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China · Family
S1 / S2 Family Visa
- Processing
- About 4 business days
- Cost
- From $140
- Validity
- Matches the principal’s permit
For family of foreigners residing in China: S1 for long stays over 180 days (spouse, parents, children under 18, parents-in-law), S2 for short visits up to 180 days.
Requirements
- Principal holds a Chinese work/study residence permit
- Documented family relationship (marriage/birth certificates, authenticated for S1)
- Invitation letter from the resident family member
- S1 holders convert to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival
Restrictions
- No employment on S-class status
Time and cost
- Processing time
- About 4 business days at the visa center
- Validity
- S1: residence permit matching the principal’s, typically 1-5 years; S2: up to 180 days per stay, multiple-entry up to 10 years for US/Canadian citizens
- Cost
From $140
Required
- About $140 visa fee (US citizens; CNY 200-400 for many other nationalities)
Documents
Valid passports
For each family member
Invitation letter
From the family member residing in China
Relationship certificates
Marriage/birth certificates, apostilled for S1
Principal’s residence permit copy
Evidence of the inviter’s legal status
Tips
- S1/S2 status does not permit work. A dependent spouse needs a Z visa and work permit for employment
- Apostille all relationship documents before travel; local PSB offices insist on it
- Visa-exempt nationals can make short family visits without any visa through end-2026