Since September 1, 2013 China has introduced a family reunion or dependent visa to allow family members to join their relatives who are based here.
In this article, we will introduce the different types of dependent visas, and the list of documents required to obtain a dependent visa. We will also provide suggestions for writing a related invitation letter.
1）Types of dependent visas
The dependent visa is called the Q or S visa based on the nationality and the residency status of the inviter and can be divided into 4 sub-categories based on the intended length of stay:
The other family visa / family residence permit options
B1: I have China working Z Visa now, I want to sponsor my living partner (not married) get Family Visa
B2: New born baby, with brand new passport, apply the family visa
(1): "Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents in-law.
(2): “Immediate family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters (under the age of 18) or parents-in-law
Note: Please note that holders of a Q1 or S1 visa should apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry to China. Q2 and S2 visa holders are exempt.
According to the law, as only residence permit holders are allowed to invite their family members, Q2 and S2 visa holders are not allowed; however, we have heard cases where Q2 and S2 visa holders have been able to invite their family members, in practice. If you are a Q2 or S2 visa holder and plan to invite your family member, it is best to consult the Chinese embassy or consulate where he or she will apply to confirm if it is possible or not. S and Q visas are only issued outside of China.
2）Documents checklist per type of visa
Please make sure to check with the Chinese embassy in your home country for a specific list of documents as the requirements vary between embassies and consulates so the list provided here is a general checklist.
With regards to applications from other Chinese consulates or embassies, generally unless the person has a long term visa for that country or permanent residency status then it is not allowed, but we advise you to check with the specific consulate or embassy to ensure their individual requirements.
2-1) Q Visa (Q1 or Q2)
- An invitation letter issued by the Chinese inviter or the foreign inviter who holds a Chinese permanent residence permit
- Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit
- Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual
2-2) S Visa (S1 or S2)
- An invitation letter from the inviting foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or study
- A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit
- Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual
For those who are not familiar on how to write an invitation letter, you may refer to the template in the section below.
3）Template of Invitation letter for China Visa
You can find a full page copy of the below template at:
→→copy the link and open in a new tab to view content
https://www.visaforchina.org/CBR_EN/upload/Attach/mrbj/281560.pdf
Some people have written a letter to invite their family member to China, instead of using the template; however, should you choose to write a letter instead, we would suggest that you check with the Chinese embassy or consulate as to what information needs to be included. Using the template will be easier. Even if someone writes a letter, it does not really matter because the Chinese embassy or consulate is just looking for specific information from the letter.
The letter needs to be set up as a business letter and be addressed to the specific Chinese embassy or consulate that the applicant will apply for the visa. The following are the most common details that need to be included in the letter:
- Date the letter has been written
- Address the letter to the specific Chinese embassy or consulate
- Formal greetings (e.g. "Dear Sir or Madame", etc)
- Invitee’s name as it appears on his or her passport, passport number, nationality, and date of birth
- Explain the reason he or she is are being invited
- Mention which document is enclosed to prove your relationship with him or her
- Inviter’s details and documents to prove his or her status in China (e.g. name as on his or her passport, passport number, nationality, date of birth, residence permit number, place of residence permit issuance, purpose of residence permit –or– Chinese identification card details)
- Closing of the letter (e.g. thank the reader for their time, etc)
- Typed name and signature
I have China working Z Visa now, I want to sponsor my living partner (not married) get Family Visa (3-6 month S2 visa):
Important Notice: This service is only available for those partners who are not official married, but have physical baby together!
Employee = Person who has a working visa.
Applicant = Person who want to apply family visa attach to employee's working visa.
1. Baby's birth certificate (shows both Employee and Applicant's name as parents) which needs to be authenticated by Employee or Applicant's Consulate in shanghai or legalized by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate outside in Employee or Applicant's home country.
2. Living Partner Registration Certificate: A letter from either Employee or Applicant's Consulate in shanghai within the last 6 month to certificate that you living together as partner, equal to marriage.
3. Employee's Passport copy and working Residence Permit copy
4. Applicant's passport with valid visa
5. Applicant's Local Registration Form Of Temporary Residence (up to date) [ Sample ]
6. Health Certificate for Applicant
7. 2 Passport Photographs of Applicant (size 4.5cm*3.5cm)
8. Copy of the Employee's company Business License
9. Employee's company letter to apply the family visa- with official stamp
Notice: If applicant holds a valid working Z visa now, then a company release letter to prove he/she has already quit with official company stamp is necessary. But health certificate is not necessary.
Notice: If applicant holds a valid student X visa now, then the school release letter to prove he/she has already quit with official school stamp is necessary (or school graduated certificate copy). But health certificate is not necessary.
Friendly Notice:
According to the local immigration policy, For the first time when you apply the Residence permit , your partner has to show up (the second time no need to show up) in the government to take a digital picture, they need to confirm your partner are the same person of the passport holder then the officer will accept your partner's visa application.
New born baby, with brand new passport, apply the family visa:
Employee = Person who has a working visa.
1. Baby's passport
2. Baby's original birth certificate
3. Father and Mother's passport and visa copy
4. Father or Mother's Registration Form Of Temporary Residence (up to date)
5. 2 Passport Photographs of baby (size 4.5cm*3.5cm)
6. Employee's company letter to apply the family visa- with official stamp
7. Copy of the Employee's company Business License
*** If both of parents are foreigner, either of them has working residence permit, then the baby can apply the same length of the family residence permit directly in China.
*** If both of parents are foreigner, none of them has working residence permit, then the baby can apply only 1 month visa for exiting and re-apply a new visa outside of China.
*** If one of baby's parents is Chinese nationality, then the baby can apply only 1 month visa for exiting and after the baby come back with a new visa, use the Q1 to get longer term residence permit.
Notice: New born baby need to apply the visa within 2 month after he/she born, if you are over the 2 month deadline, it will cause 1000RMB for the penalty.
If there is something which we missed or if you like to share your experience, Please let us know in comments section below.
Source: Kudosbay酷豆湾 , visainchina.com
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