Join Family in China with Legal Peace of Mind
If you’re planning to join a family member working, studying, or residing long-term in China, the S1 Visa offers a legal path to live together. Designed for spouses, children, and parents of foreigners residing in China, the S1 Visa allows for extended stays and residency permit eligibility.
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide you and your family through the full S1 process—from sponsorship documentation and visa filing to residence permit conversion—ensuring smooth, compliant relocation.
🏠 What Is the S1 Visa?
The S1 Visa is a long-term private visit visa for immediate family members (spouse, children under 18, or parents) of a Z (work), X1 (study), or other long-stay visa holder legally residing in China.
🔁 It is a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days after arrival. Upon entry, the holder must apply for a residence permit, typically valid for 1–2 years and renewable.
👨👩👧👦 Who Can Apply?
You may apply for an S1 Visa if you are:
-
A spouse of a foreign national working or studying in China
-
A child under 18 joining a parent on a Z, R, or X1 visa
-
A parent of a foreign student or minor child studying in China
📝 For short-term visits (≤180 days), the S2 Visa applies instead.
📄 Required Documents
From the Applicant:
-
Valid passport (6+ months) with blank pages
-
Completed Visa Application Form (V.2013)
-
Recent passport photo
-
Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
-
Invitation letter from the family member in China
-
Copy of inviter’s passport and Chinese residence permit
From the Family Member in China:
-
Valid residence permit
-
Employment or student certificate (if applicable)
-
Local registration or housing lease
-
Letter of commitment to sponsor the applicant
📑 All foreign documents must be translated into Chinese and legalized.
🛠 How We Help
1️⃣ Visa Eligibility & Strategy Review
We evaluate your relationship, length of stay, and your sponsor’s visa type to determine if the S1 Visa is appropriate.
2️⃣ Document Certification & Legalization
We manage birth or marriage certificate legalization, notarizations, and Chinese translations per consulate requirements.
3️⃣ Application Filing & VFS Coordination
We submit your visa application via the China Visa Application Center (CVASC) or appropriate Chinese consulate, based on your jurisdiction.
4️⃣ Post-Arrival Services in China
We assist with residence permit conversion, local police registration, and renewal or dependent status updates.
🧾 Key Features of the S1 Visa
-
Long-term stay (residence permit issued after entry)
-
Renewable without leaving China
-
Enables children to enroll in international or local schools
-
Does not permit employment—a work visa is required separately
-
Dependents can access medical and housing benefits (based on sponsor’s arrangements)
🔁 S1 vs. S2 Visa Comparison
| Feature | S1 Visa (Long-Term) | S2 Visa (Short-Term) |
|---|---|---|
| Stay Duration | Over 180 days | Up to 180 days |
| Converts to Permit? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Entry Type | Single-entry | Multiple-entry possible |
| Employment Allowed? | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Common Use | Spouse/child relocation | Visiting relatives briefly |
📞 Relocate with Legal Clarity
At Borderless Lawyers, we know how important it is to keep families together—legally, securely, and without delay. From birth certificate legalization to post-arrival residence support, we’re your trusted partner for family-based immigration to China.
Let us simplify the process so you can focus on building your life together in China.