S1 Visa China Requirements

Introduction

If you’re planning to live in China with your spouse or parents, you’ll need to apply for an S1 visa. This visa is specifically designed for family members of foreign nationals who are working or studying in China on a long-term basis. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about S1 visa requirements in China, from eligibility to application process.

Eligibility

Before applying for an S1 visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be the spouse, parent, or dependent child under the age of 18 of a foreign national who is working or studying in China for at least one year.
• You must provide proof of your relationship with the foreign national, such as marriage or birth certificate.
• You must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• You must pass a medical examination to prove that you don’t have any infectious diseases.

It’s important to note that the supporting documents required may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you’re applying from. Therefore, it’s best to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country for specific requirements.

Application Process

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the eligibility criteria, you can begin the application process for an S1 visa. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Fill out the visa application form online and print it out. You can find the application form on the Chinese embassy or consulate website in your home country.
2. Prepare the following documents:
   • Your passport with at least six months of validity remaining and at least one blank visa page.
   • A recent passport-sized photo with a white background.
   • Proof of your relationship with the foreign national, such as marriage or birth certificate.
   • A letter of invitation from the foreign national in China.
   • Proof of the foreign national’s employment or study status in China.
   • A copy of the foreign national’s residence permit in China.
   • Medical examination report.
3. Submit your application and supporting documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
4. Pick up your visa when it’s ready. The processing time may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so it’s best to check beforehand.

It’s important to note that the Chinese embassy or consulate may request additional documents or information during the application process. Therefore, it’s best to be prepared and have all the necessary documents ready.

Duration and Renewal

An S1 visa is typically valid for up to 180 days from the date of entry and allows for multiple entries into China. Once you arrive in China, you must register with the local Public Security Bureau within 30 days.

If you need to extend your stay beyond the initial 180 days, you can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau. You’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Your passport with a valid S1 visa.
• Proof of your relationship with the foreign national.
• Proof of the foreign national’s employment or study status in China.
• A copy of the foreign national’s residence permit in China.

The extension duration and requirements may vary depending on the local regulations. Therefore, it’s best to check with the local Public Security Bureau for specific requirements.

Conclusion

Applying for an S1 visa in China can be a complex process, but as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary documents, you should be able to obtain the visa successfully. Remember to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country for specific requirements and be prepared for any additional documents or information that may be requested during the application process.