China S1 and S2 Private Visit Visa Guide
S visas generally cover family visits to a foreign national working or studying in China, plus certain other private matters. The main S1/S2 distinction is intended duration and the scope of eligible relatives.
S1 eligibility and documents
S1 family eligibility covers spouses, parents, children under 18 and parents-in-law of the foreign worker or student. Current instructions require the inviter’s signed letter, passport bio page and Chinese residence permit, plus the original marriage, birth or other immediate-family relationship certificate. Upload a copy and bring the original when required for verification.
S2 eligibility and documents
S2’s family definition is broader and includes spouses, parents, children and their spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and parents-in-law. Prepare the signed invitation, inviter passport page, Chinese residence permit or visa, and a copy of the relationship certificate. Other private affairs require relevant case-specific evidence.
Invitation-letter checklist
- Inviter’s identity, passport number, China address, phone and email.
- Applicant’s identity, nationality, passport number and relationship.
- Purpose, planned arrival and intended length of stay.
- Inviter’s signature and date.
S1 after arrival
S1 is usually only the entry stage for long-term residence. The holder generally applies for a residence permit with the local exit-entry authority within 30 days after entry, subject to the visa annotation and current local requirements.
Do not confuse S with Q
Choose based on the inviter’s status. Q categories concern relatives of Chinese citizens or foreign citizens with Chinese permanent residence; S categories concern relatives of foreigners working or studying in China. Community timelines and document workarounds are individual experiences, not an official rule.
Related guides
Not sure whether the file is S1, S2, Q1 or Q2?
eChinaVisa can review the inviter’s status, intended stay and supplied relationship evidence, then organize COVA, follow-up and passport handling in one service.
Start an applicationSources
- Chinese Embassy in the U.S.: S1/S2 requirements
- r/Chinavisa S-visa discussions—individual experiences, not an official rule.
eChinaVisa is an independent visa application assistance service owned and operated by Dragon Byte Design Inc. It is not a government website and is not affiliated with any Chinese embassy or consulate. Requirements and case-specific requests can change. This guide is general information and does not guarantee approval or timing.