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This article is a complete guide to getting a Chinese VISA. Keep reading to find out the answers to the following questions:
Do I need a Chinese VISA?
Yes, generally speaking, you do. However there are several exceptions. You don’t need a VISA if:
- You hold a passport from Singapore, Brunei or Japan and you’re staying in China for less than 15 days.
- You hold a passport from Bahamas, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Mauritius, Seychelles, Serbia, Tonga and you’re staying in China for less than 30 days.
How long does it take to get a VISA?
If you have all the necessary documents and hold a passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages, it should take between two (if you apply for the express service) to four working days to get a Chinese VISA.
Note that the rush service (one business day) is only available in some countries (the US, for instance) and only for cases of extreme urgency, upon the approval of the Chinese Consular Office.
The best time to apply for a Chinese VISA is between two months and fifteen days before your departure. You can’t apply for your VISA too early because if you don’t use it, the VISA will expire after 90 days (or 180 days, in some cases), starting from the day you obtained it.
How much does it cost?
The price varies from 30 to 140 USD depending on your nationality, the type of VISA, the country where you apply and the number of entries.
Usually it’s cheaper for European people, whereas American people are usually required to pay the full fee of 140 USD.
Where can I get a Chinese VISA?
In many countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada and EU countries, you must apply through the CVASC (Chinese VISA Application Service Center).
However, if in your country there is no CVASC (click on the link above to see the complete list), you shall still apply at the Chinese Consular Office that serves your province. This is also the case of people living in USA (you can click here to see where you shall apply if you are a US resident).
If for some reason you don’t want to, or you can’t show up personally, you can use an agency to get your Chinese VISA. This will have a supplementary cost, but it may still be cheaper than the cost of the trip to the nearest CVASC or Chinese Consulate).
In this case you’ll have to send your passport (and other necessary documents) to the agency and they will handle everything. To apply for a VISA service through an agency you can use the form on the right sidebar of this page.
People that are already traveling or working in Asia may also apply in Hong Kong (at the moment, only through an agency, as applying for a VISA at the consular office is only possible for Hong Kong residents). Click here to read our guide to getting a Chinese VISA in Hong Kong.
Keep in mind that the government may abruptly decide to restrict or change VISA requirements in any moment, just like they did in 2008 (before the Olympic Games in Beijing) and in 2013. I don’t want to scare you; just be prepared to deal with the unforeseen.
In practice, you can also apply in other countries, but do so at your own risk, as it’s possible (probable?) that your application will be rejected. It also depends on your passport: Italian and German people, for example, seem to experience much fewer problems than French and American people. It usually depends on how good (or bad) the relationship between China and your country is. Since July 2013, even in Hong Kong, they have started to reject a lot of applications. Click here for the details.
Update: Since 2016, if you have a passport form one of the countries listed on this page, in some cases it is possible to get your Chinese visa directly online. Click here to learn about about this possibility.
What are the basic requirements for getting a Chinese VISA?
The basic requirements for getting any kind of Chinese VISA are the following:
- Your original passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages;
- A black and white photocopy of the passport page with your photo, and of the pages that contain any past Chinese VISAs that you have obtained (only applicable if you have already been to China);
- A recently-taken color passport photo (48mm x 33mm) with light background;
- A photocopy of previous Chinese passports (only applicable to foreign citizens who were once Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship);
- Proof of legal status in the country where you’re applying for the VISA, such as a resident permit (only applicable if you’re applying for the VISA outside your country of citizenship);
- An Application Form completely filled in, printed and signed (click here to download the application form provided by the CVASC of London and here to download the application form provided by the Chinese Consular Office in the US – if you prefer you can download a similar document on the CVASC website or from the Chinese Consular Office in the country where you’re applying for the VISA);
- The Declaration printed and signed (only needed if you’re applying through the CVASC, click here to download the declartion for the CVASC of London);
- A printed copy of the appointment receipt (only applicable if you’re applying through the CVASC – you will be able to make an appointement directlly on CVASC’s website).
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An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter is only needed if you’re applying for a C VISA (unless you have a letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company), F VISA, L VISA (unless you have proof of a hotel reservation for the whole duration of your stay in China), M VISA, Q VISA, S VISA or Z VISA. See the next section for details on the different types of Chinese VISAs.
Although normally the invitation letter can be in the form of a fax, photocopy or computer scanned printout, in some cases, you may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer. Click here to find out how to write an invitation letter and what documents must be attached to it.
Important: All the requirements listed above are necessary but not sufficient for obtaining a Chinese VISA. This is because depending on the type of VISA you’re applying for, you’ll have to submit some additional documents. Read the next section for the details.
Finally, note that if the applicant is a child born outside China to a Chinese parent, the VISA requirements are different. Click here to learn more about this.
Update: When applying for the visa in some Consular Offices, travelers with passports issued after 01/01/2015 must include their previous passport, along with their current passport.
If you don’t have your previous passport anymore, or you have a gap between your old and new passport (for instance your old passport expired in May and you got a new passport in July), then you shall include a statement explaining the situation.
Note: as said, for now the old passport doesn’t seem to be required everywhere, it depends on where you apply for the visa. Thus, the best you can do is to ask to your Consular Office, before you apply.
Update: We received several comments from readers that claim being denied a Chinese VISA because they had a previous entry stamp from Turkey in their passport. Further, this problem may also happen when having passport stamps from other Middle East countries, beside Turkey.
What are the different types of Chinese VISAs (and the additional requirements for getting them)?
Here is the complete list of Chinese VISAs (after the table we list the additional required documents for each types of VISA):
| VISA Category | Description |
|---|---|
| C | Issued to foreign crew members of aircraft, trains, and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships. |
| D | Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently. While in the past getting a D VISA – and thus being able to require a permanent resident permit – was rare, it seems that things are moving forward and the Resident Permit is getting easier to get (although still difficult). |
| F | Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other activities. |
| G | Issued to those who intend to transit through China (however, before applying for a G VISA, I suggest you to verify if you can get a 72 hours VISA exemption). |
| J | Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. You shall apply for a J1 VISA if you intend to stay more than 180 days and for a J2 VISA (short-term) if you intend to stay in China less than 180 days. |
| L | Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist. |
| M | Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities. |
| Q | Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese Permanent Resident Permit and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. |
| R | Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China. |
| S | Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. |
| X | Issued to those who intend to study in China. You shall apply for a X1 VISA if you intend to stay more than 180 days and for a X2 VISA (short-term) if you intend to stay in China less than 180 days. |
| Z | Issued to those who intend to work in China. |
Note that regardless of what you are applying for, the Chinese Consular Office reserves the right to refuse your VISA or to grant a different validity, duration of stay and/or number of entries for your VISA.
Below, we list the additional requirements for each type of VISA.
C VISA – Foreign crew members and their family members
The only additional requirement is a letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company, which is only needed if you don’t have an invitation letter.
D VISA – For permanent residents
The only additional requirement is the original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.
F VISA – For exchanges, visits, study tours, and other activities
The new F VISA is issued to people who come to China for non-business purposes such as educational, scientific, cultural, health or sporting reasons. Before July 2013, the F VISA was the same thing as a business VISA.
The basic requirements, including the invitation letter, should be enough in most cases.
G VISA – For transit through China
The only additional requirement is an onward plane (train or ship) ticket with a confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.
J1 and J2 VISAs – For journalists
The only additional requirements are a Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which you work.
Be aware that you should contact the press office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the appropriate formalities.
You should apply for a J1 VISA if you intend to stay more than 180 days, and for a J2 VISA (short-term) if you intend to stay in China for less than 180 days.
L VISA – For tourists or visits to relatives
The basic requirements listed above were once usually enough. However, since July 2013, you’re also required to provide a copy of your return trip plane ticket for China (click here to read our guides on how to buy a plane ticket for China) and a copy of a Chinese hotel booking for the whole duration of your stay containing the full names of all the people that are applying for the VISA (click here to read our guide on how and where to book an hotel in China).
If you intend to stay at your friend or relative’s house, you won’t need to book an hotel. However, your friend/relative will have to send an invitation letter to you (scroll down for more details on the invitation letter).
Sometimes, the consular office employee may even ask you for proof of your ability to financially support yourself before accepting your VISA application. Therefore, before going to the VISA office, be sure to ask via email or to call them to be sure of the documents that you need to bring.
The most common tourist VISA is the Single Entry Tourist VISA (that is, you can’t leave China and then enter again with the same VISA) which has a validity of between 30 days. The Double Entry Tourist VISA (2 entries, 30 days each), is also common.
Note that U.S. citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple entry VISA. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.
If you are planning to go to Tibet, be aware that in addition to your VISA, you need a special entry permit issued by the Tibetan Tourist Bureau. Currently, you can only enter Tibet with a travel agency. Click here if you want to learn more on Tibet permits.
M VISA – For business and trade activities
This is the new “business” VISA and it’s issued to people who come to China for business and trade activities. You are required to provide an invitation letter issued by a registered Chinese company or organization (for example, a trade fair).
Note that U.S. citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple entry VISA. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.
While many people use Business VISAs to work in China, this is illegal. If you want to legally work in China, you need a Work VISA. Click here to read our complete guide on Business VISAs for China.
Q1 or Q2 VISA – For family reunions or foster care
The Q VISA is issued to people who intend to visit their relatives or friends in China for a period longer than 30 days (for less than 30 days you can simply apply for an L VISA).
For the Q2 VISA, which only allows you to stay for a maximum of 180 days, an invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China should be enough.
For the Q1 VISA, which is needed for stays longer than 180 days, in addition to the invitation letter, you’ll also need to provide further documentation.
For family reunion purposes, you’ll have to provide the original and photocopy of the certificate (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by the Public Security Bureau or a notarized certificate of kinship) showing the family relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual. Note that “family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters or parents-in-law.
For foster care purposes, you’ll have to provide a large number of documents and, in my opinion, you should contact the Chinese Consular Office in your country before starting to collect the documents.
Note that U.S. citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple entry VISA. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.
R VISA – For high-level talents
You’re required to submit relevant certifications in order to meet the requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individuals with special skills urgently needed by China.
The requirements in this case are quite vague, due to the fact that “talents” and “skills” may vary greatly.
S1 or S2 VISA – For family reunions or private affairs
The S VISA is issued to people who intend to visit their (foreign) relatives or friends in China for a period longer than 30 days (for less than 30 days you can simply apply for an L VISA). It may also be issued for “private affairs”.
For the S2 VISA, which only allows you to stay for a maximum of 180 days, in addition to an invitation letter issued by a foreign citizen with a Chinese temporary residence permit who lives in the country, you’ll have to provide the original and photocopy of the certificate (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certificate of kinship) showing the family relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters or parents-in-law.
For private affairs, in addition to the invitation letter, you’ll have to provide documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs. The term “documentation” is left purposely vague, as the nature of private affairs may vary greatly.
For the S1 VISA, which allows you to stay for longer than 180 days, in addition to an invitation letter issued by a foreign citizen with a Chinese temporary residence permit who lives in the country, you’ll have to provide the original and photocopy of the certificate (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by the Public Security Bureau or a notarized certificate of kinship) showing the immediate family relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual. “Immediate family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law.
Note that U.S. citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple entry VISA. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.
X1 or X2 VISA – For students
You are required to provide the JW201 (or JW202) form issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education (only necessary for the X1 VISA) and the notice of admission from your school. Your school should obtain these documents and send them to you.
You may also be required to provide a medical certificate, depending on the duration of your stay.
If you want to study in China for less than 180 days, you’ll have to apply for an X2 VISA. However, if you want to stay longer, you’ll need an X1 VISA.
Note that U.S. citizens may be eligible for a 5-year multiple entry X1 VISA. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.
Z Visa – For working
Important: Holding a Z VISA is the only way to work legally in China.
In addition to the Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by the relevant Chinese entity, in most of the cases you will have to provide a Foreigner’s Work Permit issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.
There some special cases in which a different document is required (you find them listed here); however if you have a “normal job”, such as teacher, engineer, etcetera, the Foreigner’s Work Permit shall be enough. We still recommend that you double check the requirements with your employer.
Since 1 April 2017, foreigners that work in China has been divided into 3 classes: Class A (high level talents), Class B (professional personnel), Class C (foreigners who are nontechnical or service workers hired on a temporary/seasonal basis).
There are several criteria that are used to rate the applicant: salary, education, Chinese language skills, experience, etcetera.
If you reach at least level C, then your employer can apply online for your Foreigner’s Work Permit.
Beside the basic requirements and the the Foreigner’s Work Permit, in order to get the Z VISA you will also have to provide the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (in English or Chinese language);
- Original copy of bachelor (or higher degree) diploma. If the diploma has not been issued in China, then you shall also provide an authenticated copy, which can be obtained in a Chinese Consulate or Embassy in your country (or in the Embassy or Consulate of the country that released the diploma, if you are already in China);
- Original reference letter from one or more non-Chinese companies that prove you have at least 2 years of full-time working experience (after graduation) in the industry you intend to work in China;
- On top of that, you may also be required to provide a medical certificate and /or a clean criminal record check issued by your country of citizenship (check the details with the CVASC or the Chinese Consular Office in your country);
However, note that, if you fall into Class A (high level talent), then the requirements are much less strict (read this article for more details).
Be aware that not all employers can get you a Work VISA. For instance, small, private English schools often can’t. This is the main reason for which they often try to convince you to come to China and work under a Tourist or Business VISA.
Do this at your own risk because it’s illegal. If you get caught working with the wrong VISA, you risk paying a fine that ranges between 5,000 and 20,000 Chinese Yuan, and may even end up in prison (from five to fifteen days). Afterwards, you’ll be asked leave the country or, depending on the conditions, will be deported (at your expense). If you’re deported, you won’t be able to get a new Chinese VISA for a period that ranges from one to ten years.
Having said that, many firms and public organizations (universities, for instance) are accredited to employ foreigners and can help you get a work VISA as long as you qualify as a “foreign expert.”
Depending on the field, you may need to prove you have English as first language and hold a Bachelor’s Degree (if you want to teach English) or provide a Ph.D. degree (if, for instance, you want to become a university professor).
The logic behind this rule is the following: you have to prove that you are useful to China by bringing some skills and expertise that the country needs. If you can’t do anything, why should a Chinese company hire you instead of a Chinese person?
So, if your employer is accredited to employ foreigners and you qualify as a foreign expert, it can apply for your Foreigner’s Work Permit
The work VISA also allows you to bring your wife, husband or children to China. They will only need to provide a marriage or birth certificate. However, your wife can’t legally work unless she gets her own Z VISA.
What information does the invitation letter have to contain?
The invitation letter should contain:
- Information on the applicant: full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etcetera;
- Information on the planned visit: purpose of the visit, arrival and departure dates, travel itinerary, the relationship between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, the source of funds for expenditures;
- Information on the inviting entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address in China, signature of the inviting individual or of the legal representative (if you’ve been invited by a company), and an official stamp (if you’ve been invited by a company).
An invitation letter may only be issued by a Chinese citizen, a foreign citizen with a Chinese Resident Permit who lives in China or a Chinese entity (for instance a Chinese company or trade fair).
If you’ve been invited by an individual, he/she must also attach a copy of his/her Chinese ID, or a copy of his/her passport and Resident Permit (if he/she is not a Chinese citizen). Note that if you’re applying for a Q VISA, the inviting individual must be a Chinese citizen or hold a Permanent Resident permit (Temporary Resident Permits are not allowed for Q VISA application invitation letters).
In the case you’ve been invited by an individual, he/she shall also attach a copy of his/her Chinese ID, or a copy of his/her passport and Resident Permit (if the his/her is not a Chinese citizen). Notice that if you’re applying for a Q VISA, the inviting individual must be a Chinese citizen or hold a Permanent Resident permit (Temporary Resident Permit are not allowed, for Q VISA application invitation letters).
If you’ve been invited by a Chinese entity, the company’s business license – or other applicable documents – must be attached to the invitation letter.
Finally, if you’re applying for a Z VISA, the Invitation Letter must be issued by a “Duly Authorized Unit”; in other words, your Chinese employer must have a permit to hire foreign workers.
What VISAs must be converted into a Resident Permit once I enter China and how to do so?
Be aware that D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z VISAs are only valid for for 30 days starting from the day you entered in China. Then you should transform it in a Temporary Resident Permit (or Permanent Resident Permit, in the case you’ve been granted a D VISA) at the PSB (Public Security Bureau Entry and Exit Administration Office). Your employer/school should help you to do so, at least in the case of Z and X1 VISAs.
How do I read a Chinese VISA?
