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Family Visa (S1/S2/Q1/Q2)

Family Visa: Issued for visiting family relatives in China.

Q2签证适用于回国探亲， 且国内的探亲对象是中国国籍。需要国内的亲属作为邀请人提供其中国身份证复印件；该签证的有效期通常为10年，可多次往返（美籍）, 每次停留最长不超过180天； 探亲对象可以是家庭成员或远房亲戚， 不需要提供亲属关系证明。 

This visa category applies to individuals traveling to China to visit family members who are Chinese citizens. A copy of the inviter’s Chinese ID must be provided.  For U.S. citizens, the visa is typically valid for 10 years, allows multiple entries during the validity period, and a maximum duration of stay upto 180 days per entry.

Q1签证适用于计划与中国籍亲属长期团聚并在中国长期居住的申请人。 持有人在入境中国后必须在30天内将签证转换为居留许可，以便在华长期居留。“亲属成员”范围包括：配偶、父母、配偶的父母、子女、子女的配偶、兄弟姐妹、祖父母、外祖父母、孙子女、外孙子女。办理此类签证需要提供文件，能够证明亲属关系，而且还需要是原件；

Q1 Visa is designed for individuals who intend to settle in China on a long-term basis to reunite with their immediate family members who are Chinese citizens. The visa must be converted into a residence permit within 30 days of entry.

去中国探亲，但是探亲的对象（即邀请人）是外籍人士，在华长期工作或者学习。此类签证申请需要提供邀请人在中国工作或者学习的居留许可证， 以及相关的有效护照复印件。 如果申请人是美国公民，此类签证颁发后一般是长年有效，多次往返， 每次最长停留期不超过180天。   

This visa category applies to individuals traveling to China to visit a family member who is working in China long-term and holds a valid Foreigner’s Residence Permit in China. Family members includes spouses, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, maternal grandchildren, and parents-in-law.

对于计划前往中国探访持有有效居留许可的直系亲属的人员，S1签证为单次入境签证，有效期为3个月。入境后，可在当地公安局出入境管理部门将其转换为居留许可，以便长期停留。

For those intending to visit a major family member in China that has valid residence permit.  S1 visa is single-entry visa valid for 3 months. After arrival, it can be converted into a residence permit at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) to allow for a longer stay. Original documents to proof the famaily relationship is required. 

The following information is provided for reference only. You do not have to read or understand it if you choose to proceed with our full support services. A dedicated case manager will be assigned to assist you after you complete the questionnaire.

Core Documents

Your Valid Passport

  • Minimum of 2 blank pages required
  • At least 6 months’ validity for single-entry visas
  • At least 12 months’ validity for a 10-year visa

Residence Verification Documents

  • A copy of your state-issued driver’s license
  • or state-issued resident ID (photocopy)
  • or a recent utility bill/bank statement (copy)

Proof of family relationship (for Q1 & S1 only)

  • For spouse invitation, please provide original marriage certificate
  • For invitation between a parent & child, please provide birth certificate
  • For other types of invitation, TDB.

Chinese I.D (for Q1 & Q2 only)

  • 国内亲属作为邀请人需要在提供邀请信的同时提供其本人的中国身份证复印件， 包含正面和反面。
  • 可以拍照后发微信过来， 黑白、彩色都没关系， 但是必须要看得清楚。  
  • The family member in China acting as the inviter must provide a copy of their Chinese National ID, including both the front and back sides, along with the invitation letter. 
  • The copy can be sent as a photo via WeChat. Black and white or color is acceptable, but the image must be clear and legible.

Chinese Residence Permit (for S1 & S2 only)

  • The family member in China serving as the inviter must provide a copy of their Chinese residence permit and passport, along with the invitation letter.
  • The copies may be sent as photos by email. Black and white or color is acceptable, but the image must be clear and easy to read.

Invitation Letter

  • 国内亲属名义的邀请信， 如有需要， 请根据改模板进行修改。  但是请注意：签字需要是手写签字。
  • Invitation letter from a family member in China. If needed, you may modify this template as appropriate.  However, please note that the signature must be handwritten. 
  • 下载/Download 

Visa Photograph

  • A digital photo is required to initiate your Visa Application.
  • Please refer to our Chinese Visa Photo Guide for requirements.
  • Photograph should be taken within the last 6 months.

Visa Application Form

Option 1: 

  • A new system you can filled out on your own
  • You’ll need to register an account to explore its features.
  • Do not submit the application so our visa expert can review it first.

Option 2:

  • fill out our Questionnaire, we will help you to complete the rest.

Original Chinese Passport

  • Only required if the applicant was born in China.
  • 在中国出生的美籍签证申请人在第一次申请中国签证时需提供其最后一本的中国护照原件
  • 如无法提供， 签证的审理时间会根据情况延长, 或需要申请人到馆办理

Minor applicant

  • Photocopy of the minor applicant’s birth certificate 
  • Photocopy of both parents / legal guradian’s valid passport, or I.D

Conditional Documents

The following documents are not listed on the Embassy’s official website but may be needed in certain cases. We may suggest  applicants prepare these documents in advance to streamline the application process. Please note that processing times may differ depending on individual situations:

  • U.S. Naturalization Certificate (first time application of naturalized U.S citizens)
  • Green Card (for non-U.S. citizens)
  • Employer’s verification letter
  • Passports from any previous or other nationalities
  • Records of previous Chinese Visas or Chinese residence permits

If any documents are missing, it does not necessarily prevent the processing of your application. Our dedicated visa specialists are here to help you prepare and submit your application accurately.

Estimated Costs

To meet different needs, we offer different levels of service. For details, please see “Service & Fees” page. 

Passport turn-around Time

After submitting your application to the Chinese Embassy, the usual processing period is 4-5 business days. Be advised that additional time is necessary for reviewing, preparing, and shipping your application before submission. We suggest initiating the process 3-4 weeks prior to your intended travel dates.

For expedited processing, our objective is to secure your visa in the fastest time feasible, usually within 3-5 business days, excluding shipping.

Ready for application evaluation?

Please submit your information or email us your basic documents for a prompt evaluation;  You’re welcome to give us a call to confirm receipt of your information.  Usually, we can finish the initial review and get back to you within 1-2 working days.