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.

Please note that the checklist for visa applications can vary. Visa officers from different countries make decisions based on each applicant’s specific circumstances. Once we understand your situation, we will provide the best possible solution, but we cannot guarantee 100% success in obtaining a visa. Make sure you are as prepared as possible for your trip to China. – 10/7/2024

1: Original Passport Plus a Photocopy of the Name Page

Please include the original passport. The visa will be printed on your passport.
It is recommended that passports have at least 6 months left before expiration.
The passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages. Please keep in mind, this does not include the last 3 pages, as those are reserved by the US Department of State.
If you have previously held a Chinese Visa, please provide a photocopy of previous Chinese visa.
If previous Chinese visa is on an old passport, photocopy of old passport is required.
If you have a VALID Chinese visa on an old passport and would like to apply for a new visa, you will need to submit both old and current original passports.
Non-US passport holders must provide a photocopy of their proof of legal stay in the US. Green card, full copy off I-20 or long term US visa such as: L, H, F, TN. B1/B2 visa will not be eligible. Please do not send original unless the Chinese Consulate specifically request it.

2: Your Visa Application Form

Link to form: cova.mfa.gov.cn
Fill out the application on your computer, print it, and sign it manually. Do not complete the form by hand, and avoid using digital signatures.
Ensure all fields are filled in. If a section is not relevant to you, enter “None” or “N/A.”
After completing the form, do not click “Continue.” Instead, click “Save” and provide us with both the application number and your passport number. The form must be reviewed by us before submission.
Please note, non-U.S. passport holders are only eligible to apply for Single or Double Entry visas.

3: One Recent Passport Photo

The photo needs to contain your full face on a white background.
The photo cannot be older than 6 months.
Your local drugstore (such as Walgreens or CVS) are great places to get a passport photo taken.
Please attach the photo to the application with a paperclip. Do not staple.

4: Address Verification

Photocopy of driver’s license or state ID
If you do not have either of the above, you may submit a utility bill

5: Invitation Letter from Host in China

An invitation from the family member residing in China.

The invitation letter must contain:

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

Original document proving the family relationship between the applicant and inviting individual. This can
be a marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certificate of kinship.

8: Where You Stay From

Print and complete the Where You Stay From form: Click Here

9: First-Time Applicants with Chinese Parents

First-time applicants, regardless of age, who have Chinese parents must provide the following:

A copy of their birth certificate
Copies of their parents’ passports
Proof of their parents’ legal status at the time of the applicant’s birth

If these documents are unavailable, a travel document will be issued.

10: First-Time Applicants of Asian Descent

Applicants who appear to be of Asian descent must provide their birth certificate and copies of their parents’ passports.

11: 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.

12: Special Requirements for Minors

If the applicant is under the age of 18, a copy of the birth certificate and both parents’ passports name page is required.
One of the parents must sign the form using the parent’s name in section 4 and 5.
A notarized letter of consent may be required for minor applicants if the parents is not also applying for a visa.

13: Payment

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