A set of new visa categories were announced on Monday, with one in particular capturing our attention, the S visa. This visa will allow family members of foreign expatriates working in China to come visit for both short or long durations. Spouses, young children, parents and parents-in-law will all qualify for the visa when the regulations take effect in September. S1 visas will allow a stay of more than six months, while S2 visas will be for shorter visits but there are no details about the S2 visa applications requirements announced.
Under the existing regulations, family members who wish to visit their relatives can only apply for an L (tourist) visa. The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council released a statement stating that the L visa was too broad and had subdivided the visa categories to more accurately state the reason for travel. Visa categories have been increased from eight to 12. Other visa categories also introduced were the R visa for foreign experts whose skills are urgently needed in China; an M visa for visitors on trade and business missions and a Q visa for families of Chinese citizens living abroad and foreigners with permanent residence in China.
New & revised categories:
- F — For travelers who arrive for exchanges and visits (previously included business visitors).
- M — For travelers on trade and business missions.
- Q — For overseas Chinese traveling for family reunions, including Q1 and Q2.
- R — For foreign workers whose skills are urgently needed by China.
- S — For foreigners who come for family reunions, including S1 and S2.
- L — For general visitors (previously included the functions of the new S visa).
Unchanged categories:
- C — For international flight crews.
- D — For permanent residents.
- G — For transit passengers.
- J — For journalists, including J1 and J2.
- X — For students, including X1 and X2.
- Z — For foreign workers.
This will make the process of getting a visa much easier for parents and parents-in-law intending to visit family members here in China. The requirements for the visas will be announced later.
Photo by Max Braun of Flickr
