China•AsiaPrivate Visit Visa - Long-term (S1 Visa)
At a Glance
Processing Time
7 days
Application Fee
140 USD
Stay Duration
Varies
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
No
This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Long-term private visit visa for immediate family members of foreigners residing in China or for other private affairs, for stays over 180 days. Residence permit required within 30 days of arrival.
The S1 visa is for immediate family members (spouses, parents, minor children) of foreigners working, studying, or residing in China. It allows for long-term family stays over 180 days.
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
6 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity, blank pages
Passport photo
Color photo 33x48mm, white background, recent
Invitation letter
From family member in China with visit purpose and duration
Family relationship letter
Statement explaining relationship (spouse, parent, minor child)
Inviter residence permit
Photocopy of residence permit of person being visited
Completed application form
Signed visa application
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Advantages
- Supports long-term family stays
- Residence permit valid for up to 5 years
- Multiple reentries during residence permit period
- Covers immediate family members
- Path to extended family reunification
Considerations
- Single entry visa only
- Requires family member with residence in China
- Must apply for residence permit within 30 days
- Limited to immediate family (spouses, parents, children under 18)
- 7-day processing time
Application Process
Verify immediate family member
Confirm spouse, parent, or child under 18 in China
Obtain invitation
Get letter from family member in China
Complete application form
Fill visa application for private visit
Prepare documents
Gather passport, photo, invitation, family proof, residence permit of inviter
Submit application
Submit at embassy/consulate
Pay fee
Pay visa fee
Processing
7 working days processing
Collect visa
Retrieve S1 visa
Apply for residence permit
Within 30 days of arrival
Application Forms
China Visa Application Form (S1)
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