With respect to the image above:
- 1. Visa Category: For instance, L VISA is a touristic VISA while Z VISA is a working VISA (see the table above for reading the explanations of each category);
- 2. Expiration Date: You must enter China before this date or the VISA will expire;
- 3. Issue Date: This is the date on which the VISA was released. As you can see, the VISA on the photo had a validity of six months (from 29 May to 29 November);
- 4. Full Name: Your full name;
- 5. Date of Birth: Your date of birth;
- 6. Number of Entries: The number of times that you can enter and exit China with the same VISA. “1” means that you have a single entry VISA; that is once you exit China the first time the VISA becomes invalid (going to Hong Kong or Macau counts as an exit); “2” means that you can entry and exit China twice before the VISA becomes invalid; “M” means that you can enter and exit China as many times as you want, as long as your VISA is still valid and you don’t overstay it (see point 7);
- 7. Duration of Each Stay: The number of days that you can stay in China after each entry; if for instance you have a double entry VISA with duration of each stay equal to 30 days, you must exit China within 30 days after your first entry; afterwards you can enter China a second time (you must enter before the date of expiration) and you can stay for other 30 days. Notice that for VISAs that require a Resident Permit (D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z VISA), the duration is often 000. This means that you have 30 days starting from the date of entry to apply for your Resident Permit; if you fail to do so, the VISA will expire;
- 8. Place of Issue: The place where the VISA was issue;
- 9. Passport Number: Your passport number.
Can I extend/change my VISA once I enter China?
Yes, you can require to extend or change your VISA at the PSB (Public Security Bureau Entry and Exit Administration Office) at least 7 days before the date of expiration of your VISA. However, there is no guarantee whatsoever that the PSB will accept your VISA extension or change request (they’ll decide case by case, according to your nationality, your situation and the documents you’ll provide).
What happens if I overstay my VISA?
The law states that for illegal residence of aliens, warning shall be given; in serious cases, a penalty of 500 Yuan per day shall be imposed on illegal residence, not to exceed a total of 10,000 Yuan, or detention period shall be between 5 and 15 days.
As usual, Chinese law are somewhat vague and it’s difficult to assess what a “serious case” is. Our suggestion is to avoid any overstay and always exit the country before the VISA expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in China without a visa?
To enter China, you must have a visa. There are however a few exceptions that you’ll find here.
Is it true that to get a tourist visa I have to present an arrival and departure ticket and hotel reservations for the length of my trip?
In general, the answer is yes. Some agencies manage to get you the visa even without those documents, especially if you request the visa in Hong Kong, but the situation is evaluated on an individual basis.
How long does it take to get a visa for China?
If you have all the necessary documents, from 2 to 4 business days.
Can I legally work in China with a tourist, business or student visa?
No, the only way to be able to work legally in China is by getting a work visa (Z visa) and change it into a residence permit within 30 days of entering the country.
How long does my visa last?
The length depends on the type of visa you’ve been issued. Click here to learn how to read a Chinese visa.
Click here to find out more!
[Photo Credits (Creative Commons License): www.flickr.com/photos/upton/, www.flickr.com/photos/cucchiaio/, www.flickr.com/photos/hendry/]
The last time I applied for a China visa in London UK I as usual applied for a multi entry and was told I could not have one – they would apply for 90 days but maybe I could only have a 30 day one.
So I got a 90 day one and when that time was nearly up I went to Hong Kong to get another .
Junction of Nathan road and Pekin Road there is a CTS office were I was going but this building has two entrances and I ended up on the 4th floor with another visa agent – Their service was wonderful
I filled in some basic details on a form they gave me – one page – on turning it over they said “Do not fill part in we do that. They then took my photo, I paid and was told to come back the day after tomorrow.
My new visa was not the same colour as all my previous ones. It was issued in Shenzhen and not Hong Kong. On going through the China immigration in Shenzhen the guy said “Huh a temporary visa” but it was for the 90 days I needed.
This agent also offered a multi-entry one but at that time I did not need that .
I will not bother with the visa situation in the Uk where the form wants you to buy your air ticket before application – want the names and contact details of any friends you have in China – needs to know which hotel you will use – needs to know if you are married – needs a complete itinerary of your travel plans. I feel like saying ” is this a joke”.
When I first got a China Visa 1995 form was about two pages – now I think it is five.
This for us from the Uk may be a bit of “tit for tat” as the form the Chinese have to fill up for a UK visa is ( or was until recently ) in english and the Chinese apparently have to be fingerprinted.
= How daft can you get.
So my advice is apply in Hong Kong – go to corner of Nathan Road / Pekin Road, Kowloon Entrance is on Peking Road chose the entrance on the right when facing the building – office is on 4th floor – exit lift turn left and left again if my memory is correct.
If you want one the same day CTS can do that for you.
Hey Tom,
thanks for sharing your experience. Yes, at the moment it seems indeed easier to get your VISA in Hong Kong than in Europe. However my experience with China tells me that rules may change fast.
I’ll try to keep the article updated, hopefully with the help of readers like you : )
sir,what document do i have to show to the Pbs to change my business visa to get a perminent residents visa and how much does it cost
hello, we discuss this on our free e-book
Hello sir, I am an Indian. I want to work in china. But all company’s are asking a resident visa before calling me for interview, fortunately which I don’t have. Can you please give advice what should I do.? To work in china.
Hello Furio Fu,
I am a Dutch citizen and permanent resident in the US. I currently have a 1 year multiple entry F visa, which has worked great. I go to China regularly since my company hosts recruitment events there. I also am working PT for a Chinese company and they are sponsoring me to get a Z visa. Should I be worried that it will be harder for me to get an F or M visa after I have had a Z visa? Are there any liabilities for me I should consider before applying for the Z visa? I look forward to your response.
Hello Hans,
I never heard that a Z visa could be a liability. Just keep in mind that once you get the Z visa, your F visa will expire!
Both my personal and professional experience has been mixed when visiting the China consulate in New York City. Personally I have never used an agency and depending on the lines the wait can take 30 to 90 minutes.
Last check which was (2) weeks ago they where only issuing 6 month visas. However this is seldom to change by a case to case basis or other events.
A few tips I would add:
1 – If applying for travel to Tibet – Do NOT mention this at all during your application process.
2 – If you need to extend your Tourist (L) or Business (F) visa you can easily accomplish this at a local police stations. In most cities there is a specific office that process these requests.
3 – If you are looking for support with Travel to Tibet please feel free to contact me as I work with WindhorseTour.com a Lonely Planet listed Travel Agency.
Thanks Again for a very helpful article.
Regards,
Hg
Hey Harley,
thanks for the tips. About F VISA extension, for how long do you think you can extend it from within China? This may be a useful info for a lot of readers
Welcome Furio,
In most cases I would expect it can be extended 3 months. Just depends on the current situation in China. Last year it was harder with the change of leadership. However this year it is expected to be more relaxed.
Hope this helps your reader.
American citizens should use an agency, such as Travisa (http://www.travisa.com/), to avoid delays and hassles. If you think that another trip to China may occur in the near future, ask for a one-year multiple entry visa. The price is the same, regardless of number of entries and visa duration. A 30-day single entry visa costs the same as a one year multiple entry visa – last year I paid $145 for a one year multi-entry visa.
Use an agency. Thanks for the article – very informative.
Hey Will,
this make sense to American citizens because the costs for you are higher (Italians pay 50 USD for a single entry VISA while American 130 USD, if I remember well).
So yeah, I think I will add it on the article, especially for Americans hehe
I see a china visa is easier to obtain compared to other countries plus it can be done in just a couple of days.
I want to see my boyfriend family at china but still confused. I am from jakarta, indonesia. Do you have idea what to do because i want to stay in there 2month. They are lived hunan , changsha
Get a tourist VISA
This October in Hong Kong I was only been able to obtain a 30 day single entry visa which for one who has recently had 90 day entries is not much use.I went to your favourite agent and they confirmed this situation. This one was issued in Hong Kong and not Shenzhen like my 90 day one I got from an agent about a year ago – see my previous comment.
Now in Zhuhai as it is close for a monthly trip to Hong Kong and I think it is a nicer place that Shenzhen.
30 days limits me from taking on a flat for my stay which I have done for the past three years.
I think I might look at Taiwan 90 days and no visa required
Hi, in the Italian version of the website there were a lot of comments concerning VISAs in Hong Kong.
I learned that from now on if you spend too much time in China with tourists/business VISA they won’t grant you anymore longterm VISAs in HK. You actually were lucky cause many people are getting 7 or 14 days VISA.
Yup, Taiwan seems a good option. I’m in Thailand now but I’m considering to move to Taipei in 2014.
p.s. I just updated the article on HK VISAs if you’re interested on knowing the details: http://www.saporedicina.com/english/get-a-chinese-visa-in-hong-kong/
Hi,
I know you need to prove 2 years post-graduate experience, but does anyone know what if you work as a freelance?
Do you prepare a employment certificate for yourself?
best,
maria
Hi Maria,
sorry but I have no idea how it works for freelancers
Hi Maria,
From conversations I have had with TEFL teachers, it is really not possible to come to China ‘legally’ and be a freelancer. You cannot prepare your own certificate as you must be sponsored by a business.
I know that many overseas students that come to China to study Chinese, have part time teaching jobs. However if you are looking to be a full time freelancer and be more legit, you would need to look to opening up a business in China.
Hope this is helpful.
Cheers,
Harley
Hey Harley,
thanks for stepping in,
Yeah,
for sure you can’t work in China as a “freelancer.” This is actually true on any country of the world. Thailand is the “freelancers and small biz heaven” because you can get a Tourist Visa and renew it without limitations (as was for China in the past).
I understood Maria’s question was more about the “two years of previous experience” in order to get a Z VISA and legally work as English teacher in China.
It’s fucked up because the only thing you could do is to:
1) Prove you have a business (a limited company biz license 2 years old, for instance)
2) Prove that this business is on the language niche
However if you want a Z VISA on second/third Chinese cities you don’t need to years of previous experience on teaching English. As far as I know you only need that in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and maybe Tianjin (they are damn picky haha)
Furio,
No worries.
Either way it is much harder to get a job in many cities now without the experience. I would say your list of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc. could be expanded. I know that within Chengdu the ministry that reviews CV’s to determine if they get a Z or not has been more restrictive.
Given the economic situation and more people wanting to work here, they are applying more scrutiny to the visa applicants. That is unless someone has a good relationship, then all bets are off.
Cheers.
Hi again!
I still have the same question and yes you understood right. I don’t want to work as freelance but I have worked most time as freelance, I have my own business and I don’t have 2 years of experience in an office. I got an offer recenttly for a job,so I would like to know how I should prove my experience in order to get visa z.
Thank you both again!
Hi,
there is no fixed rule… Personally, they accepted my Ph.D. degree; for teachers, they accept a letter from a school they worked beforehand, etc.
It also depends on the province, not all provinces enforce the “2 years experience” clause.
If you only worked as a freelancer all your life I have no idea. Be creative, find out if your work can be seen as some kind of specialty and prove the 2 years with taxes reports etc.
The law seems to be quite open on this matter and, at the end, it will come down on how strong is the organization that wants to hire you and how badly they want to hire you.
My girlfriend from Guangzhou n we are planing to get married on this May,2015. My inquire is, what type o documents I need to present on the day of marriage registration? And what type of documents my girlfriend should present? I have been going to China with L visa n each time I stay 30days n this time I m planning to apply for six month mutruple entry visa? As I m frequently traveling there n staying long each time, is there any possibpossibility to deport me or refuse my visa application?
Hi Razib,
please check this article http://www.saporedicina.com/english/chinese-visitor-visa/, where we also talk about Q VISA, that is marriage VISA.
Cheers
Hello bro, Thx for your info, I am facing some new problem. Last year when I came to China, I asked embassy can I extand my L visa after I enter in China, Embassy people told me I can’t, but when I came n tried, I really did extanded for 30days. at the 1st time I was granted S2 visa but latter they refuse to give me S2 visa with my girl friend’s inviation n issued me a L visa instead. When I went back to my country to Bangladesh, I applied for visa agian with my girl friend’s paper n got L visa but when I used same paper this time n applie for visa, they refused me and didn’t issue me visa and latter I had to spend money really high n got visa through an agent. I would like to know that why all these confusion. Each time I go n find some new things. This time I am in Guangzhou and I want to get married with my gf but I had some problem with my single certificate n I sent it back to my country to fix it. but the problem is, I spent long time with my gf family n etended my visa once for 30days. is there anyway to extand it one more time?
Hello,
I have no idea! The application of the Visa law depends on your nationality, situation, and past Chinese Visas on your passport. Get in touch with Foverer Bright Travel in Hong Kong to see if they can help you
would you mind telling the address of Foverer Bright Travel?
It’s on this article: http://www.saporedicina.com/english/get-a-chinese-visa-in-hong-kong/
Hi Harley, Furio,
However in my case I have completed my graduation in April 2014, but I started working since December 2013 till December 2014 (1 year, 1 Month)
Then with my current employer from February 2015 to till now which will be 1 year 10 months.
Can this create a problem regarding 2 year full time work experience.? And also what should I mention for the 2 months gap between employment.?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Rahul
You have already 2 years experience so it should not be a problem
Hello Rahul,
we can’t reply to these questions as they are too specific.
Evening, sir
Can one change Business visa to Z work visa? You mentioned that Z visa is strictly regulated in tier 1 cities, what about smaller towns? Thanks
Yes, if your employer helps you, it’s possible, although it’s not the standard procedure.
Z visa is a bit less difficult to obtain in smaller cities, generally speaking
Consular office in Chicago is brutal. If you have one item incomplete or inaccurate according to their standards you are sent away without guidance as to why the form is wrong. Also, once an error is found you are summarily rejected, they do not read through the entire form to identify other corrections that may be needed. Some people were saying they were sent away five times to make corrections to the form. And, of course, since the corrections are made online, you cannot do the corrections on the spot. Finally, I saw a post that someone got their Visa upon entry in Hong Kong. I believe this is no longer possible.
Hi, it’s still possible in Hong Kong
Hi furio
how about when you do not have a local embassy in your country.
I am from honduras ,we dont have embassy or consulate
I submitted all the docuement in shenzhen,china ,now I am in Hong kong
my invitation letter is ready.
can I get it in HK ?
Hola Carlos,
it all depends on the relationship between China and Honduras. As an example, for French people get the VISA is more difficult cause the Chinese government didn’t like some declaration made by the French government. I have no experience with Honduras passport but on principle you shall be ok in HK.
Thanks for your reply.
I am thinking in two options ask the hong kong immigration office if they can or not.
or go directly to chinese the embassy and simply try.
Regards to all.
HK is a great place for getting a tourist visa (L) to the Chinese mainland, as they do it so often it’s routine for them. You can go to CTS anywhere in HK if you’re willing to wait a day or so, or to the main office on HK island and stand in line to do it yourself the same day. But if you want a work visa or other visa, you may be better off doing that from your home country (for me, I’ve used LA and Houston for same day service for F & Z visas). When I got my Z visa in Houston I appeared in person and spent the entire day waiting (they take applications and passports in the morning, and have you come back in the afternoon to pick up your passport with the visa in it), and when I got my F visa in LA I FedEx’d my passport and application plus a cashier’s check to the contact whom my local university’s foreign studies director recommended to save a tirp. It took about a week or two to get it back that way, but from what I read, you are supposed to be getting working visas applying from your home country. So it depends on what kind of visa you want.
Hi Furio
do you know,if is possible to get a new visa ,after been deported.
I overstay 46 days ,I pay the fine and get the 10 days visa to out china.
Many agents offer me one year visa very high price USD 2000 or 4000.
I want to do the right thing after deal with the police and been interview for not friedly chinese.
nobody will want more problems.
Hope you can give me some suggestions.
P.S
I am from mexico I do not tell you excuse about my overstay ,I only forget ,my fault.
sorry very silly mistake.become a BIG PROBLEM.
Thanks
Hi there,
in these situations it depends on the Chinese consolates. I think they will decide case by case.
Thanks fot your advice.
Adios buen fin de semana.
Hello I hold an X student visa issued in Kunming City in Yunnan Province (will expire on July 2014).
I just got married to a chinese citizen in Wenzhou. Now I would like to know if I can change my Current X visa to Q Visa in Wenzhou ? Or do I need to cancel my X visa and get an L tourist visa first in Kunming then go to Wenzhou change it to a Q one ?
From what I understand is that if I want to apply while I am in China I can only get the Q2 visa and if I want the Q1 visa I will need to apply from my home country is that right ?
Thank you.
