Last edited by: Tecsolpk
For foreign residents in China, the first question that they are often faced with after obtaining their long-term visas is, “Can I take my family with me right away?” When we refer to “settlement visas” in China, we are frequently talking about long-term residing visas that could be linked to employment, education, or family reunion.
The good news is that the answer is “yes.” Usually, it will be permissible to include your loved ones in your new Chinese life. However, it is often not immediate, as in flying in with you and having your first hug with them at the customs counter. They need to obtain the right visa before they come to China. This section consists of understanding the visa types and processes for family reunification for foreigners in China.
The Chinese family visa types are the focused topics mentioned here from a broader perspective for those interested in a lengthy stay in the country.
Overview of Family Visas for Foreign Residents in China
What I would like to show regarding both family visas and procedures for foreigners residing in China are the official visa categories for foreigners with their families living, working, or studying in China. The specifics will cover the S1 Visa and the Q1 Visa, which pertain to immigration to the country for a period of more than half a year.
S1 Visa
The issuance of the S1 visa permits the dependents of any professional or student who is legally employed or studying in China to secure an S1 visa. Moreover, it no longer has set rules asking how long each individual must stay in the country. Instead, it requires the health agency to determine the specific period each person (who is coming from overseas to China) should observe a self-mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
S1 Visa for Families of Foreigners Residing in China
The S1 visa is the only dependent visa available in China where the immediate family members (spouse, children under 18, and parents) of the expert or student residing in China on a Work/Permit Residence (Z Visa) or a Long-Term Student Visa (X1 Visa) can reside together with the principal applicant.
Who it’s for: This usually consists of:
- Husband/spouse
- Parents
- Sons and daughters under 18
- In-law parents
Key Requirement: A valid Residence Permit is required for the inviting individual in China (the “host”) that is for the specific foreign national being invited.
Is it “Immediate”?
The closest situation to immediacy appears to be this: when the members of your family apply for their S1 visas in their home (or legal resident) country, that is, at a different stage of your studies or training program in China. Upon arrival in China with the S1 visa, the family members must go to the local Exit and Entry Administration Bureau for the Residence Permit Application within 30 days. The arrival of the S1 visa is important, but the next step for “settlement” inside China would be to obtain the residence permit to facilitate the long-term stay of the family.
Q1 Visa
The Q1 visa category is for members of the family of Chinese nationals or foreigners who hold a permanent residence card (or what is called a green card) in China.
Who it’s for: This category may include:
- Husband
- Parents
- Sons and daughters with any marital status
- Spouse of either of your children
- Brother
- Sister
- Grandparents
- Grandchild
- Parents-in-law
Key Requirement: The inviting individual must be a Chinese citizen or a foreigner who has a Chinese Permanent Residence Permit.
Is it “Immediate”?
Likewise, the only other way for family members to be allowed an S1 visa is to apply for this visa category from external locations. Entering China under this visa category, tourists also have to apply within 30 days for a residence permit at the local Exit and Entry Administration Bureau.
The Process: What to Expect and How to Bring My Family
There are documents that might differ slightly when applying from different countries; meanwhile, the general steps will be as follows:
1. Presentation of Chinese Invitation Letter
The holder (that includes the one already in China or that will soon fly to the country because of work or permanent residence needs) ought to provide:
- Letters of Invitation:Â The involved Chinese person should write this letter of invitation, specifying the reasons for the visit as being a family reunion holiday, the duration of the visit, the relation of the invitee to the inviter, etc. An invitation letter contains the purpose of the visit, who is being invited, the time and place of the visit, the need for financial support, and that the visitor will comply with Chinese laws.
- Proof of Inviting Individual’s Status:Â This document should include a photocopy of the inviting individual’s passport and a valid Chinese S1 visa (or the ID or Green Card for Q1 visa holders).
2. Collect Family Member’s Documents
Each of the applicants for S1 and Q1 visas should equip themselves with:
- Passport:Â With a validity of at least six months and empty pages.
- Form 2011A:Â Identification of stored personal data; 2011A Long-Form Application Issues. This is used for applying for a visa and is filled out online and then printed.
- Photograph:Â Must be recent, color, and in accordance with the Chinese visa passport requirements.
- Certification of Course of Relationship:Â Information about your relationship is not the only thing you need to provide; original and photocopies of the following documents are required:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Any other dated certificate that shows the relationships between the people in question, if applicable.
The most critical note is that such documents obtained by foreign executives must be authenticated by the consulate or embassy of the Chinese country where they were acquired. This process can consume a lot of time, so begin the process well in advance!
- Health Certificate:Â For S1 and Q1 visa applicants, providing the original health check certificate, namely an additional medical examination report, may be required, but it is possible to be exempted for children under 18 and elderly over 70.
3. Submit the Applications
This is commonly done at the Chinese Embassies or Consulates where the applicants (visitors) are either citizens of that country or where they have their legal residence. Nowadays, the Chinese government has simplified the visa application procedures and made it more convenient by using the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC).
Most of the time, interviews are needed, especially in big cities. Be prepared to respond to questions about your application.
4. Enter China and Submit an Application for Visa to Live in China
While you will eventually receive a visa that permits multiple re-entries, the initial one you have will probably be a single-entry visa. In the meantime, your family needs to enter China within the fixed period of the visa’s validity.
Primarily, the applicants are instructed to go to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration Office within 30 days after the arrival of the Residence Permit. This is what you need for long-term residency in China. The Residence Permit itself, along with the visa you hold as a dependent, will vary between approximately 90 days to around five years. However, this will ultimately be determined by the visa of the main holder as well as local policy.
“Immediately” Defined: Pre-Planning is Key
So, should this be done “immediately”? The answer is “yes.” They can plan to arrive in China by obtaining the S1 or Q1 visa as soon as they are approved. The processing time for the work visas typically takes between 4 and 7 working days under normal processing conditions, but this service can be expedited for an additional charge.
However, immediate or direct “settlement” does not happen right after you land in China; the conversion to residence is a step that must be completed within the 30-day period upon arrival.
Expert Tip
Immigrant consultancies and visa practitioners around the world advise that family visa application forms for visas to China should be completed in advance in accordance with the target journey schedule. The time required for processing and legalizing documents can be longer than anticipated, and therefore, it is vital to begin this task early. It is advisable to make visa arrangements for the family only after the whole group has complied with the necessary documentation.
Conclusion: A Clear Path to Family Reunification in China
Now that there is a clear road, let’s summarize each step. Bringing your family to China legally on a permanent visa is not unattainable but involves a well-formed and comprehensible strategy. In the end, you may not all have green cards, but long-term tourism stay visa categories, like S1 and Q1, cater specifically for this.
The most important factors are ensuring that:
- Documents are prepared well.
- You understand the two-level process (visa entry and residence permit conversion).
- There is enough time left for taking all necessary actions, especially the legalization of relationship certificates.
By carefully planning, you may be able to integrate your family into your new lifestyle in China.
