S1 Visa - Long-Term Private/Family Visit
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 4 business days
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185)
- Validity
- Single entry; must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days (valid up to duration of sponsor's permit)
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries
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Purpose of visit
Long-term family visit (over 180 days) to join a foreign national family member who holds a valid Chinese Residence Permit
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Invitation letter from the foreign worker/student residing in China. Must include inviter's full name, contact details, and relationship to applicant.
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
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Previous visa copies
Must include rejections: No; Years back: 0
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Relationship evidence
Minimum evidence items: 1; Relationship type: Spouse, parent, child under 18, or parent-in-law
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain invitation letter from sponsor in China, copies of their passport and residence permit, and original family relationship documents (marriage/birth certificates).
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Online application
Fill in COVA form selecting S1 visa.
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Document submission
Submit all documents at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay applicable visa fee.
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Processing wait
Standard: 4 business days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with S1 visa. After arrival, register with police within 24 hours and apply for Residence Permit at PSB within 30 days.