Hi Tim it seems that if you want to obtain the resident permit as a relative of Chinese citizen, you should enter china with a Q1 visa first. I’ll suggest you to ask an visa agency in HK if they can get you the Q1 visa. You’ll find the contact details of one of the best agencies in HK in our post about get a visa in HK.
Hi Tim, I have the same experience. Just go to Exit and Entry Administration Bureau in Wenzhou and apply for a Q visa, just make sure you have all the requirements needed. The officers will advise you when to apply for a Q visa (since your current visa will expire on July 2014) and they will be the one to decide whether to give you a Q1 or Q2 (but they usually issue Q1 for spouse of Chinese nationals) so you need not go back to your home country.
I did the same thing this month. I got married in Xi’an last March 2014 and my visa expired April 12. The officer advised me to apply for a Q visa on April 9. My husband and I was interviewed a week after that. Then they issued me a Q1 and I was able to picked it up yesterday.
Hope you are doing great mate. you have mentioned the great information.
i am having the same problem. i’m pakistani and i am holding the student visa and seeking for Q1. i am married here and my wife is Chinese. my visa will expire in September but i want to switch it from now. For this my wife called the local PSB and they said that i have to exit the country.i really don’t know what to do.
Another i was planning to go to Malaysia to get my visa from there as it’s cheap to fly there. but after contacting the Chinese embassy in KL. their reply was that Non-Malaysian citizens who don’t hold long term Malaysian visa student or working cannot apply for chinese visa from here.
can we apply from any country or just the home country?
My email is (samad_khan772@yahoo.com) please contact me if you wanna give me some advice and help me out.
I am applying for a Z Visa through the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, however I will have to fly to China from South Africa. Is there any rule which prohibits applying for a Visa in one country but showing a flight to China from a different country?
Hi, I’ve never heard about such a rule!
Hi,
I would like to ask something…
So I will move to Shanghai for work soon as an IT Engineer and just wondering if I could also teach english as a sideline?
Since im from the philippines, english is our 2nd language and i also have a minor on it and also taught english language to japanese people before.
Any idea if it is legal to do that? even private tutoring?
Thanks!
Hi, I don’t think that’s 100% legal because you’re getting your resident permit as an engineer. It may be possible but in order to do it LEGALLY you shall discuss with an accountant (cause you’ll have to declare your income and pay taxes).
I visited China on “M” category visa for two times,unfortunately i need to extend my stay to 26 days for two times.
Now i applied for Multiple entry visa from Chinese embassy-New Delhi (India),three times they have rejected stating that “Can not confirm purpose of visiting China”.I want to know when i again should apply, is there any time frame to resubmit the visa application,if i again submit whether they will accept or reject?
Please help.
Hi, we can’t know this.
We have all the documentation to apply for our z visa, but we need a health screening. The form says to go to a public hospital, but public hospitals we contacted don’t know anything about it. Any advice from someone who has been through the process? Thanks in advance!
Hi, are you still in your country or already in China? If this is the screening BEFORE applying for the VISA then you need blood examinations (in order to exclude sickness such as AIDS, Hepatitis and so on) and Chest X-Ray (in order to exclude tuberculosis). You shall also go to your doctor and get a general screening: basically he shall visit you and sign a document (you can download it from the website of the Chinese Consular Office in your country)
There’s a form that you need for this. In theory, China should accept it, but in reality they will complain about something like the photo not being stamped across with the hospital’s seal or something like that. The hospitals here don’t know what’s needed, but after paying maybe $300 here and a week of running around in the US to get all the X-rays, blood tests, doctor’s checkup and signature, and you arrive in China, they will look at it and say you need to do it over for whatever excuse. They’ll run you through an assembly-line like setup where they test your eyes, take a small vile of blood instead of the 5 separate vials that were required in the US for the same thing, etc. The one thing you want to bring is the actual physical X-ray films because then they won’t make you re-do the X-rays. The x-ray films have a date code on them that they will look at. Don’t tamper with it, and you’ll be fine. In the end, in China everything but the X-ray will cost about $30 USD and be done in an hour.
Ciao Furio, scusa se scrivo qui in Italiano. Devo mandare in cina gli esami medici per ottenere la license che mi permetterà di fare application per la VISA Z.
Potresti girarmi il link per scaricare il documento da far firmare al mio medico per il general screening? Non riesco a trovarlo da nessuna parte.
Ho chiesto la prescrizione per rx torace, ECG e per le analisi del sangue al mio medico. Oltre all’HIV e la tubercolina quali altri esami del sangue devo sostenere?
Grazie e complimenti per il blog,
Guglielmo
Ciao Guglielmo, contatta il CVASC, non sono sicuro che tali moduli siano ancora online!
Hi Furio,
I would like to seek for your advice. Soon I’ll have to leave China due to the expiration of the extention of my L visa (L type 60 days + extention of L 30 days = 90 days) and leave my wife alone. We tried to do dependency visa but due to unknown reasons her eymployer is not supportive.
So, I am planning to go to HK… but there is a question:
What type of visa I can apply for that will grant me another month or so and will be surely given? The reason I need this particular number is because I am expecting a job that offeres Z visa.
P.S. Could you attach the list of docs for the particular types of visa you might suggest?
Thank you so much!
Hi, in my opinion you shall go for a S visa: http://www.saporedicina.com/english/chinese-visitor-visa/ as they will probably refuse a L VISA to you (you got too many).
Hello :)
I would like to ask which visa do I apply if I am going to China to do an internship (where my home university has sent me) in Beijing.
I need something that does not take time since I should be traveling in 2 weeks.
First they told me i needed JW202, but then since im not applying to “study”; im applying for an internship (for 6 months). Now, i got informed i need a government invitation ?? I have requested it from the hosting company, but I am not sure I understood which form this is. How long does it take for the hosting company to obtain such a document?
Thank you in advance.
Hi,
it depends on the company and on its relationship with the local government. I don’t think 2 weeks is enough time. Also, if you do a M visa instead of a Z visa a letter of invitation from the company may be enough. You shall ask them.
Hi,
I am leaving China on the 27th August as my L visa expires on the 30th August. I am going to Italy. I have an Irish passport. Can I can a Chinese visa while in Italy to come back to China or does it have to be the country that issued my passport – Ireland?
Theoretically you should go where your residence is, said that, it is possible that having a EU passport they may allow you to apply in an other EU country but it’s difficult.
hey – do you know what checks are done for the visa – i.e. do they contact your employer?
As long as you have all the right documents, I don’t think so.
I will like to apply for a buisness visa, is it possible for me to get a one year visa? Can i keep this visa till when i have the oppourtunity of travelling to China, say April 2018. Thank you for your response.
Visa expires. In my opinion, it’s too soon to apply for the visa, if you plan to travel on April. A year visa can be obtained, it depends on your situation, travel history etc.
Hi,
I am staying in shenzhen on Q1 visa at the moment but now i have got an offer from a company work as an international trader for them. My question is how can i transfer my Q1 visa to Z visa? As i have got 2 years residence permit and i have my wife and kids and both of them are chinese by nationality and we are living in china. Do i need to go back to my country to get the Z visa ?
Fahan
It’s not easy,
but you may get it without going back to your country as somebody did it last summer (see comments on this thread). I believe it will depend on a) your nationality b) the relationship between your firm and the local immigration officiers.
Hi,
I will apply for z visa here in the Philippines. I already have invitation letter and employment permit. Im wondering if i aply for single entry, can i go out and enter again in shanghai? Since i will only aply for single entry of z visa?
Thank you.
Hi, Mary,
It makes sense to enter once on the Z-visa, then apply for the Temporary Residency Permit (as is required within 15-30 days). As a USA citizen with a China Temporary Residency Permit, I was able to enter and exit many times. I can not confirm, however, that this is also true for Filipinos.
Hi Christian,
I’m in the same position of Mary, however I’m from England. Do you know if it is true English citizens like myself?
You can go out from Shanghai if you don’t go outside mainland China. If you go to Hong Kong, Macao or an other country you will lose your visa.
Hello,
I am holding Q1 VISA for 2 years at the moment but i want to go to Hongkong for traveling .. is it possible for me to get Hongkong visa from shenzhen as i am permanently living in china..and how long the it will take to get a Honkong tourist visa if i apply from shenzhen?
Thanx :)
Hi Fahan, many nationalities can get the Hong Kong visa upon arrival, check here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Hong_Kong
Hi Christian,
Thank you so much for answering my query.
Regards.
Mary, I wish you the best of luck. Also thanks to Sborto Zhou and his colleague FF. They are two dudes who I hope to meet in person sometime.
I forgot to mention that I know many Filipino(a) men and women on a “Stuent visa (X1 or X2)” who are also allowed to come and go. Most like to go home for Christmas or Chinese New Year, and they don’t have to apply for any documentation to do so. This is because they have the “Temporary Residency Permit” that I mentioned in my last post.
Thanks to you Christian, your input is much appreciated ; )
Hi Christian,
Thank you again for those info..really appreciated your immediate responses… My Z visa is now on process and leaving soon.
Regards.
Good luck Mary
Hi christian,
Many thanks to you and sborto zhou. Just arrived here in Beijing and going to Shanghai after a month for work… Hope to see you guys soon.
Mary
I am a US citizen of non-chinese descent, married to a Chinese national with US green card and currently holding a Q1 2-year multi-entry visa. We have lived in the US for seven years, traveling back to China for 3-4 weeks annually for pleasure and family reunion. I have never worked in China to date.
It seems I will go to Shanghai for business with my current company on a 90-day trip, and possibly extended another 90 days. It seems my employer (having entities in US and China) should apply for a Z visa for me. My Q1 visa still has a year and change left on it. Will my Q1 visa be canceled?
To clarify: My employment will remain with the US company and I will be paid in US dollars at my US home bank account. And I double checked, it’s a Q2 visa I hold now. I will train Chinese peers and support their adoption of shared technology. Does this actually count as “working” in China if no Chinese employer has me on their payroll? Should I use a different visa than Z type? And will my existing family Q2 visa be canceled?
Hi Jason,
1) you can only hold a VISA, so yes, if you change visa the old one will be canceled.
2) If you are paid by a US company then I don’t think you need a Z visa because, technically, you aren’t working for a Chinese company nor you get paid in China. Most luckily you need a business visa.
3) I don’t think you can legally do it on a Q visa.
Let me explain this a bit better:
A Z (work) visa is required if a foreign national has a labor relationship with a PRC work unit. In addition, a foreigner with a foreign labor contract and foreign source of remuneration will need a Z (work) visa if engaged in work-like activities for 3 months or more.
So it looks like you may need a Z VISA, unless you follow under this case: “not including foreign engineers and technicians and experts implementing a technology transfer agreement” (which accordingly to your comment could be your situation, it’s not so clear to me).
To follow up, I submitted an M work visa application along with my passport bearing my existing Q2 90-day multi-entry visa. The application was returned by the San Francisco consulate with a verbal statement to the visa agency that I already hold a valid visa so they didn’t need to issue me a new one, and they did not collect the visa application fee either. Just in case this turned out to not be true, I carried all of the documentation about my visa attempt with me to China, and upon entering Shanghai customs I checked “business” on my entry/exit form and submitted my passport with the Q2 visa. The customs officer stamped my passport without batting an eye and let me in.
Thank you for the update Jason!
Guys in guangzhou is still possible to get a 1 year business visa , 90 days stay, multiple entrance. Just got mine this week! :-D
As far as I know they just issue 14 days visa in Hong Kong …it’s getting tough live in china without a proper employment :-(
hello,
i would really appreciate if you find time to respond in my complicated question :D
im planning to go to shenzhen on tourist visa. and then i was thinking to get a business visa in HK. but since everybody is saying that in Hk is very hard to get a business visa, or even to extend L visa, i was wondering would it be possible to get my business visa in guangzhou*(i would be staying in shenzhen)? if yes, can you please name the agency or the place where you got it. and how much did it cost.
thank you in advance and sorry for my english.
if anyone else knows beside JO, please feel free to comment.
Kristina talk with FBT (mentioned in the post) they can get you a business VISA.
SBORTO, THANK YOU VERY MUCH ON YOUR FAST RESPONSE.
it is not possible for me to get a working visa, first because i come from Montenegro, and obviously i am not a native speaker. and second, my ba degree does not have to do with english at all. that is why i am looking for other options.
I wanted to inform you what I found out (I hope they are not lying), the business visas will not be issued in the next 14 days (minimum), because of the ongoing goverment session about visas, and they are waiting for the answer what will be the conditions to obtaing the business visa.
somehow im not finding anything in this post that says FBT (mentioned in the post)!
could you please be more specific. i might have gone blind and confused from reading 100 blogs daily about china and chinese visas lol.
thank you in advance
sorryyyy. i found it. foreverbrigh travel. thak you
Hi,
I have been accepted into Nottingham University Ningbo China, however they have a non refundable deposit fee of 10,000 which I have to pay in order to be issued a JW202 form for X1 Visa. I would like to know what are the chances of getting a student visa for China for a Pakistani national?, considering we have good ties with China in terms of trade etc….My only concern is If the visa gets rejected I will lose a lot of money.
Hi Aga,
generally speaking, if you have the original letter of invitation and you are able to pass the medical examination, you shall be fine. Then I’m not from Pakistan so I don’t know much about your specific situation
Hello. Ur thread has been really helpful. I am an American on tourist visa and recently found a job who wi be giving me a z visa. However I have a few questions. 1st. Is it possible to apply in Hk? I read another post that said it is possible if your company specifies that it will be applied in Hk? Or maybe if I use an agent?
2nd. Is it possible to send my documents abroad while staying in Hk as i don’t want to book the ticket during peak travel seasons.
If u have any information that would help, it would be appreciated greatly. Thanks a lot
Dontè.
1. Sometimes it’s possible to apply in Hong Kong. However it depends on many factors such as who is hiring you, where they are hiring you (regulations in Shanghai may be different than regulations in Beijing) and what is your nationality
2. What kind of documents you want to send? I don’t understand this question
hello everyone.
I’m applying a business F visa in my country (i hold an Indonesian Passport). I have the invitation letter with the complete details of the company such as address, signature, name, financial cover etc. When i went to the Visa Center, they found it pretty rare to apply for this type of visa so they require another documents :
1. Invitation Letter in Chinese Language
2. A scan of Inviter’s ID (shenfenzheng)
3. China Company Business License (they ask for the real one to be sent by post and a scan of it while waiting the mail delivered)
4. A letter from local company which i work for.
I told china company to provide these docs and he said this case is rare too bc he has never experience this, like they usually just provide invitation letter. Anyway i managed to provide those docs except Business License bc china company refused to give me that and its impossible to send the actual license by post. Then visa center tell me they can’t grant me the visa if i can’t provide the license and they said my type of visa is supposed to be M visa not F visa because i’m going for business purpose. I tried to explain to them that i can’t provide the license and my purpose of visit is not for trading, but they’re so hard to deal with. They give me another time to provide the complete documents, until now they’re still waiting for me. There’s hope though.
Does anybody ever experience this case? What kind of documents usually need to provide when applying F visa except invitation letter?
also, as you said it is possible to apply visa in HK, would it be easier if i go to HK and apply from there?
Any suggestion would be much appreciated. :)
Hi, why can’t you just apply for a M visa? It’s so common and usually there are no problems…
Is it possible to renew my student visa by having a friend take my passport to the psb or hire a visa service company, even though I am out of China?
You can’t renew an X visa. You can only renew your resident permit, as far as I know.
I’m not sure if it’s possible without being physically in China. I never heard of anybody doing this and I don’t think it’s allowed.
yes i meant the residence permit from the student visa. ive never heard of it either, but i havent been able to find anything that says its not possible.
How far in advance can you extend your Z visa/residence permit? Mine runs out in May but I’m planning on leaving China for 3 months from the beginning of March, whilst I am on maternity leave. My visa would have run out before I will get back.
Do you know if it is possible to either a. extend my Z visa before I leave China in March, b. somehow do it from the UK? or even c. FedEx my passport back to my office in China in early May so they can do they extension for me :/
Be great if you could help me find a solution to this problem!
Thanks
Hi Narelle,
I’m afraid you can’t do so: you can’t renew it before it expires (well, maybe 2 days before, but certainly not 2 months) and you can’t let it expires or you’ll need to start over again. The only solution is to be in China around the period of expiration
Hi
I will be traveling to Tibet, Kathmandu and Bhutan via Chengdu as a tourist. I know on the China visa application not to mention Tibet. Should I just say staying Chengdu overnight than flying to Kathmandu? What kind of documentation might the consulate ask for? I am US citizen.
Hi Susan,
if you want to travel to Tibet you need an agency. See: http://www.saporedicina.com/english/tibet-tours-and-everest-base-camp-tours/
You shall ask this question to the agency that you’ll choose
I have an agent and will ask the question. I was wondering if anyone have had any experience so we know what to expect.
