What You Need to Know When Apply for S Visa to China
Once you secure your work visa (Z visa) for China, you can invite your family members to apply for either an S1 or S2 visa. The S visa, also known as the relative or private visit visa, comes in two types:
S1 Visa (Long-Term):
S1 visa
- Purpose: For extended or personal reasons, it could be issued to foreigners whose relatives are in China for work or study.
- Eligibility: Relatives include spouses, parents, daughters and sons under the age of 18, and in-laws.
- Duration: For a stay longer than 180 days.
- Use Case: Family reunion, marriage, legal proceeding, inheritance, or medical treatment.
Note: The S1 visa holder must apply for a Temporary Resident Permit within 30 days of arriving in China (will be valid for 90 days to 5 years).
S2 Visa (Short-Term):
- Purpose: Short-term family visits to family members of foreigners in China, or personal reasons.
- Eligibility: Spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons and daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, and parents-in-law.
- Duration: No more than 180 days.
- Use Case: Short visits by family members for private reasons.
Let's simplify it with examples:
Example 1: Jack, an English teacher in China. His brother plan to visit him for 5 days and the right visa for his brother is the S2 visa.
Example 2: Alice is going to teach in China, and she would like to take her young son (under 18) with her. After she has her Z visa, her son can apply with an S1 visa for a long stay visa in China.
Example 3: Lily, a math teacher in China. Her grandparents will visit her at Christmas for 10 days; they are going to need their S2 Visa.
Checklist for S Visa Application
- Passport: Valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages;
- Visa Application Form: Fill out the Visa Application Form and sign by hand. (This may vary by country or region; somer was have to submit the written application).
- Passport Photo: Passport-size photographs (35mm x 45 mm) with white or light-colored background.
- Invitation letter: From the family member or friends offering information like the purpose of the visit, intended dates, the address, and the relationship between the applicant and the inviting party. If accommodation is provided, it must be clearly stated.
- Document copies: Include a photocopy of the family member’s passport and residence permit.
- Proof of relationship: Take a photocopy of any relationship-proving documentation, for example, a marriage certificate for spouses and a birth certificate for children.
*Note: Regulations differ, so it’s good practice to check the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or any relevant organizations for the latest information.
S Visa Application Process
Step 1: Prepare the required documents
Prepare the required documents, including gathering necessary materials like a passport, recent photo, invitation letter, and proof of family relationship. (for more details please visit: https://visaforchina.org)
Step 2: Submit the visa application
Submit the visa application at the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center in their home country. It’s advised to apply at least one month before their intended trip to China.
Step 3: Waiting for the process
Wait for processing, which typically takes about 4 working days (may vary depending on countries and regions). An express service is available for expedited processing at an additional cost.
Step 4: Get your visa and travel to China
Once approved, collect the passport with the visa and be ready to travel to China.
Step 5: Upon arrival in China
There are still a few things to do upon arrival in China.
- Register with the local police station: Within 24 hours of arriving in China, they must register with the Public Security Bureau.
- Do a physical examination: A medical examination is required as soon as possible after entry.
- If your families apply for the S1 visa, they need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit within 30 days of entering China.
Let us be honest. It may seem somewhat stressful to apply for an S visa to China. Double-checking documents and figuring out consulate requirements isn’t exciting. But don’t forget that you’ll have your family with you to enjoy firsthand experiences in China. If the process seems too overwhelming, break it down task by task. Start early and do not hesitate to ask for assistance in case you get stuck on something. Or just contact us at support@eslnest.com and let us do all the boring work.
If you still have any questions about teaching jobs in China and the Apostille, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@eslnest.com. If you want to learn more about teaching in China, check out our article Teach English in China – A Complete Guide 2025.
Learn more about Apostille and document for teach in China check our latest guide Apostille and Document Preparation for Teaching in China 2025 Guide
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