🇨🇳family Visa

S1 Long-Term Private Visit Visa

China

Last updated: December 22, 2025

Duration

1 year (renewable)

Visa Fee

$140

Time

4-10 days

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

The S1 is a family visit visa for people whose family members work or study in China. It lets you stay in China for more than 6 months to be near your family. You cannot work on this visa, but you can live, travel, and handle personal matters. This visa is for spouses, parents, children under 18, and parents-in-law only.

Key Benefits

  • Live in China up to 1 year
  • Bring spouse and children under 18
  • Travel anywhere in China freely
  • Renewable every year
  • No education or job skills needed
  • No Chinese language required

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Family member (spouse, parent, child under 18, or parent-in-law) must live legally in China
  • No criminal record
  • Never overstayed visa in any country
  • Good health (serious communicable diseases rejected)
  • Pass background security check

Financial Requirement

Minimum $10,000 in savings. Family member in China must provide proof of income to support you.

Documents

  • Valid passport6+ months remaining validity
  • Passport photosColor, white background
  • Relationship proofMarriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children, kinship certificate for parents
  • Family member's residence permitPhotocopy of residence permit in China
  • Invitation letterFrom family member with address, phone number, and signature
  • Bank statementShowing $10,000 or more
  • Employment letterFor family member working in China

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.