Hi, I am from India and my age is 39. One of a agent advised me to go to China through Study Visa and learn Chinese for 1 year. And told me that I can work there during my studies. Can anybody tell me whether I can get part time or full time job over there and how many hrs a day. Being a fresher/I don’t know chinese how much money normally I can earn in a month?
Hi,
if you get a X1 student VISA (1 year) you can legally work part-time as long as the University gives you the permit. I have no idea of your skills so I can’t tell you how much money you can make! It really depends on the job
Thanks a lot buddy for your valuable reply :)
One more question i really want to ask if you please help!
agent tole me that after spending 6 month I can get some business visa from China to Australia easily. As I have already made a try from India(PR) but didn’t get success ! . 1 of my friend is in Australia..and want me to be there with him!
Hi, I dont know about Australian VISA.
Hi, I already discussed you earlier. Need more help please!
Actually, I have got a study visa from india to china for language course-chines.
Consultant told me to go there and while language studies I can do the part time.
As I am HR professional and have around 4-6 yrs of experience in HR/Admin but in India.
So, could you please tell me what kind of job I can get in China while study.
As I am coming there for 1 year Chines course in SINGYANG.
Please guide me would it be a good step for me. As I want to settle down in China only, later.
Rgds
Balbir
Nobody can tell you “what job you can get”. Just look for job offers and send your CV to the one you are interested on.
The type of part time job you can get while studying depend on the university or school you are studying.
Dear Furio,
I am supposed to go for an internship to China. I was told that it is quite common, that interns apply for visa F or M. First, I got a job by AIESEC and I was supposed to work in Langfang (close to Beijing) in a 5* hotel. There was a problem that the HR couldnt manage me an Invitation letter of duly authorized unit. The police told her its too long for business (6 months).
Now I am applying for internship in Shenzhen, also a 5* hotel. Do you think there might be the same problem? I am from the Czech republic and 2 of my friends are already interns in China with visa F and M. We have quite good relations, I would say, with China. I only need to know if you think there will be further problems or if the regulations are not going to be so strict, due to international enviroment of Shenzhen.
Thank you for your answer!
Aneta
Hello Aneta,
I can’t reply to this question as they decide case by case
Dear Furio,
Do you happen to know how much money a Chinese employer must pay the Chinese government in order to get the “Working Permit from the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, P.R.C.” that I will send in when/if I apply for my Z visa so I can legally work in the country?
My reason for asking: last week I received the Working Permit (and my invitation letter) from China. However, due to an unexpected family situation I might not be able to go. I want to offer to reimburse my tentative employer, who is also a close personal friend, for at least part of his expenses if things do not work out.
Hi there, I have no idea!
Hello:
Advice for a Colombian national having trouble renewing a year-long M visa to work in China.
Seems Hong Kong isn’t issuing visas past 30, 90 days.
Is it true it’s easier to go outside of the country (say Cambodia) and apply at a Chinese consulate there rather than in Hong Kong
?
Hello,
I think Hong Kong it’s your best bet. Call/Email Forever Bright Travel Agency and see what they say to you
Dear Furio,
Is it true that there has been some policy changes since March 2015 about visas to China? Because I need the Invitation letter of duly authorized unit to apply for visa F/M, but my HR told me that the new policy says that only company can apply for this letter, not individuals.
Is that so?
And if yes, what do you think I should do? Im about to have an internship but I apply for visa without dully invitation letter.
Thanks
Hi Anet,
I don’t think this is a new policy; as far as I know it has always be this way: if you want a business VISA, a company shall invite you!
Really? Maybe I wrote it wrong.. I meant that I should be employeed in a company and that the chinese company has to invite the company in my country, not me as an individual.. Is it still the same?
I think it should be, right??
Thank you so much for your answer!
Yes, this could be possible. You shall call the Chinese consular office in your country to see what they accept
I am a British citizen living in China. I don’t work at the moment and so am included on my husband’s Z-visa. In August I will start work and so need to get my own work permit (Z-visa). Do I have to go to the UK to apply for this or can I make this change in China?
Hello Susan,
the law states that you have to go back to UK. However, we heard of many people that were able to get their Z VISA in Hong Kong. It seems that the way they managed to do so was to have a Letter of Invitation that clearly states that they would apply in Hong Kong.
However, be aware that there are no guarantee that you’ll also be able to get a Z VISA in HK. The safest way is to go back to UK
Hi all,
I am currently staying in China with M visa /coordinating some issues with the local office of our company – not paid / employed by the local office/, my visas are valid for 30 days only, I need to stay in Shanghai for 2 more months – local police refused to extend my visas. I am wondering, is going to Hong Kong and requesting the Travel visa the solution? Or what would you suggest? exp. is in 2 weeks.
appreciate your help !
Tami
Hi,
going to Hong Kong and requesting an M or L visa could work, but it’s not sure you’ll get it. My advice is to get an invitation letter form your company and ask for an M visa.
Hi, I have business M visa already but due to some changes I will not be able to go to China within the dates given. If the visa is not used will it affect me next time when I apply for china visa?
I don’t know!
Hi, I’m hoping you can answer my question. I have a temporary residence permit ending on June 29, but I want to stay until July 7. What is the best way to do that?
Head to Hong Kong and get a tourist VISA!
Ciao Furio , in gennaio 2015 sono stato assunto da una compagnia cinese, io avevo già il mio visto z con scadenza a fine dicembre 2015.
loro senza dirmi niente mi hanno cancellato il vecchio visto e ora e 4 mesi che mi propinano scuse di ogni genere per non fornirmi il nuovo.
io voglio rassegnare le mie dimissioni ma come posso fare a sistemare il visto? loro sono obbligati a rifarmene uno nuovo oppure no?
Grazie
Simone
Ciao,
in teoria sono loro a rischiare di più se ti fanno lavorare senza visto Z… però anche tu stai rischiando quindi io eviterei un’azione legale. Dimissioni OK, però se vuoi stare in Cina prima dovresti trovarti un altro lavoro!
Hello
I wanted to ask a question I had tuberculosis 7 years ago and now i am totally cured, havnt had it ever since. I wanted to confirm will china give me a temperary residance as a student in china if I apply. Please let me know?
Thank you
Hello,
I can’t answer to this question. It will be up to the doctor that check your chest x-ray to decide!
I would like know, is it possible to get a z visa without degree,if the company willing to provide necessary documents. Or can I get it with a diploma which is done through distance education(not fake) . What options I have? Please help me with it, I have a good job offer in a manufacturing company in their foreign trade department.
Hello, I guess a degree is a degree, even if it’s done through distance education! So it may be possible to get the Z visa. You shall discuss the details with the company that wants to hire you, they are the ones that will have to prepare all the documents for your visa!
Hi, I want to travel from Beijing to Delhi via Tibet and Nepal. Several websites state you should not mention travelling to tibet/lhasa, however I will only have a flight ticket into China and will not be able show an exit route.
Any guidance welcome. Thank you
A possible way to solve the problem is to buy a flight ticket Shanghai-Hong Kong (which shall cost around 50-70 USD). Some agencies also allow you to book the flight and then delete the booking.
Dear sir
I over stayed my L visa over 1 year (367 days) in China. In 2014 December I turned myself into police, and they put me 40 days in detention ( will never forget those days) . When I got out I had 7 days visa with remark : permitted to stay until 25th Jan (other) and 停留(stay) on the top, close to the headline in bracket .and the police escort me to airport directly. I don’t have any other remarks or deportation stamps in my passport . Now I want to go back to China and my friend can provide me z visa and can work in his company . But I’m afraid I might get rejected from getting z visa because of that bad record in China, there is no excuse for what I have done. If anyone has experience or know a solutions for this please tell me. Thank you so much.
Hello,
I’m sorry but I have no experience with it neither. You may try and see if they give the VISA to you!
hi, i am sheraz.
i am a student of medical in china, i am from Pakistan , i came back in January 2015 from china and my visa expired in march but i didnt go back so i called my university and they sending me visa now. so i want to know that now i have to do the same process like the first time i did for visa. like have to do medical test. bcz i heared that till 6 months we can apply for visa without medical test. so guide me that is important to do medical test again or not?
Hello,
ask to your university. This depends on your specific situation; there is not general rule
Can I go to university or get admission in China if I have hepatitis C carrier
I don’t think so, but check with the Chinese Embassy in your country
I was wondering if anyone knows about obtaining a Chinese visa while living as a temporary resident in another country.
I am American, and I have received a Chinese visa in the past- from an embassy in America.
I now live in Japan on a student visa and have my own temporary residence card. If I am to apply for a Chinese visa here, will it be a problem, since I am not Japanese?
In theory, you shall apply in US. In practice, many people were able to apply successfully in another country. However, the letter of invitation must specify that you intend to apply for the Chinese VISA in Japan
Hi! I applied for L visa and was granted 10 year multiple entry M visa… weird… is there any problem with entering with an M visa for a tourist visit?
In theory M is for business, but I don’t think they will check that.
Hi. I want learn kung fu in a temple in china. What i must do for get long time visa for stay there?
You should get a student visa provided by the kung-fu school.
Hi,
I’m French, working for a French company that will detach me to China for at least 12 months to manage engineers detached from my company, to interface with a Chinese fabrication yard for a construction contract between them and my company.
My company shall obtain a as visa for me.
I have a French 2 year degree in Physics, that I completed with bachelor-level courses (validated by certificates). So technically, not holding a 3 year degree.
I must also say I have a 14 year uninterrupted carrier, and hold currently a management position in my Company.
Question is: is there a possibility China refuses my Z visa because of the degree or will the need and/or my experience prevail ?
Note that I’m not “stealing” a position from a Chinese person since I’ll go back to France once fabrication is finished and that this position is supplementary (and again, only for the time of the fabrication).
Plus: I’ll be paid in € in France on my French bank account by my Fremch Company.
Thanks a lot for your explanations.
I don’t think Chinese VISA officials will know your French degree lasted 2 years instead of 3. This would require a ton of research and I doubt they ever run such a controls. So, I don’t see this as a problem, especially if you have 14 years of experience.
I do have another question for you: Does your French company has a branch in China? I ask because only a chinese entity can sponsor a working VISA for you.
Thanks for your feedback.
I’ve requested the chamber of commerce also and all they can say is that the z visa being linked to the work permit, it has no link with protecting Chinese people employment or not, and that they (of course) cannot say what my experience and/or the willingness of my company could bring.
As of today, it would rather be a NO from them on the basis that a rule is a rule.
My company already sent around 100 people with z visa in China (meaning they settled the scheme necessary to have foreign people work in China), but I have no idea if such a case already occurred, so I’m a bit lost. Quite, actually.
I could ask my company directly on their experience / feeling about all this but somehow I wonder if I’d better not leave them launch the process to gain more weight in the battle SHOULD this impediment occur.
Hi Furio,
I’m currently applying for a Chinese tourist visa in London.
I will be in China for 26 days and have booked the flights and 30% of itinerary for this. However I will then travel elsewhere before stopping in Singapore for 3 months (on their tourist visa), whilst I am based there I would like to potentially return to China, but I have no specific plans booked yet to do so.
Can I apply for a double-entry visa without details of the the second entry booked?
(I don’t want to miss an opportunity to go back to China whilst I’m in Asia but at the same time don’t want to jeopardise my chances of getting my visa)
I read your great article about getting visa in HK, but if I can get a double-entry here in the UK I’d rather do that if possible.
Many Thanks
Hello, I never heard that you need specific plans for your second entry. I’d definitely apply for a 2 entry VISA and see if I can get it.
Thanks Furio,
I’ll try for a double entry visa then. Do you know of people who’ve been successful for double without details of second trip?
I’m just slightly concerned about it being declined and not having enough time to get a single entry. (I guess I could always try re-route to HK to get one last minute if problems)
Thanks again
Yes, it’s quite normal. Just remember to book hotels for the 30% of the whole period. So, if you are applying for a 60 days double entry L visa, book hotels for 20 days.
Hi Furio,
Thanks again, just an updated question…
So my wife and I tried to apply for Double Entry 60 Day Tourist Visa in London. She is going out beforehand for a 3 week Mandarin course in Yangshuo, then I plan on coming out when she’s finished and travelling around together for a month. We bought all our flights (London – KL – Guilin | Chengdu – KL London) and reserved all our accommodation.
We both work in television production, which I thought might be awkward… at our appointment the visa centre in London said because we work in media we would only be granted a Single Entry 30 Day Tourist Visa! So we didn’t submit our application as although it’d be okay for me it wouldn’t for my wife – after her language course she would only have a couple days left on her visa.
We probably can’t go back to the visa centre here again with a different job title in the application and try again. I just wondered what our options are?
– I thought maybe we could both get the Single Entry 30 Day Visa, and my wife could do a visa run to Hong Kong after her language course and get a new visa? I could fly in to Hong Kong and and we travel to China from there. Would she likely be granted another Single Entry 30 Day Visa having just left China?
– We could try and pay an agency/ visa service here to process it with different job titles for us for the Double Entry 60 Day Tourist Visa again and avoid going to the actual visa centre?
I’m not sure what other option we might have, or if you could help in any way.
Thanks again
Hello,
I can’t answer to these questions: Visa in Hong Kong may be granted or not, you can’t be sure. I’d probably try with an agency in UK myself and see if I can get a 2 entry visa right away
Many Thanks
I think that is what we’ll try.
Cheers
Hi, I would like to get some info about visa extension. I came with L visa then I extended it twice. I brought my unmarried certificate along with me in order to get married with my fiance, later on I sent my unmarried certificate to embassy in order to be notarized but they said I had some problem with my certificate and asked to do it all over again and what took almost two month n this is what made me extend my visa twice. Now finally I got my unmarried certificate what I sent to embassy for notarization but embassy asked for 7 to 10 working days for notarization but my visa will be finished within next 5days. In this condition, without going back to my country, is there any way to extend my visa? someone told me to go to a laywer and ask to appeal to court but is it going to work? Pls if anyone knows about it without going back.
Why don’t you try to get a new visa in Hong Kong? This could be simpler than get a lawyer
I tried for HK visa, Agent asked for my bank account in China what I don’t have. I tried it n it didn’t work. I would be kind if u can suggest me if there is a any way to extend it without going back。If you know any laywer or any other way except going back, I would be thankful for it.
Hello,
we don’t know any lawyer. We can’t help with it.
Thanks for some really usefull information!
I have just one question:
Is it possible in any way to get at Tourist visa double entry to China without an exit ticket? I´m from Sweden by the way if it makes any difference.
I´m going to backpack and don´t want to set to many dates and bookings.
Have a great day!
Yes, with the right agency is certainly possible. I think what they do is just to book a flight for you, get the visa and then cancel the flight.
Hello,
My brother-in-law is taking my children, ages 13 and 16, all are US citizens, to China. Can they they get the L visa at Hong Kong airport? Do my children need other documents to apply, ie, birth cert., my and my wife’s documents etc? Thank you in advance.
Hi Paul if your children are traveling to Hong Kong only they can get the Hong Kong Visa upon-arrival probably only with a authorization letter from you (it’s better if you give them a copy of the birth certificate and both parents passport). If they are going to China Mainland it’s better they get the L visa in your country.
Hello,
I have just finished a contract and after 3 years I would like to switch my visa to a tourist visa and travel a little bit before I figure out what to do next.This has been very helpful but l am scared that I will be denied.
I have several questions.
First one- is it possible to do this in Shanghai. If not, I understand I will have to go to Hong Kong and do this.
I have been in China for 3 years and I would like to get the 10 year visa ( I have an American passport). This way I can go in and out of China. I am not sure what I will be doing in the future.
Do you think I might come into some issues because I have stayed for such a long time. I do not have a plane ticket leaving China. Should I get one?
Any additional information would be great!
Jacque
Hello Jacque,
if you had a regular resident permit and you were working in China, I don’t think you’ll have any issue. Yes, the easiest way is to apply for the VISA in HK
hello. I;m form the UK and I will be doing some trekking and mountaineering in china for 3-4 months in the coming weeks. just wondering why the China consulate in London gave me a three month single entry visa and required to leave the country every 30 days???!! surely that does not make sense!!! Nonetheless I think it is too much of a hassle to leave every month, so considering not leaving….only until just before my visa expires. Has anyone does this before? If so what happened when you left China before the expiry date?
urgent reply and help much appreciated thx guys.
Hi,
cause this is how longterm tourist visa work. You are considering not leaving? Overstaying your VISA for 2 months? Reconsider it. If you overstay your visa they will may you pay a fine for every day of overstay. If you overstay too long, they put you on jail.
hi furio. i meant if they give me a three month single entry visa, I’ll stay for 3 months without leaving. They can’t surely put me jail if I stay within 3 months for what i paid for. I have no intention of staying over 3 months , should be ok right?
