摘要：As the Spring Festival approaches, more and more foreign friends choose to experience the unique charm of this traditional Chinese
As the Spring Festival approaches, more and more foreign friends choose to experience the unique charm of this traditional Chinese festival in China. However, while immersed in the festive atmosphere, many foreigners overlook the validity of their visas, leading to overstaying and consequently leaving a bad record. To avoid this, foreigners should promptly check the validity of their visas and prepare the necessary materials for visa extension in advance, so as to complete the application in the first place after the festival.
随着春节的临近，越来越多的外国朋友选择在中国体验这一传统节日的独特魅力。然而，沉浸在节日氛围中的同时，不少外籍人士却忽视了签证的有效期，导致超期逗留，进而留下不良记录。为了避免这种情况，外籍人士应及时检查签证有效期，并在必要时提前准备签证延期所需材料，以确保在节后第一时间完成申请。
I. Importance of Visa Extension
一、签证延期的重要性
According to the Administrative Licensing Law of the People's Republic of China, foreigners who need to extend their work permits in China must submit an application to the relevant administrative authorities 30 days before the permit expires. Those who fail to apply within the deadline will not be able to submit an extension application and will need to reapply for a work permit. Therefore, timely visa extension is the key to ensuring legal residence.
根据《中华人民共和国行政许可法》，外籍人士如需延续其在中国的工作许可，必须在许可到期前30日内向相关行政机关提出申请。逾期未申请者将无法提交延期申请，需重新办理工作许可。因此，及时办理签证延期是确保合法居留的关键。
II. Visa Extension Guidelines for Different Types of Visas
二、各类签证延期指南
1.Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2) Extension
1. 团聚签证（Q1/Q2）延期
- Q1 Visa: Foreigners holding a Q1 visa can apply for a long-term family reunion residence permit in the registered residence or place of residence of their Chinese immediate family members after entering China.
- Q1签证：持有Q1签证的外籍人士，可在入境后在中国籍直系家属的户籍地或居住地申请长期团聚居留许可。
- Q2 Visa: Foreigners holding a single-entry Q2 visa for family visit can apply for an extension if they need to stay longer. When applying, they need to provide a letter from the person being visited, identity proof, and proof of family relationship. It is recommended to have the Hague Apostille for overseas-issued family relationship certificates in advance to avoid being unable to renew due to incomplete materials.
- Q2签证：持有单次探亲Q2签证的外籍人士，如需延长停留时间，可申请Q2签证延期。申请时需提供被探望人的函件、身份证明及家庭成员关系证明。建议提前办理海牙认证，以避免材料不齐导致无法续期。
2.Business Visa Extension
2. 商务签证延期
Foreigners entering China on a business visa can usually stay in China for 30 to 180 days. If the visa is about to expire, it is recommended to contact the inviting unit in advance to assist in providing relevant materials and submit a letter of proof from the local inviting, hosting unit or individual. Units that have not been registered should also submit a registration certificate.
外籍人士持商务签证入境，通常可在中国境内逗留30至180天。如签证即将到期，建议提前联系邀请单位协助提供相关材料，提交当地邀请、接待单位或个人的证明函件。未备案的单位还需提交注册登记证明。
3.Tourist Visa Extension
3. 旅游签证延期
Foreigners entering China on a tourist visa who need to extend their stay should check the renewal requirements in advance and bring valid documents and materials to the local immigration bureau to handle the extension procedures. If renewal is not possible, it is recommended to leave China before the visa expires to avoid overstaying.
持旅游签证入境的外籍人士，如需延长停留时间，应提前了解续期要求，并携带有效证件和材料到当地出入境管理局办理延期手续。如无法续签，建议在签证到期前离境，以避免超期逾期。
4.Short-term Private Affairs Visa (S2) Extension
4. 短期私人事务签证（S2）延期
Foreigners holding an S2 visa for short-term family visit can apply for a short-term family visit stay of 60 to 180 days. If they need to extend their stay, they can apply for a visa extension or a private affairs residence permit. When applying, they need to provide a letter from the person being visited, a foreigner's residence permit, and proof of family relationship.
来华工作的外籍人员家属持S2签证入境，可申请60至180天的短期探亲停留。如需延长停留时间，可申请签证延期或私人事务居留许可。申请时需提供被探望人的函件、外国人居留证件及家庭成员关系证明。
III. Application for Long-term Residence Permit
三、长期居留许可申请
For foreigners who need to stay in China for a long time, they can consider applying for a family reunion residence permit or a work residence permit:
对于需要长期在中国居留的外籍人士，可考虑申请团聚居留许可或工作居留许可：
1.Family Reunion Residence Permit
1. 团聚居留许可
Provide proof of relationship with Chinese family members, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and notarized documents of direct family relationships.
提供与中国籍家庭成员的关系证明材料，如出生证明、结婚证明、直系家属关系公证书等。
2.Work Residence Permit
2. 工作居留许可
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good health, have no criminal record, have a confirmed employer in China, and possess the professional skills or knowledge level required for the job. The work they engage in should meet the needs of China's economic and social development and be in short supply in China.
申请人需年满18周岁，身体健康，无犯罪记录，境内有确定的用人单位，并具备从事工作所需的专业技能或知识水平。所从事的工作应符合中国经济社会发展需要，为国内急需紧缺的专业人员。
IV. Notes
四、注意事项
-Prepare in Advance: Foreigners should check the specific requirements for visa renewal in advance and prepare relevant materials to avoid being unable to renew due to incomplete materials.
-提前准备：外籍人士应提前了解签证续期的具体要求，并准备好相关材料，以避免因材料不齐导致无法续期。
-Consult in Time: If you are not familiar with the application process for visa extension or long-term residence permit, it is recommended to consult professional service institutions in time to ensure that relevant procedures are completed within the validity of the visa.
-及时咨询：如对签证延期或长期居留许可的申请流程不熟悉，建议及时咨询专业服务机构，以确保在签证有效期内完成相关手续。
By taking the above measures, foreigners can effectively avoid the bad record caused by visa overstay and ensure legal residence in China. During the Spring Festival, while enjoying the festive atmosphere, please pay attention to the validity of the visa and handle relevant procedures in time.
通过以上措施，外籍人士可以有效避免因签证超期而带来的不良记录，确保在中国的合法居留。春节期间，享受节日氛围的同时，也请务必关注签证有效期，及时办理相关手续。
来源：外事商务咨询中心