What changes the answer
The signal ledger.
These facts move the question beyond a label and into a product, money-flow and control analysis.
Signal
Ask the operating question
Why it changes the route
Principal status
What visa/residence/work status does the principal holder currently have?
Dependant eligibility follows the principal status.
Relationship
What spouse/parent/child relationship is being relied on and how is it documented?
Relationship evidence is a threshold requirement.
Age/status
Is the dependant a minor, adult child or other family member?
Eligibility and documents differ.
Work intention
Does the dependant intend to work?
Family status does not itself authorise employment.
City practice
Which local exit-entry bureau will process the case?
Local documentary practice and timing can differ.
Prepare before you escalate
Bring a compact evidence docket—not a pitch deck.
Give a compliance team or counsel the operating facts that reveal the perimeter.
01PassportsEstablish identity, nationality, entry history and current immigration status.
02Marriage/birth certificatesEstablish the relevant parties, dates, amounts and regulatory facts shown by marriage/birth certificates.
03Principal’s work/residence documentsEstablish the relevant parties, dates, amounts and regulatory facts shown by principal’s work/residence documents.
04Authentication/translation as neededEstablish the relevant parties, dates, amounts and regulatory facts shown by authentication/translation as needed.
05Local application formsEstablish the relevant parties, dates, amounts and regulatory facts shown by local application forms.
Primary authorities
Reviewed sources support orientation, not a fact-specific assessment.
Sources last checked:
Exit and Entry Administration LawNational People’s Congress
National Immigration Administration current policieswww.nia.gov.cn