No, it’s not right at all! If your visa states you shall go out every 30 days, then you must go out every 30 days. This is what you are paying for.
Also, I got a single entry visa, so if I leave the freakin country after 30 days then my 3 month visa is useless. Furio, can you explain wtf is going on?
Three months single entry visa means: U have to enter in China within mentioned three month, Once u steped inside China, ur visa will be valied for 30days only unless u extend it from Exit and Entry Bureau.( for example… your visa issued on 01 June 2015 and its valied until 01st September. so it is three months, it means u ust enter in China between 1st June to 01 september. for example after u getting this visa u entered in China on 11th June.. it means u can stay in China 30days only from 11th June the day u enter. if u want to stay more than 30days then u must go to Exit and Entry Bureau to extend your visa). hope it makes u understand.
I suspect the same: probably what you really got is a 30 days VISA and 90 days is just the expiration date!
Hmmm how this is possible?
Can you send a photo of your visa to me (furio at saporedicina dot com)?. You can delete your name + VISA number for privacy purpose if you want; I just need to see the VISA general info in order to advice further.
Hello, I’m jamaican and I’ve been accepted by a medical University in China….the school is in the process of sorting out the JW202 visa to send to me, however I’m concerned about the difficulty of the visa being approved…. Can you shed some light on this please???
If you get all the right documents from the school you shall have no problems : )
Okay, thank you for your response :))
Hi
We need an official invitation letter visa to apply for our visiting visa for business, we are from Nigeria,and we are coming in group, so kindly let us know your prices for each person.and how long will it take you to apply and get it the Official Invitation Letter visa for us?
Best regard
Mr Imoh
We’re not a VISA agency!
Hi I have obtained X1 visa and its validity is from 18th may till 18th August and my university registration will start on 30th August. My question is I am planing to travel on 15th of August very close to expiry of my visa from Pakistan so will I face any problems on the airports or I am ok to travel I am a bit curious so that’s why asking this question thanks in advance if you can answer it
Hello, you shall enter China before 18 August or your VISA will expire! I don’t think that entering the 15 or 17 August is a problem
No problem, the validity of your visa correspond the time you have to enter to China.
Hi! I need to exit China to start a fresh 30 days on my multiple entry business visa. Do both Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau count as leaving China? Is there a minimum amount of days I need to be out?
Thanks!
yes, they are all OK. You can also go in and out in the same day
Goodnight!
I have a question related to X1 Visa. I am studying in a university in China and I got and intership in a Chinese company! Part time, no during class time. However the University doesnt allow me to do that. Therefore I am thinking about changing my university. Can I change the university holding the same Visa or at least can I apply for a new one without leaving to my country?
Than you so much
Hello Elena,
your resident permit is linked to your university; so I’m afraid that if you change university you will have to change resident permit. This in some case may be done without leaving the country; however it’s not sure you’ll be able to do so.
Why they don’t allow to work part-time? It’s strange! Did you try to explain them you need the money/experience/whatever else? Often Chinese say “it’s impossible” but then, if you dig a bit harder, a solution can be found
Hi,
I’m visiting a friend in Beijing who is a U.S. Citizen who works in China. My boyfriend and I have applied for L Visa and checked the S2 box, do you think this correct since we will be staying with him?
Also, originally I typed “MYSELF” for who is paying for your trip although, I am unemployed and I’m not sure if they notice this will it be a problem? My boyfriend is the one who is actually paying for it but most of the credit cards are in my name…..If you think it will be a problem what other documents will I have to provide?
Hello Jessica,
I don’t think that they will run a credit check on you : )
As for the type of VISA, I don’t understand. Are you applying for an L or S2 VISA? S2 VISA is a short term visitor VISA, but it’s much easier to just go for a L VISA!
I’m applying for S2, we are visiting are friend (US citizen working in China) and staying at his apartment.
Another ? I forgot to check on, section 3.8 on China Visa form does not apply to me, so do I really have to put N/A in all nine boxes? Thanks again!
HI,
I got admission letter from northwestern polytechnic university, Xian and the letter told me to come between 25th of aug to 15 September but today my counselor told foreign office rejected my application for jw202and they need to apply again so today is 6th july and at least it will take one month to come so then can i apply for visa and enter china in my registration period and i got my jw202 last lear also but unfortunately i cant come there due to some problem, does it cause problem and anything else then jw202 medical certificate admission letter and sponsor letter what else the would check
Hi,
I want to find out if it is possible to change the university after getting the X visa obtained by using jw202 forms of another university?
Generally speaking, the answer is no. You would need a new resident permit.
I have z visa but left China before expired. CA I reenter w/o new visa? I plan to return before it and residency permit expirè.!I am foreign expert and husband iß on visa.
Diana it’s difficult to understand your email if you have a valid resident permit you can enter to China without any problem, but be sure that the company didn’t cancel your working permit when you left.
Hello,
I’m going to apply for the M Visa (business visa) and would like to know more about which type of organization can provide me with the invitation letter you mentioned.
I’m going to China to participate in meetings, discussions and training of a foreigner company which operates in the country. They invited me to go for this proposals and recommended me to take the M visa instead the tourism one, is that correct? Also, I’m from Brazil but I’ll be applying for the Visa here in the U.S where I’m currently living. Any other documents that might be necessary?
Looking forward for your response,
Thiago.
Hello, the organization that invited you shall provide the invitation letter!
Hi!
Great that I found your website and knew many things that I did not know earlier. I am a Chinese citizen and my husband is Austrian. We plan to go back to China but we have no idea whether he can get a z visa or not. He has a master’s degree in English literature and linguistics. And he wants to teach so much. But the point is he is not a native speaker. He never taught German before either. He applied for a teaching position in German in China and they offered him the job but no work permit. If my husband wants to do this job then he has to work under tourist visa as they can only sponsor this type of visa. This is definitely sth that we will never do. But since i read in your article that some universities can help you apply for z visa, is it ok with applicants from non English speaking countries but with professional educational degrees? What about applying for German teaching position in universities even though he has a English master’s degree? Thank you very much in advance!!!!!!!
Kind regards,
Hello Bo,
it looks difficult to get a position on a University without being a native speaker/having the right degree (although possible). It looks it easier to get the position (and thus the work permit) with a private school (maybe avoiding Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen where often being a native speaker is required). There are not fixed rules though, it’s just a matter of looking hard enough.
I suggest this long article about teaching English in China (to some extent it also applies to other languages): http://www.saporedicina.com/english/teaching-english-in-china/
I have a question for you. I studied in China for a year before. I was hired to teach English in China for next year. What I am worried about is that I did not do well my last semester at the school in China. I ended up getting in a fight with classmates at my old university and not doing well. I was wondering if this would keep me from being able to teach English in china. Do I have to have a reference from the old school to teach or does it not relate. Thank you so much.
I just wondered will they call my old school for reference or no? I can get refrences from my school in Ohio that I am a good student there.
Hi, I don’t think nobody will call your old school if you were only student there, and definitely not the embassy. I imagine that there’s no police record of this fight, if there’s a report, you might have problems.
My question is will the embassy call the old university or not?
Hi there,
I want to ask that can I do study (chinese language or other studies) in China if I hold Q1 visa after married in China ???
Thx
Yes, I dont think it’s a problem
Thank you so much for reply
I
Hi Furio,
I’m currently travelling in China on a tourist visa (L) and would like to extend my stay. I plan to visit Chengdu and apply from there, but I’ve read conflicting information about some of the details.
According to a hostel in Chengdu, it will cost 160 RMB and take 5 days: http://gogosc.com/en_8.asp
Is this still the case? I’ve seen 900 RMB / 7 days mentioned elsewhere…
Thanks,
Marko
Hi, it will depend on your nationality and, probably, on the city where you apply
Hi! I’m currently in China with Q1 visa. Is it possible for me to work here without any problems? or Do i still need to get a Z visa? if no, what’s the best thing to do instead of going back to my home country to get a z visa.
thank you
Nicole, you can’t work on a Q1 VISA. You shall get a job, then go to either your country or Hong Kong and require a Z VISA, in order to be able to work legally
Hi, I was born in China, but have American citizenship. I recently got a Q2 visa and used it to visit my family this summer in China. However, I am planning to go back to China this fall semester for study abroad, and was wondering if I could use my Q2 visa for it instead of having to apply for the X visa. I heard that you cannot hold two Chinese visas at once, so if I do apply for a student visa, I will lose my Q2 visa (which is unfortunate, because I just got it). Will I absolutely need a X visa to study in China? Will the school check that, and kick me out if they find me studying in China without a X visa? Or is there someway I can slide through with a Q2 visa?
Also, is there any chance that they’d deny me a X visa? I already have a JW202 form from a school in China. Thank you.
If I was you, I’d go for the X VISA, just in case. Not sure how studying with a Q visa may affect you. You can ask to the university!
Respected Sir
I am a graduate person and after 2 months i will get my yoga certificate. I ant to be good yoga teacher for that i am practicing ashtanga yoga from 6 years i can every pose all poses from ashtanga five series . I can do every ashtanga yoga flow i can my yoga pics and i am damn sure that will make you feel amazing. but the problem is i am of 21 so can i working visa to do work in china and my brother in law is also working in Beijing as a yoga teacher so there is any way any platform there where i can show my talent my work my hard work
Thank you
Gaurav Vashisth
Hello, I have no idea if you qualify for a Z visa. You shall ask to the Chinese Consular Office in your country
Hi,
Great job, extremely informative article! I just have one question that I can’t seem to find an answer to…
When you apply for the Z visa in your home country do they require you to do a full battery of medical tests and submit a Physical Examination form along with your Visa application form?
Yes: you’ll need a blood test, chest x-ray and ECG.
Hi,
I have a question for my wife and I. My wife have a position in Shanghai with her proper working and resident permit. I do have one job in Beijing but can work remotely. We want to be together in day to day life. Is it possible to get a resident permit together and keep my working permit ? Do I have any options to stay as much as I can in shanghai with my wife ? Or my only options are ‘quit’ my job or go and leave Shanghai every weekend which is crazy
Thanks for the help, I haven’t find any way to solve that .
In my opinion you have two options, non of the options are quite “legal”:
1) Keep your work permit and residence in Beijing, but spend most of the time in Shanghai. I think is the best option.
2) Change your working visa to a family visa associated to your wife working visa. The problem with that is that you can’t work with this visa, so if you keep working for the company in Beijing you may have problems.
Thanks so much for the info on this site! To anyone who can help, I am currently filling in my application for a Z Visa and I have a quick question about the form. I have been hired to teach English at a Chinese high school. Item 1.15 asks about current occupation and subsequent items ask about current employer info. I am technically unemployed since I resigned from my district in July (once I accepted the position in China). My employment contract in China begins September 1st. Should I put “Unemployed” or “Employed” and if I select “Employed”, should I provide the job information for my most recent USA position, or for the job in China? Any guidance provided would be greatly appreciated!
Hello Angelique, there are not such a definitive guidelines for filling out the form. If I was you, I’d definitely put my former employer, especially if you just left
Thanks for the reply. I did just that and it worked out. Picked up my visa Wednesday! I absolutely love this site. I am an English and Spanish teacher who lived in Milan for 4 years. So I feel like I belong here!
Hello Angelique,
glad we could help. Yes, you definitely belong here : )
Hi.
I entered China the 10th of July on a 30 days single entry tourist visa that I obtained in April in Hong Kong.
I applied for an extension in Kunming. It took 7 working days and will go to collect my passport tomorrow.
I’ve realised that I would like to stop in China for a while and travel at a much slower pace. But I’ve read that, contrary to the past, it’s not possible to get a second extension anymore. Do you have any information on this?
What about exiting around the end of my firs extension to a neighbouring country, overland, and apply for a new visa in the neighbouring country? Do you thing I would obtain a new visa? While in HK I met a girl that had gone to HK to get a new visa but they told her that it was difficult because she had already a Chinese visa on her passport. She was working for an NGO, though. Do you have any updated information? Or do you know how to acquire it? The official of the PSB when I applied for the extension told me that it’s not possible to get a second extension. Do you think this is standard across all of China?
Any recommendation is very much appreciated.
Thanks.
.S.
Hello Sara,
nowadays it’s difficult that you’ll get a second extension, although not impossible.
Same for getting a new visa in Hong Kong or another country. The problem is that many people use travel visa to working illegally, thus since 2013 multiple consecutive travel visa are usually denied.
furio, thinking of getting married to my GF. if i get married in china how long do i get to stay in china for a time? just really curious how it works.
reply appreciated
Hello Alan,
is your gf Chinese? If the answer is yes, then you can get a resident permit (through a Q1 visa) that you can renew every year. However you cant work with a Q Visa.
If your gf isn’t Chinese but already got a resident permit (say a working permit), then you can get an S1 visa and then a resident permit that you can renew every year. As for the Q visa, you can’t work.
We got a whole article on the topic; you find the link above, in this article
Hello!
I am a romanian citizen and have been working in Tianjin for 1 year. Previously i also worked in Shanghai.
My current residence permit expires on september 14 and the company will not extend my working contract.
They said they can just help me with another 30 days of residence permit extension but i don`t think is possible.
Could you please help me with some answers?
1 Can you tell me if is possible to get extend the residence permit with just 30 days? Or it must be minimum of 90 days?
2 If i get a tourist visa for another 30 days, can i convert it to a residence permit in Shanghai without leaving China?
3 If keep my Tianjin residence permit can i transfer to Shanghai residence permit and work permit without leaving China?
Thank you in advance!
Hello,
1. No idea
2. it’s possible, but quite difficult. The easiest way is to get a Z visa in HK andd then a resident permit.
3. Yes, if you find a company in Shanghai that sponsor your visa and helps you with all the bureaucreacy involved
hello
Please May you answer my question
I’m from Syria and I’v got m visa from my country but recently the Chinese government has made new decision thatI cannot extend this visa more than 1 months, so will change to study visa x
But the embassy wantsmedical check up from China or Syria ,unfortunately now I’m in Turkey and can’t go to Syria because of war , can I change my visa which is (m) to (x) after I arrive to China without go out. Of China again?
Thanks in advanced
Hello,
I’ve no idea as this seems related to your nationality!
Hi,
(This is a great website and has helped me lots but I have two questions!)
I am a UK citizen with UK passport, I am travelling to Beijing for 1 week, then to Tokyo for 1 week, then Hong Kong for 1 week.
Is a single entry visa ok (for China), as when I enter Hong Kong I can get a tourist visa then for that part? Or do I need a double entry?
Secondly, I quit my job in anticipation for my round-the-world holiday. I’m scared that writing unemployed could mean I don’t get a visa? Is this a risk? I have booked my accommodation and flights, and if they ask for my bank statement they’ll see theres plenty in there!
Thanks in advance
Andrew
Hello Andrew,
if you can, get a double entry VISA early on so you don’t have to lose time/money in HK. Also, is not sure you’ll get the second toursit VISA
Yes, putting unemployed is not the best…
Thanks for your reply. Ok I’ll apply for a double entry visa, and perhaps put my former employer down, especially as I only left 2 1/2 months ago. I can’t imagine they’ll call up!!
Thanks for your help
Andrew
I guys! Bit of a weird question here. I’m in China on a 60 L visa with my German passport (I had an invitation letter). I am a dual citizen and also have a Canadian passport, with which I recently found out I could get a 10 year multiple entry L visa with a duration of 60 days each time. Since my visa expires in October, I enquired with FBT as to my chances of getting that on my Canadian passport in Hong Kong. They said of course, but I need an arrival slip into Hong Kong issued to the passport I arrived with. Since I don’t want to arrive with y German passport because I wouldn’t get a Chinese visa on my Canadian one, I have this question:
Has anyone been to Hong Kong recently and can tell me if, when you exit China and after you get he exit stamp, I could enter Hong Kong afterwards my Canadian passport? If it works the way I think it might (Chinese exit officials stamp the passport holding your current visa), could I technically just show my Canadian passport to the Hong Kong officials when I’m entering?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Hello Claudia,
I don’t know if it’s possible, I got no experience with double passport.
Are you arriving by plane to Hong Kong? If yes, at the customs they won’t probably mind whether you are arriving from China, Canada or any other country, so I don’t think that a Canadian passport without Chinese VISA would be a red flag.
However, if you are crossing the board by foot in Shenzhen, it would be weird that you don’t have any Chinese stamps (in this case they know you’re arriving from China). In this case it could still work, if you explain you have 2 passports…
Again, mine are just suppositions, I have zero practical experieince with this problem
The tip with the flying in as opposed to overland is great, Furio, I hadn’t thought of that! Thank you!! I’m also going to ask the Canadian embassy here in Beijing on Tuesday and see what they say.
: )
Do you also happen to know if you need to present documents that you have enough money on your bank account to stay in HK without working AND a return ticket out of HK when we arrive at HK immigration at the airport? That is what HK Immigration just emailed me….:/ do they even ask for that?
Hello, this article is about VISAs for China, not Hong Kong!
Sorry for the typos, my tablet hates me. That was supposed to read *60 day L visa
Addendum to my post: I would be arriving by way of Guangzhou or Shenzhen, overland, so I would not be flying into Hong Kong, I would probably take the bus or train.
hey,
i am trying to extend my L visa the day it expires. is there any way they will do this? or will i have to leave to hong kong and come back?
thanks
You can try to extend your VISA, please read this section of the article above: http://www.saporedicina.com/english/chinese-visa-application/#chinese-visa-8
iam an american citizen going to lebanon to visit my wife. can i apply for tourist visa from there to china?they say on the internet its possible becuas ei get a free visa on arrival in lebanon for 1 month and they siad i showed show this as supporting document. is it fine becuase its going to be stamped on my passprt the visa on arrival in lebanon so it shows iam legally there :)
I am 61 year old Canadian female ESL teacher with degree and job offer and signed contract in Emeishan City due to start Sept 7 however still awaiting ‘papers’ from China to apply for my work visa. Have forwarded my criminal record check and medical and school tells me ‘no worries’ just takes times to process the forms… any idea how long the process takes on the Chinese side? I have rearranged my flight once already and again have to change it as I don’t yet have my Z visa.
Any idea how long the process is on the Chinese side? Just a little frustrated! Thanks.
Hello Mary,
I’m afraid it’s impossible for us to forecast how long it will take. You must ask to your school
Hi!
I was hired by Marriott hotel in Shenzhen China. i have my contract signed already.
and i am currently working here now in Dubai in one of Marriott hotels so basically it will be a transfer process.
they have applied for my working permit online and they told me it got rejected?
any thing else we can do ? for me to get all req from and china and apply Z visa here in Dubai?
Hello,
you may have be rejected for so many reasons. Also, the situation is not clear. What application was rejected? The one for the certificate of foreign expert? In this case maybe the Chinese don’t consider you an “expert” for that specific position.
i have already a tourist L visa ,, n i want to come and study in china for long term , so how can i come and change my L visa to student visa in china? can u please help me?
You get a job, then you get all the docs for getting a Z VISA in Hong Kong or in your country, then you get your new VISA, come back to China, start to work and transform the VISA in resident permit within 30 days!
Hi,
I’m originally from Syria, residing temporarily in the US for 2 years now.
My wife is Chinese along with my two kids are living around Shanghai in China.
After a long struggle in the USA to get a status with no results, I have decided to rejoin my family in China, but I wanna do it the safer way so I won’t be separated again from them.
Since I can’t return safely to Syria due to the unrest, I asked my brother who’s still there to get for me a Q1 Visa to China, I got the required invitation letter from my wife along with the marriage certificate and all the other required papers and I mailed them to my brother, and after a long struggle they got me Q2 instead with single entry and 6 months stay.
Can I change that later in China when it’s going to expire to Q1 WITHOUT going back to my home country? Since going back is not an option for me right now, it’s too risky.
I want to be able to settle down with my family in China with minimal trouble and risks, what are my options here?
PS: My entry limit for my Q2 visa is gonna expire end of this month.
Thanks a lot!
Yes you can change from Q2 to Q1 VISA, as they are the same category, you can’t change from Q2 to Z VISA in China. Anyway, in China you cannot be 100% sure.
Hi
Is it necessarily to submit a medical report for applying for 6months Student visa.
I want to present the documents in Hong Kong.
In principle, it shall only be necessary for resident permits
Hello,
I am a little confused about the documents my boyfriend needs for us to get married here in the philippines. I have applied for a L visa twice but both got denied. We are running out of options and we were thinking that maybe we could get married here in the philippines and that might work. We are just not sure what documents he needs to present or bring. Some of the websites we’ve checked said he has to get his parents marriage certificate before he can get a Single Status Certificate. Please can anyone help us.
Thank you.
Hello, I have no idea of how things work on Philippines!
Last Year I got the Chinese Visa with this way. Thanks everybody.
How do get a 10 year multi entry business visa for a U.S. citizen from the PRC embassy in Jakarta. I am currently living in Indonesia. Please kindly give the information regarding this multi entry business visa for staying in Indonesia.
Hello, ask to the Chinese consular office over there (although I’m not sure it’s possible for you to get it outside US)
Hi,is it possible to get a chinese visa a week to the canton fair?and what are the likely questions to be asked at the interview…thanks
Yes, it’s possible. Not sure why you need an interview?
I am offered a professional engineer job to wok with an Oil & Gas company. I will be going soon to china on M visa and then later coming back to Pakistan for applying Z Visa. I am Hepatitis B Carrier but liver function is fine. Hepatitis B virus is dormant. My question is, could it be a hurdle in getting M Visa then Z Visa and then any issue while requesting them to convert Z Visa to resident visa.
Thanks in advance
Yes, it could be a problem but we don’t know for sure.
My friend has got job offer from one of the chinese companies in Shangai and soon he will be going to chinese embassy, New Delhi for visa process. I want to know what type of questions they will ask in embassy interview and whether it is easy to get work visa (z) if we have all documents correctly?
We dont know what questions they can ask you in New Delhi!
02 Entry “Business Visit” F visa with no more relationship with Inviting Company, but wish to stay until Visa expires before getting Z visa.
Is it okay to stay until Visa expires?
Can original Inviting Company cancel visa?
I think they can tell to the authorities that your presence is not longer needed. You shall ask them!
Hi,
My husband has just taken a job in China and his employer has advised me to apply for an S1 visa so i can live in China with him. I am Australian, and will be applying for the S1 visa here. The requirements are passport, application form and passport photo, Invitation letter from my husband, a copy of my husbands passport and residence permit… as well as our marriage certificate. A few websites have stated that the Marriage Certificate needs to be ‘notarized’ or ‘authenticated’ by a Chinese notary here in Australia. Is this true ?? And will i need that later down the line like when i am applying for my residence permit once in China ? I want to know if the ‘original marriage certificate’ is enough or if i have to get something special done with it ??
Also, my husbands employer has said i will need a valid medical check and a non criminal background check. Can you advise if this is true, and who i would need to give this to, as in Australia, i dont need either of those things to apply for the S1 visa.
Also, if my husband and i wish to stay indefinitely as his job is indefinite, if they grant me a residence permit for 1 year, what happens at the end of this time, do i need to return to Australia and redo this entire process once every 12 months as that seems ridiculous to me ??
Thank you so much for your time!!
Hello,
yes, you need to authenticate your marriage certificate.
Yes, medical check and non criminal background are usually required as you will be requiring a resident permit, after you get an S1 visa.
No, you won’t need to go back to Australia after a year. However, you’ll need to renew your resident permit at the PSB. This is perfectly normal, your husband will have to renew his resident permit yearly too. the only difference is that he has a “work resident permit” while you aren’t allowed to work (unless you get a Z visa and then a working resident permit yourself)
Hi. I’ve been offered a teaching job in China. I’m a US citizen living in Thailand and have a Thailand work visa (which expires in 13 days). They told me I must process visa in home country US which I’m reluctant to do. I was under impression that having a work visa in a “third” country allows me to bypass having to hit home country on way to China but school doesn’t seem to know. Minutes ago they suggested maybe a F or M visa would allow me to skip US but that appears risky. 1) Is F or M visa advisable? 2) Does having a work visa (albeit for 13 more days) in third country allow me to bypass home country? Any and all help greatly appreciated- thanks!
Hi
1) Avoid F and M visa, is illegal to work with those visas and the controls of the government to English teachers are frequent.
2) Being resident (you have a work contract) you can apply the visa in Thailand.
Hey! I am currently working in China, teaching university students, and got my working visa last year. However, many people around me are talking about job hunters and agencies that are hiring foreign teachers with a business visa and the promise that they will take care of everything. Any comment or experience about cases like the mentioned above, please?
Yeah, we are aware of these agencies. However, this practice is illegal and we can’t recommend it!
Be aware that working under a business visa is illegal and you risk a substantial fine and deportation. Also note that teachers are commonly target of Chinese inspectors. The big problem of these companies is that they are not allowed to hire foreign workers.
Why do you think it is easier to get a Chinese Business visa in Hong Kong than in Bangkok? I heard it is easier to get it in Bangkok.
Because it’s the feedback we have from thousand of people!
Hi,
I’m wondering if it’s possible to be able to get a Z visa without the 2 years experience. I’m 25, in the U.K and hold a TEFL but lack the working element ( actually have teaching experience in Beijing but whilst on the wrong Visa).
Do you think i’d stand a chance of it being processed?
Thanks
Yes, you do got a chance. However it’s not sure that you’ll get the Certificate of Foreign Expert. If your school can get the document, then the Visa itself shall not be a problem (you need the certificate to apply for the visa)
Im currently studying in China and have the study residence permit (from an X1 visa). I have been offered an internship in Shanghai for this coming Sumner, however my currently residence permit will expire two weeks into the six week internship. I’m pretty sure working (even as an unpaid intern?) on the study residence permit is illegal, and since it will run out I will definitely need a new visa. My questions are:
– should I just apply to extend my current residence permit, is this even possible?
– if I need the F visa, can I apply for this within China?
– will I need to go to HK to apply for the F visa?
– would you recommend any other options? Ideally I’d prefer not to have to go to HK/ spend too much money
– I am also considering studying Chinese at a language school in Shanghai in the evenings during my internship, would it be easier to apply to extend my study residence permit/ apply for an X2 visa based on this?
Hi Kate, internships are tricky in China, the visa law approved last year suppressed the F visa for internships (because many people used to work illegally), at the present moment most of the companies get agreement with universities to offer a student visa for interns, and some of them F visas.
1) If you want to get an F visa the only way is going to Hong Kong or to your country.
2) Your company should help you with that
3) If you study Chinese in the evenings you may get a extension of your X2 visa without living the country, but you’ll need to study at least 20h per week.
Hi,
I wish to apply to a language school in Qingdao to study for six months but they are unable to provide the JW202 form that now seems to be a requirement to get an X2 student visa in the UK. Has anyone obtained an X2 recently without a JW202 form. If so which VAC did you use? Please help urgently!
David the JW202 have been always necessary to get a student visa in UK and in any other country, I suggest you to find an other school that is serious enough to be able to provide this document.
Hi,
I am an Australian citizen with a M visa, i have just 1 week remaining so I have to physically leave China to get a new M visa. Everbright in HK told me they are not able to promise success with M visa, said I will need to go to Malaysia as its my safest option, I have also contacted other agencies and they all say Malaysia is my best option.
My question is: they request a fee of 9’000rmb, even though I still need to travel to Malasia. Everbright said they can handle it for that, also another agency had a similar fee, why should I use these agencies as I can go to the Malaysia office myself and the cost is around 500RMB? Do these agencies have more success that if I handle it myself?
You can certainly go by yourself. Agencies just make your life easier, however this has a cost!
hi
i am greek by origin and holder of an ordinary greek passport. can i grant a visa to main land china,s from hongkong?
Yes, it’s possible, although, as usual, not 100% sure
I’ve got an awesome job offer in China. I need to do a full medical. I am healthy (NO HEALTH PROBLEMS) but a “little bit” overweight. Will they still give me my work visa?
Yes, I dont think that being overwheight is a reason to deny a visa. they usually deny visas to people that have aids, hepatities and other similar diseases
Hi!!
I am currently living in China (my husband is working in Shanghai). I am looking to start working part time. Do I need to have a job secured before applying for a Z visa? Thank you.
Hello Kathryn,
yes, you need a job offer before you can apply for the Z Visa as is the company that will hire you that shall apply for the Foreign Expert Certificate
i have a question. Currently I am studying in China and have been offered a job with a foreign company. I would like to accept this as it gives me a chance to get real work experience.
My problem is that I do not have a Bachelor’s degree. Is that absolutely necessary to apply? I do have some previous experience for the position I’m being offered. Also is necessary that I go back to my country for the Z Visa or can that be done in China?
Hello,
if they can get you a Foreign Expert Certificate without the Bachelor, that would be enough. However, I’m not sure the company can get that for you.
Often it’s necessary to apply in your country; sometimes it’s possible to do in Hong Kong. You shall discuss with the company that wants to hire you. They are responsible to get all the documents
I have question . But what visa should i apply to visit my girlfriend in Guanzhou , China .I never traveled before, so if anyone can show me step by step on what I need to do. Thanks in advance
An L visa shall be OK. The step-by-step guide is the article.
I am from the United States and have an opportunity to work for my same company in China. I graduated college with a bachelor’s 10 months ago and only have 9 months experience with my current company. I know they’ll be able to answer this question but didn’t know if you would be able to answer sooner. I have heard that you need 2 years experience and be 2 years out of undergrad to get your Z visa. Is this correct? The office is in Shanghai. Thank you.
Hello Michael, if the company is yours (ie. you have a WFOE in China), then I dont think you need the 2 years of experience.
More in general, what we found from the feedback that we receive, the 2 years of experience are more a guidelines than a fixed rule
Hello. i am Iranian and i work at a university in china and have Z visa. one of my friend who is from US and used to work in china before wants to come here and visit me. could you tell me how can send an invitation letter to her for getting her tourist visa?
All the details are on the article
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Hello there and Thanks (in advance) for your help.
I am an American Expat retired in Thailand and have been offered a job at a university in China. I have not been to the USA in over 8 years. I have 2 questions please.
!: Which would be best for me to get my Zvisa? Getting it while I’m in China on a Business or Tourist Visa. Getting it in Hong Kong. or Getting it in Thailand
My next question is about the Police record check? I have read this is not a requirement in many places in China but also, that more places are asking for it.
I have also read that this is supposed to be from the place you reside? If so, would a police record check from Thailand be accepted because I am retired here and have been here for 6 years?
If not and one is needed from the USA, does it have to be from the FBI or can if be from a state or local police in the USA?
If I go to China for work and didn’t obtain the police record check in advance
(because the school said I didn’t need one). Would the China police require that for my work permit?
I have received many conflicting bits of information regarding all of this and I really need to know exactly what to do so I can take this job without any problems?
Hi Rich
1) If you have a resident permit in Thailand you can apply there if not you should go back to US
2) About the Police Record if the employer don’t ask it you won’t need it, this requirement is to get the Z visa not the resident permit.
Hello there in adance, I’m Cambodian, I would like to apply Shanghai Visa to visit my friend.
But now right I’m visiting Thailand arround one month. Can you apply for Visa to there in Thailand. If can what document I need, please let me know thanks
It’s unlikely that you can apply in Thailand, you should apply in Camboya.
Ciao furio, ti posso chiedere se sai quanto tempo ci vuole per estendere un visto di lavoro in Cina ( abito a Shanghai) e se nel mentre e` possibile viaggiare all`estero ( forse con un foglio rilasciato dalla polizia ??)
Sino a 7 giorni lavorativi, dipende dalla città! No, non penso proprio sia possibile viaggiare all’estero senza passaporto!
Thanks for sharing this informative blog. it seems very helpful.
Thank you so much sir for your vivid explanations on some complicating issues about china visa.
May i ask this,i just came back from china with an “M” visa.I was charged hail by my agents in Nigeria to secure this and it was my first time of being in china . A legitimately registered company that i had a business dealing with has finally accepted to offer me with a letter of invitation.
1.IS THERE ANY CHANCE OF ME BEEN TURNED DOWN?
2.CAN I BE GIVEN VISA CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT I JUST CAME BACK FIVE DAYS AGO
3.HOW DO I TELL THE COMPANY TO PRESENT THE INVITATION SO I CAN BE OFFERED A YEAR VISA TO ENABLE ME HAVE AN EFFECTIVE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS.
THANKS.
hello,
1. Yes, there is always this chance. It’s never sure that you will get your visa
2. I dont think this is a big issue, as long as you have a valid letter of invitation
3. I dont think you can get 1 year, it seems a bit too long
Hello,
I am from the Netherlands and I will finish my Master’s Degree in Business Administration this June. Starting from September, I am planning do to an (unpaid) internship for around 6 months (the specific time frame is not yet set in stone) in Shanghai at an international company that is headquartered in the Netherlands.
Now I have run into some problems with what kind of visa I need for the internship. I have doing a lot of research on the Internet and it seems that currently there is no specific visa for internships in China. Also the company in Shanghai that I want to join is not certain what we can do. I could really use your help and suggestions!
