term) visa instead at their discretion. The requirements for Short Term Private (S2) visa are detailed below.

Do not staple any of the documents together. The Consulate will reject all stapled applications. Paperclips may be used.


1: Original Passport Plus a Photocopy of the Name Page

Certain Non-US passport holders cannot apply for a visa through third parties or are blocked entry to China: we recommend to send an email inquiry or wait for Consulate announcements.


2: Your Visa Application Form

Proceed to cova.mfa.gov.cn

Complete the application online, print it out, and sign it. Do not fill out this application by hand. Do not use digital signatures. All fields must be completed. If a section does not apply to you, type in “None” or “N/A.” Once the form is completed, do not click on continue. Click on Save and provide us with the application number and passport number.

Your application form must be reviewed by us before you submit online. You will not be able to make changes after submitting.


3: One Recent Passport Photo

Please see: Chinese Visa Photo requirements


4: Address Verification


5: Invitation Letter from Host in China

An invitation from the family member residing in China.

The invitation letter must contain:

  1. Personal information of the applicant (name, gender, date of birth, passport number).
  2. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, date of arrival/departure, place and duration of residence, between applicant and host, financial source for expenditures).
  3. Information of the host (name, phone number, address, and signature).

Please see: Sample invitation letter


6: Identification of Host in China

A photocopy of the host’s passport and photocopy of host’s Chinese permanent residence permit are required. Photocopy of supporting paperwork is also required, such as Work Permit for Z visa or JW202 and Admission Letter for X visa.

Samples :

        


7: Proof of Kinship


8: Where You Stay From

  • Print and complete the Where You Stay Form: Click Here
  • It must be completed and signed by hand. No digital signatures allowed.

9: Payment

Basic Visa Package or Express Visa Package (Suspended)
 
You have the option to include your own prepaid label with your application or purchase from our website. Please see Shipping.

10: Additional Requirements For Each Consulate

Main requirements for Chinese visa are usually the same across the Chinese Consulates, however, there are some certain requirements for each Chinese Consulate. Please visit Additional Requirements Based on Jurisdiction to see if any of the listed rules apply to you.

11: Special Requirements for Minors


Remarks: