China Visa Application for Domestic Helper: Requirement, Procedure & More

Planning a trip to China and need to take your helper? Whether for a family holiday or an extended visit, ensuring your helper has the right China visa is key to a smooth trip. The visa application process might seem complicated, but don’t worry! Check this guide out for the information about China visa application for domestic helpers. Follow these steps, and you’ll be ready for takeoff without any last-minute stress.

Type of China visa you need to apply for domestic helper

Source: Focus Asia Travel

As a Singaporean, you can enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel to China, as Singapore and China have agreed to a 30-day mutual visa-free entry starting from 9 February 2024.

When bringing your domestic helper from Singapore to China, the appropriate visa type for the helper is the S2 Visa (Short-Term Private Visit Visa). It allows domestic helpers to accompany their employers on a tourist trip or family visit to China, and it typically permits stays of up to 30 days.

Required documents for domestic helper applying for China visa

Employer's documents:

• ✅Valid passport: Copy of employer’s passport.
• ✅Valid IC: Copy of employer’s IC.
• ✅Proof of the employer's legal status in Singapore: Copy of a Residence permit for EP, PR, DP and S-Pass holders or Re-entry Permit for PR holders or NRIC for Singaporeans.

Domestic helper's documents

• ✅Valid passport: Original foreign passport recognised by China with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least 2 blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page.
• ✅Completed Visa application form: Fill out the form accurately and completely. It is available on the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) website.
• ✅Recent passport photo: 1 digital passport-sized photograph and 1 printed copy. It must be a color photo against a white background, taken within the last 6 months.

Travel itinerary

• ✅Flight bookings: Confirmed round-trip flight bookings for both the employer and the domestic helper.
• ✅Accommodation details: A copy of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter from a relevant entity or an individual located in China.

Note:

• The letter should contain detailed information about the applicant, information on the visit including dates of arrival and departure, places that will be visited, etc., and detailed information on the inviting party (with name, address, phone, official stamp, and signature).
• If staying at a private address, a copy of the passport of an inviting party is required.

Additional documents

• ✅The sponsorship/explanation letter: It must include comprehensive details about the applicant and the visit, such as the arrival and departure dates, destinations, and other relevant information. Additionally, it should provide thorough information about the inviting party, explain the purpose of the visit, and confirm financial support for the accompanying person throughout the trip.
• ✅Copy of a work-pass: For a new employment pass with a QR code instead of an expiry date, you must provide a printout of the validity and expiry status (scanned within last 5 days).
• ✅Copy of a passport and birth certificate of a child or an elderly who will be taken care of by the domestic helper.

Note: It's advisable to consult the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Singapore for the most current information and to ensure all requirements are met.

Step-by-step China visa application process for domestic helper

Source: CVASC

After you collect all the documents required, you can apply for China visa now. All applicants are required to fill the online application form and upload all necessary documents to apply for the visa.

Step 1: Fill out the online Chinese visa application form.

1. Go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) website.
2. Complete the online visa application form and prepare a print copy.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents.

1. Ensure all details are accurate and consistent with supporting documents.

Step 3: Book an appointment at CVASC

1. Schedule an appointment online with the CVASC in Singapore.
2. Select a date and time for document submission.

Step 4: Submit the application and pay fees

1. Bring all prepared documents to the CVASC on your appointment day.
2. Submit the documents and the printed visa application form.
3. Pay the applicable visa fee. Fees depend on the type of visa and processing speed.

Step 5: Collect the visa.

1. You’ll receive a collection slip after submission.
2. Check the processing time (usually 5-7 working days for regular service and 4-5 working days for express service).
3. Express service is 4-5 working days
4. Return to the CVASC to collect the passport with the issued visa.

Tips for a smooth application

To make the visa application process hassle-free, here are some useful tips to help you along the way:

📝 1. Double-check all documents

Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Verify that the information on the application form matches the supporting documents. Arrange documents in the correct order for easy submission.

📅 2. Apply early

Submit your application at least 1 month before your travel date to avoid last-minute stress.

📸 3. Follow photo guidelines

Use a recent passport-sized photo (taken within the last 6 months) with a white background. Ensure your domestic helper’s face is fully visible, with no head coverings (unless for religious reasons).

Tip: Staying organised and applying early can help you handle most challenges smoothly. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the CVASC for clarification or assistance!