From the information I have found there are basically two options for me:
– Go with the Z-visa (work visa). When I contacted the Chinese Visa Bureau in the Netherlands, the woman advised me to apply for a Z-visa. However, this can be a problem for me. Following the employment license regulations of the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, (see under Legal Basis, bullet point 3): , the applicant needs to “have professional skills, proper academic background required for the job of the intended employment and more than two-years relevant work experience”. Since I will graduate in June and I am only 21, I will not have the required two-years “relevant” work experience. Now, I spoke with somebody of my age (thus he also didn’t have the two-years relevant work experience) and the said that he successfully applied for the Z-visa but that he has a “foreign expert certificate”. According to the Shanghai Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs (see and then ‘3. requirements’ bullet point (5) it applies to “outstanding specialist” in for example economics. I have been on an advisory board of another big Dutch multinational so we could be able to argue that this is the case. Well the interesting thing is that the work experience is not necessary for specialist in economics (thus bullet point (5)), see the end of ‘3. requirement’. Do you have any experience with interns who went to China with a foreign expert certificate? Do you think this would work?
– Go with the M-visa (business visa). According to what I found, the M-visa applies in case of “working short-term in branches, subsidiaries and representative offices”. Since the company is headquartered in the Netherlands, another option would be that they hire me here in the Netherlands and that I will be invited to China by the company’s subsidiary in Shanghai. Of course, the invitation letter should not mention that I am invited as an intern. The problem with this visa is that I don’t know for how long I will be able to stay in China. Is it still possible to apply for a 90-days multiple entry M-visa that can be extended? If so, how should I extent the M-visa? And also, what do you know about interns who went to China on a M-visa?
Thanks in advance!
Hello Jan,
I think the correct visa in this case is the Z visa. As for the “2 years of work experience”, is quite relative in the sense that we heard from a lot of readers that, as your friend, got the Z visa without the experience. The idea we got is that they will evaluate and decide case by case.
As for the M visa, if you are paid in The Netherlands by the Dutch company, it could be legal, although borderline. In this case, the duration will be decided by the Chinese Consular Office and it’s pretty difficult to forecast what kind of duration you’ll get.
Yes, it’s possible to extend an M visa, however in this case too a forecast is not possible
Hi Furio!
I have a similar issue.
I am Italian, I have graduated in the UK in June 2015 (studied my whole degree there, 4 years). I am 25 though, thus I have worked before and after my degree and got references that proves it. (I also give the employer the 2 main references).
I got offered a job as marketing manager due to my vast experience. My employer started the application but he said that there might be an issue as sometimes the government only considers “work experience” whatever has been done after the degree. So now, we’re both waiting anxiously. Apparently they will take 2 weeks to give him whatever he needs and an update!
Do you think they will reject ? In that case, we will have to find another solution, maybe a business visa (M) as in the long term the employer would like me to become a partner of the company, so he could say I am going for “business” purposes as well. Do I have any chances to get the Z visa though?
Ciao Valentina,
I think you got a chance, but it’s not sure that you’ll get the Expert Certificate necessary for the Visa. I can’t give you a definitive answer as the law is quite vague and they decide case by case.
Note that, if the Chinese company pays you (especially if it pays you in China), then working under an M visa could be illegal
Good morning. I have got a job in China and the company are in the process of getting the documents for me to get a Z Visa. Do I apply for my wife’s S visa at the same time as my Z visa or does she have to be included on my Z visa in order to travel out with me?
Best regards,
Hello,
according to what we know, your wife can apply at the same time: http://www.saporedicina.com/english/chinese-visitor-visa/
However, I suggest you to get in touch with the CVASC or the Chinese consular office in your country to make sure this is the case
That’s great. I’ll check with them. Thank you. Great work on the site/guide.
I heard the new law states all teachers outside of China must have their degree notarized. I was teaching for 5 years and took a break to visit family back in Canada. Is it true my degree must be notarized now before they can apply for an invitation letter and then I must take the letter and notarized degree to Chinese embassy here in Canada to get the z visa?
If this is true is it province to province that it changes or nation wide?
canadianthailand@yahoo.com
Hello Mark, we are not updated on this detail. Where did you hear this? If you have a source, we will go ahead to verify this fast; if not, it may need to wait the next update of this article!
I am applying for an L visa for this summer. I traveled to China in 2009 but that was with my old passport. Do I need to photocopy my old China visa and submit with my application even though it’s not in my current passport?
Hi Julie, you can provide them if you want but there’s no need
Hello
I am a french Sofware engineer and i want to telecommute from China less than half a year i order to stay with my (chinese) wife when she is working in China ( she works in China and in France)
My stays will consists of multiples stays from 3 to 6 months. I will always stay more than 6 months a year in France, in order for me to stay a French Resident, and so i will pay taxes in France.
My work consist of the following :
– Programm software on my computer for my franch company
– Meet clients ( potentially in china)
– Give courses to trainee ( Potentially in China)
– No plan to hire any chinese people (yet)
Do I need a working visa (Z) to do that ?
Could a Familly Visa ( Q/S ) work ?
Or Even a Business/Affair visa (M/F) ?
Will I be sure that the chinese governement will not ask me or my compnay for taxes ? is there anything (legal document, chinese gov website ) that could help me proving that to my company ( thet do not want to take any risks ).
Thank you very much for any help.
Hello Mathieu,
this is extremely tricky as, if you are in China with Q/S visa, you can’t technically work from China. In another hand, you can’t get a Z visa if you work for a French company that has no interest in China. Also, if you get a Z visa, you shall pay taxes in China.
The M/F visa looks difficult because, as for what I understand, you wont be doing any business in China, just staying there because your wife is there.
Bottom line: I suggest you to speak with a tax advisor that has experience with Chinese tax laws
greeting,
I have a question on the visa application with regard to gay couples. I am a Chinese citizen, and my husband, a U.S. citizen. he is going (with me) to visit my family in China this August.Therefore, right now he needs to apply for a visa to China.
now, we are uncertain about:
1- in the tourist L visa application they ask if you travel with someone else, relatio ship… can we openly say we are a married gay couple without being discriminated?or better to say we are just friends? (it is not a lie, above all, we are the BEST FRIENDS EVER)
2 – which type of visa we SHOULD we apply: the tourist visa (L) , the Q1 Visa or the Q2 Visa. Any suggestion is appreciated.
Hello,
1. Honestly I dont think they would discriminate you for this. However I can’t be 100% sure as I have no direct experience on this matter
2. If you’re going to stay in China for a short period, definitely L visa. Q visa is for people that want to move to China and are married with a Chinese person
Hi,
We will ask for the L, we want to stay only for a couple of weeks.
Thanks a lot.
Best, S.
I ended up using govisas.co.uk and it saved me a lot of time since you don’t have to book an appointment with the Chinese embassy. Another good thing is that they deal with the paperwork which saves you the headache.
Hi,
I want to know if I can work while I’m studying in china
If you have an X1 visa you can ask to your school to allow you to work part-time. If they agree, then it’s fine. If they don’t agree, then you cant work legally in China under an X1 visa.
I dont think you can work under an X2 visa
Am a graduate of English language from Nigeria,how do i apply for a teaching job in China,please?can u link me up with schools that can sponsor me to china,please?thank you
Hello,
please read this
Hi,
This article is extremely helpful, so thank you!
I have a situation which I need clarification on and you seem to be in the know.
I am a British citizen, currently living and working in Hong Kong. (fully legal, work visa, HKID and everything.) I was working legally in China on a z-visa from 2014-2015 before coming to HK. I will now be moving back to the mainland.
I have a job lined up in Beijing and am in the process of applying for a work visa. My company has applied for the permit to hire me and I have until it arrives to prepare the documents I need to apply for the z-visa at the consulate here in Hong Kong. There are 2 potential problems in terms of the criminal record check and the medical check.
1. Do I NEED to have a medical check done before I apply for the visa? Is it possible to have the check done after I arrive in China?
I have read differing advice on this, the general consensus being that that I can do the check after I have arrived in China. Is this true?
2. If I need to do the medical check in advance, can I do it in Hong Kong? Or do I need to return to my home country (UK) to have the medical check done there?
There are no hospitals in the UK which specialise in medical checks for Chinese visa applications and when I applied for my last Chinese Z-visa (2014) nobody knew what I was talking about when I asked for a health check with the required tests. In the end I asked my doctor to fill in the blanks and he just went through ticking boxes. Inevitably I had to have the test re-done in China.
3. If I can do it in Hong Kong, where?
There are no approved hospitals or medical facilities listed by the Chinese govt. and I fear I will encounter the same problem I faced in the UK.
4. Regarding the CRC, Does it NEED to be from my home country?
My Hong Kong SCRC is still valid and allows me to be employed in Hong Kong. Can I use this document in place of a Basic Disclosure from the UK?
I would appreciate any help that you can give!
Thank you,
Grant
Hello Grant,
1. General consensus doesn’t work very well when applying for a Chinese visa as there are too many variables. I had to do the medical check before applying, for instance. What I suggest you to do is to go to the Consular Office in Hong Kong and ask explicitely if you need to do the medical check BEFORE and AFTER or only AFTER you get the VISA and enter China.
2. There are no “approved hospitals for Chinese VISA medical check”. Any hospital will do as long you get tested for STD, get a chest x-ray to avoid TBC risks and an ECG (these at least are the tests I did). Then your medical in HK shall sign the form attesting that you don’t have STD, TBC etc. Note that, as said, there is no “standard” way to do this. I still suggest you to contact the Consular Office so that you don’t do all that tests for nothing.
3. Yes, I think you can’t skip the medical tests in China as these are not for the VISA, they are for the resident permit and, once you are in China, you do have to do them in specific hospitals approved by the government (ask your company for guidance).
4. I have no direct experience with the Criminal record from another country. I assume that the one from UK shall be fine as you live in HK. However, again, please contact the Consular Office.
Ps. I would love to hear back from you once you get the VISA to learn more about the procedure in Hong Kong. It would be an extremely valuable experience for our readers
Cheers
F
Hi,can you Please give me a website i can use to apply for a teaching job in china?am a graduate of English language,very fluent and competent in oral/phonetics.thanks
You shall find a school. There is not such a website!
Hi,
I want to do my internship in China in hotel industry for 6 month. I am from Indonesia. Do you know what type of visa I should process? And what should I prepare for processing the visa?
Thankyou
Hi, if the Chinese pay you, it shall be a Z visa. Conversely, it could also be an F visa. For internships it’s always tricky to understand what visa is the best
Thankyou for your reply.
Yes is a paid-working
So there is chance for me to get the visa right? Because in some website I read that need 2 years working experience to get working visa in China. And the internship period is 6 month.
May I know what the embassy need for processing the visa?
Hello,
there is a chance but it’s not a given at all. I mean, the fact that they want to pay you doesn’t mean that they will be able to provide a working visa. You must talk with the company
Dear Furio
This article is really helpful. So thank you very much
I am from Sri Lanka and have a question like this,
My wife is doing her PhD in Wuhan. she has awarded a full scholarship. when her first visit i also accompany with her. they issued me a S1 visa for 30 days. but i returned within one week and now planning to go back and stay with her for next three years.
Her university already offered me an invitation letter. but my concern is if they issue me a S1 visa can i extend it from there. and after been there, i’m planning to find a job in china. I have 15 years working experience in an international company in Sri lanka. if I find a job can I apply for a Working visa from there.
Thanks
Prabath
You can, but it’s not sure you will get it there. It’s possible that you will have to go to Hong Kong or Sri Lanka, to get the Z visa
Thanks for the update Furio…
Hi Furio,
Your article has been very helpful. This is the latest update on Chinese Visas, all over the web! Thanks a lot.
I have a question (though it has probably been addressed several times) i would like some specific details.
My husband got a job in shenzhen. We are Indian citizens living in Singapore and now venturing to China. They have offered him a Z visa and an S1 for me. He is a Roboticist and I am a Software Engineer, we both have 3 years of work experience.
1. Is it possible for me to find a job there with no mandarin background?
(I am really excited to learn it though)
2. Is it possible to convert this spousal visa to a work permit? Does it require me to cancel my S1 and go to my home country?
3. Do we have any Recruitment firms in Shenzhen which could guide us?
Thanks a lot!
Hello Prathyusha,
1. Yes, it’s certainly possible
2. Yes, converting an S1 visa on a working permit is possible sometimes. However it’s not sure, it really comes down to your specific situation and to how efficient is the company that will hire you. The worst case scenario is that you have to go back to India to apply for a Z visa and then convert it into a resident permit.
3. No, unfortunately I don’t have any specific suggestions on this
Hello, I wondered if someone could help me. I am currently applying for a Chinese Visa from Canada. I will enter Beijing and then travel to Hong Kong. My return flight to Canada leaves from Hong Kong but I have a stop over in Beijing of 2 hours.
Do I need multiple entry or can I use the 24 hour transit visa in Beijing on my return home?
Do I need to tell them I will be back in Beijing at the end of my trip on my visa application or will they see I am just transiting through on my flight details?
Thank you very much.
Hello Nicola. If your flight back is Hong Kong -> Canada with a 2 hours stop in Beijing, in principle you don’t need another visa. However, I recommend that you ask for a confirmation to your flight company
Hi Furio,
Yes we leave Hong Kong land in Beijing at 11:40am and fly out to Vancouver at 13:00pm.
I have to show the flight details when I apply for the visa and it says connection time 1h20m. But just to confirm you think I should ask for a letter that says it is just a connection flight from Air China? That’s a good idea, I will contact them. Thanks
This may be a really isolated case, but If you are applying in Bangkok for a Z visa and an S visa for your trailing spouse, then you need to have not only your original marriage certificate, but also a copy authenticated by the Canadian Consulate FIRST and then the Thai Foreign Affairs office. The original Canadian one and a normal photocopy apparently will not do. Spent an entire day running all over BKK to do this. Nowhere does it say this is a requirement. And we had a working permit and letter of invitation for myself and my husband issued from Beijing already that accompanied our application. Absolutely gobsmacked at this ‘regulation’.
Hello Lynne,
yes, the regulation may change if you apply on another country. That’s why is usually “easier” to apply in your own country.
Hello, at the moment I am on M-type visa that expires on this 18th July, I am working for a company as an intern unpaid, only they are providing accommodation and utility bills. I got this M-type for 30 days from India. And now I would like to extend for maximum time possible. As the company wants me for 6 months on a project. I want to know which type of visa should I now apply for? For how many days? Or should i have to with M-type extension? and for how much time? Also, I am working in Zhuhai, Can I apply from zhuhai, or I have to apply from hongkong or do I have to go back to India?
I think the best solution is to go to Hong Kong.
i have applied for L visa and undergo appointment in the Chinese consulate in my area. everything went smoothly and i went home. ( applied for L visa trough agency with invitation letter done by them) paid some amount of money. today 5 days exactly before my trip went to the agency to pick up my passport with the visa, yes they glued the visa. and NO,,theres a huge CANCELLED stamp on my visa. what the hell happened . can i just go to the consulate again tomorrow to re apply..or should i flip them off and never visit china for my whole life. ( for your info my trip is to enter china trough mongolia by local train. im starting my journey on this 10th of july. and now i feel like punching an elephant .
Hi there,
sorry to hear that. I’d call / visti the Chinese Consular to understand why they cancelled your visa
Hi Furio Fu,
I am from India and applying for M visa with multiple entry valid for 6 months, but I never travelled to china.
We are planning to buy furniture from an agent(trader) in several shipments and he provided the invitation.
Visa service agent said that, Consulate don’t issue M visa with multiple entry for the people never travelled before. Is this true?
Thanks,
Durga
Yes, it’s possible
Hi
Just an inquiry I have applied for my Z Visa to teach in China, and on the application it says do you have a criminal record? Will that effect my application if I say no? As I do over 10 years ago which was a traffic offense?
Please let me know.
Thanks-Naz
Hello,
by the law you shall report it unless it has been amended (10 years seems like a long time). I’m not sure if a traffic offense can affect your application, it looks rather small
Hi
Furio fu,
I’m from Africa i want to live in china because all my family members both friends are into business no way to buy goods from China except if one of us are living in china which will help our business grow, which type of visa should I apply? that will contain one year to stay
A business visa I guess
Hi,
If I apply for a Z visa with multiple entries for one year, do you think it will lessen my chances of getting the visa itself… is it more likely it will be given if I don’t apply for multiple entry or doesn’t matter?
Hello,
you can’t apply for a “multiple entry Z visa”. The Z visa always has 1 entry and, once you enter China with it, you have 30 days to transform it on a resident permit (which is multiple entries).
If you don’t get a resident permit within 30 days or exit China before getting the resident permit, the Z visa expires.
Great, thanks for clearing that up.
Also do you know if its possible to get a tourist visa again after you’ve already obtained 1 plus and extension in the past. Do you know what the policy is there.
Thanks
Alex
The policy is not clear: we only know that if you get too many in the same period, they will not issue tourist visa anymore for you
Hello Furio Fu,
I would like to visit China in exploring import/export opportunities between China and India. Which Visa is suitable to me? I would like to visit 3-4 times to know more opportunities. I’ve a friend in China who can assist me during my stay.
Regards,
Veer
Business (M) visa
Love this website and found all the comments and replies to be so useful. Have been in China working legally on a Z visa for more than 3 years. I was offered a new job but within a different industry than my current employer, but the new job is relevant to my previous working experience and also to my current working experience. I was told by one visa agency that it’s not possible for foreigners to switch employers within China if they are in different industries despite having relevant experience. The agent was quick to say this though and later said it’s possible if we pay extra. Seems like a total scam to me because I know plenty of people who have successfully changed industries, and if you apply from your home country for a fresh Z visa without showing your old alien employment permit, then all you need is two years of relevant experience. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing regarding not being able to change industries even if you have relevant experience and the nature of the job is very similar? I would think that whoever processes visas focuses on content of the CV as compared to the new company. I don’t feel comfortable changing employers having heard this and possibly ending up without a visa at all and having to leave China and find a way to get back. Advice?
Hi Laura,
it’s certainly possible. There are two ways to do so:
1. Get a new foreign expert certificate, applying for a new Z visa in your country and then get a new resident permit (basically what you did the first time)
2. Switch to a new resident permit directly in China. This will still require help from your new employer, even more that the previous way because, altough we did hear of people that were able to successfully pull this off, it’s not the “usual” way to do
Sir,
I am Mrs. Jeeva Jothi Kumaravel from India. I am in china for last four months. I came here as dependent visa of S1 type. Now I got the Post doctoral position in Beijing. So I need to change the VISA S1 to VISA Z type. Is it possible to change visa from china or else have go back to India to change my dependent visa(visa type S1) to working visa (visa type Z)
Ask to your employer!
I have a question about my particular Visa situation. I will be speaking at an academic conference in Wuhan in October and my husband and I (both US citizens) are planning to do some traveling beforehand. I need a plane ticket to/from China to be reimbursed by work BUT to avoid the mess of Golden Week travelers we’re planning to arrive in Shanghai and then immediately fly out to Vietnam for a few days. After the Golden Week is over we’ll fly back to China for some typical tourist travel, attend my conference and then fly from Wuhan back to the US. (Traveling after the conference is impossible due to my husband’s work schedule.) My questions – Is it possible to use a 72 hour Visa free stay for this first arrival in China or will we need double entry visas? We would be flying into Shanghai on Delta but then out of Shanghai to Vietnam on a different airline, I’m not sure if that complicates things or not. Alternatively, is it possible to get a double entry F Visa for me in this situation (only 1 entry is actually academic)?
Thanks for the help!
Fly from the US to Shanghai on airline #1 Oct 5, land Oct 6.
Oct 6 fly to Ho Chi Minh City on airline #2
Oct 10 fly to Xi’an, etc and do typical tourist things.
Oct 19-23 attend Conference in Wuhan
Oct 24 fly from Wuhan back to the US on airline #1.
Hello, it seems possible as you’re technically transiting through China (by going to Vietnam).
However I’m not sure that you can get the transit if you have a valid visa in your passport. I explain: the guy at the custom will see your visa and problably stamp it, unless you are able to explain you are in transit etc
Hi there
I have a tourist visa L with 20 days stay, 3 months length. My question is – Can I change the type of visa when in Shanghai, China to one with 6 months stay, because my boyfriend will be working there with a work visa and I want to stay with him for the whole period of 6 months.
You can try, but there are no guarantees as these decisions are taken by evaluating case by case
Dear Furio,
Could you please give your much valued opinion about the following? I work for a Dutch company with the HQ in the Netherlands. We are exploring the options to extend business to China. Could you make a suggestion under what visa my partner and myself can work and live in Shanghai? The first year I will be employed by the Dutch branch and if the business continues to grow we will explore the possibilities of a WFOE.
Much appreciated and keep up the good work!
Willem
Hello,
if you are paid by a Dutch company in the Netherlands, I think a business visa (M visa) shall work in your case. I suggest you to also ask an opinion to the CVASC or Chinese Consular Office where you’re applying for the visa!
Hi Furio,
thanks for your detailed advices. Do you know if I can obtain the work authorization with a VISA for family reunion?
No, you can’t.
If you want to work legally, you need a Z visa, which must then be transformed into a Residence Working Permit within 30 days
Hi Furio,
I’m an Australian wanting to apply for a tourist L visa for China, but does the letter of invitation need to be written in English, Chinese, or does it not matter? I can’t seem to find information about which language to use anywhere…
Thanks so much
Hello Bunter, English will be fine
Hello , This is Ali Saranjam I am an Iranian citizen I would like to ask how can I get a chines visa here in my country. Thanks
This message was placed on the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in the Netherlands:Urgent Notice(23AUG16）
Urgent Notice
Due to technical reasons,effective from 24 August 2016,applicants of all countries for Chinese visas are requested to make appointments beforehand online(www.visaforchina.org) and then submit the application documents in person to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in the Hague where they should at the same time be interviewed. As soon as the technical problems are solved, the normal procedures will be recovered. We regret for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
23AUG16
I have already bought an air ticket to Guangzhou on September 3rd, but the first option to make an appointment for the application is September 23rd!!
What kind of possibilities are there to get a visa in Hongkong (perhaps I can change my flight to Hongkong)
Hello Huub, you do have a good chance to get a visa in HK (although it’s not sure). For the details, you can read our article on how to get a Chinese visa in HK
Hi Furio,
Thank you for taking the time in making this blog. It’s been a huge help. I have an Argentine passport. Currently, I have a student visa that expires in the next few months. If I go to Hong Kong, or somewhere else that is not my home country, to convert my student visa into a tourist visa or business visa, is it very complicated? I know recent regulations have been more strict. Before my obtaining my student visa, I had a tourist visa. What is the process like in changing a current visa to another?
Hello,
you can go to Hong Kong and apply for a new tourist visa. You shall stand decent chances to get a new one, although it’s never sure
Hello,
My contract will end soon and so my residence permit. I’ve been staying with my wife who’s on a spouse visa. Is there any way to stay a couple extra months in China after the end of my reseidence permit by applying to another visa (L,F,…?) without getting out of China (I’m a French national and my wife holds a passport it’s difficult to come back to China with) ? Thanks
You shall talk with an agency in your city and see if they can “change” your visa. It doesn’t look that easy though
Is it possible for me to have a family member collect the china visa in the uk and mail it back to me?
I know that it’s cheeky, but can it, and has it been done before?
Yes, I think it’s possible. Ask the details to the CVASC!
According to the CVASC, it is not permitted:
But who’s to say that they have to be privvy to me not currently residing in the UK, particularly if I just submit my passport to an agency based in the UK?
Like I said before, I know that it’s cheeky but it seems as if it’s possible..
Hi, Furio Fu. I’ve read that it is required for visa Z applicants to submit and/or reveal if you have a criminal record. Is this true? This is what I got from another website regarding obtaining a visa in China: “Question 3.3 on the new China visa application form, Q-2007, specifically asks “Do you have any criminal record in China or any other country?” No distinction is made about whether that record must include a conviction or if the crime was a misdemeanor (minor crime) or a felony. Technically, for example, a charge of DUI (driving under the influence; a misdemeanor for the first offense) that was later reduced to reckless driving in which the defendant pleaded “no contest” would still constitute a criminal record.”
I have been charged with public intoxicated; however, I was not convicted of the crime and the charges were dismissed. Even though I had the charges dismissed, the arrest record and the case dismissal appears on my background check. Will this affect my chances of obtaining a work visa in China? I’ve read conflicting information regarding this topic. Some people claim that only some provinces require a background check and others don’t, but how is this true if it is not possible to enter the country with a Z visa in the first place?
Any information regarding this issue will be much appreciated. Thank you.
Hello David,
yes, information are not so clear on this topic. I think it’s true to say that some Province requires the criminal record and other don’t. You shall get in touch with your future employer (the one that sponsor you Z visa) and ask if you need that in his Province.
Hi Furio: I am a Canadian citizen living in the Philippines. I have an invitation letter to teach at a highschool in Guizhou. I am told by the school that I can fly to Hong Kong on a one way ticket to get my L visa and then travel on to Guizhou. They say I can get it right at the Chinese consulate in Hong Kong. Can you tell me if that is true? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hello Henry,
the L visa is a touristic visa; you can’t teach under that visa, it’s illegal. You need a Z visa, if you want to work legally in China
Hi,
Do you think they china will give residence permit to those HIV+. I have an offer right now though still doubt to pursue it or not.
Hi there,
I think it’s very difficult but I don’t have any direct experience so I can’t give you a clear answer on this
Hi Furio,
first of all, fantastic website, very useful.
Secondly, I have one question. My wife has a Z visa and I have a S1 visa. She decided to quit her job, but I would like to stay and convince her to get back here when I get a job. Is it possible for me to stay on S1 visa or is it a dream that will never come true.
Thank you.
N
Hi there,
I’m afraid that your S1 visa is linked to the resident permit of your wife. However you shall ask this to your Embassy / the Chinese Consular Office of your country as I’m not 100% sure
Hello helpful beings!
I am a Filipino and trying to obtain a Chinese working visa. I am already scheduled for an interview. Do you have any idea what are the possible questions and what am I going to do to pass it?
Your help will be deeply appreciated. XOXO
Thank you very much!
Hello Cherry,
not really as I never went through an interview for a Chinese VISA. However I guess they will ask you some general questions about your background and projects in China
Hello pls I need help.I’m a student in Ghana and hav gotten admission to study in China, however I was not able to apply early enough and ended up applying a week to the deadline of registration. also I did not receive the confirmation letter and am not sure if it was sent to the embassy .anyway my application was rejected but the school has agreed to send an extension letter over for me ….so i can apply again, I’d really like to prevent a rejection the second time around. …could you please tell me which of these factors wer responsible for the rejection? because apart from that my documents are flawless .thanks
Be on time and submitted all the required documentation.
Contact me for any assistance if you need,also a Ghanaian studying in china.(whatsapp:+8615566074153)
Hello,
Thanks for a helpful website. My partner and I are travelling for one year through Asia and we’re currently in Japan, heading for South Korea and then, hopefully, China. As we left home too long ago to apply for a Chinese visa there, we would now need to apply for a 30-day tourist (L) visa in either Fukuoka or Nagasaki in Japan or Seoul or Busan in Korea. We carry EU passports (Finnish and Belgian) and are currently on a 90-day landing permit in Japan (ie, we are tourists, not residents). We’ll have a similar status in South Korea.
Basically, my question is whether we can apply for a Chinese visa in Japan or South Korea? If so, can we do it directly at the consulate/embassy or do we need to use an agency? If we have to go through an agency, which one?
Bonus question: We’d ideally like to take a ferry from Incheon in Korea to Qingdao in China, exiting by rail into Hong Kong. Not flying, that is. What would you advice us to do when proving that we will enter and leave China? Book plane tickets, which are probably more common, and cancel them later? Or get actual ferry and rail bookings done early (even though ideally we’d like to do that later, to allow flexibility)?
I realize this is probably difficult to answer, but we’d be grateful for any help as we’ve hit a bit of a language wall here… We don’t speak Japanese, Korean or Chinese and we have yet to get anyone speaking much English on the phone. Online I find contradictory information and I’m uncertain what is up to date.
Thank you very much for your help in advance.
Kind regards,
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
I have no idea if the Consular Office in Korea or Japan will grant you a visa. In Hong Kong it would certainly be easier.
Yes, you shall get a flight ticket for Hong Kong.
Good luck!
F
Hello Furio, today we had a mess up in tarvel I was doing with two People (customers). In Ecuador from were we are, we don’t need a chinese visa but one of persons had happened to be from Venezuela. He never informed us and never took care of finding out if the visa was a requirement for Venezuela. He was left behind in San Francisco where the Last part of out trip to Shanghai started and today is Sunday. We were only going to be there at Shanghai until Friday, do you think he will get the visa in one Day through the Rush service you mention above.
Hello Paul, no idea. I’m not expert on visas for venezuela nationality. Sorry
I am travelling with my family to China.In the documents to be submitted should each individual member show 1.7 lakh rupees in their bank account?
You should get this information in the Chinese embassy as it’s a requirement specific for your country.
Hi, I have seen I can apply for a 10-year multiple entry Visa as a US citizen. On the visa application, it asks for supporting documents, including air travel itinerary and hotel stay. I haven’t bought airline tickets and wanted to wait until I got a visa. Is it OK to submit a visa without having purchased airline tickets with a 10-year multiple entry application, or do I need my specific trip planned out and tickets purchased before?
There are many variables to consider: what kind of visa you want, where will you apply, whether you have a letter of invitation or not etc. I suggest you to get in touch with the Chinese consular office where you plan to apply for the visa
Hello,
I’m looking for an invitation letter of duly authorized unit to obtain a business visa
Anyone can help?
Hi, you need a real business to invite you for real business reasons.
Hello,
I have been teaching in China for about 7 years with a Z Visa…my contract is due for renewal … I have heard rumblings regarding an age limit policy…is there in fact such a policy …if so what is the maximum age limit to obtain a Z Visa?..
Hello,
I suggest you to ask the details to your school
55 is the upper age limit for teachers.
Hello i am from india i have 6 months multiple entry visa , visa validity for 30 days , on 30 days which are country easy to travel from shangai ?? is their any country doesn’t required visa ?? which country is safe to travel ??
Hong Kong is the easiest, not sure if as an Indian passport holder you need a visa though.
My husband is British and is currently teaching in China. I am South African and currently work in the UAE. I would like to stay with him and was told that I need to apply for an S1 Visa. However, I have been on to the sight for the Chinese Embassy here in Abu Dhabi in the UAE and there is no mention of an S1 Visa, only a D-Visa. Could you please advise.
Thanks
Hello Chantal,
correct, you need to apply for an S visa (D visa is totally different, and extremely difficult to obtain). You can read this article for the details.
Hi am a bachelor student here in china and graduating in january 2017,however my university only gave us visa till 15 january which is too short for us to be able to do anything.I have applied for another school in beijing and got the admission,the documents are being processed but the problem now is that the program starts in march and they can only give me permit from march.now between 15th january till march i will have no visa which is a problem for me,i tried speaking to both school and they are unwilling to give me a short stay permit till march..is there anyway i can apply for a short stay(say two) permit from the immigration? or how can i go about it since i want to be here till the next program begins
Hello Marcel,
if I was you, I would go to Hong Kong and try to get a tourist visa
Hi! My daughter will be studying at a Shanghai University with her US university professor for two months (all approved). She would like to intern at the same time (does not need to be paid), but I keep seeing that she cannot apply for a permit to work with an X2 visa. Is that the current state of Chinese immigration law? Are there any exceptions? It would be for a large US company that has an office in Shanghai. Thank you for answering this!
Hello Chris,
you can’t legally work in China with an X2 visa, correct. However, are you sure that you’re working, if you aren’t pay? I can’t give a definitive answer, however I think it’s worth to ask to the school / consular office. Maybe this is legal (if you aren’t paid)
I would like to know about Work Visa Policy?
I’m 22 ,graduated 2015 March and i have 1 year 8 months experience.
the new visa regulations is strict or liberal ?
Im already having bunisess Visa M and i’m trying to convert it to Z visa.
Let me know something about this case.
Thanks in advance.
The Chinese visa laws are quite open to interpretation
Thanks for the useful info. I plan to visit China and Hong Kong this summer and I’m very excited. I hope there won’t be any troubles with visas (some unexpected things).
Good luck with your trip
Hi there
I am completing my TEFL course and was wondering with regards to getting a Z visa in China, would a 3 year national higher diploma from one of the top universities in South Africa qualify? Or does it have to be a 4 year degree?
I look forward to your feedback
If you have experience teaching English a 3 years degree might be enough, anyway if you can accept going to smaller cities the requirements are going to be less strict.
All these great postings about Visas miss one HUGE hurdle for US citizens.
Every document that’s required by an employer (diploma, teaching certificate, background check) all need to be certified authentic through a notary, then apostilled (certified for China) at each individual state they came from, and THEN taken IN PERSON to the SEPARATE consulate locations where they are then authorized (or rejected).
Do the visa agents factor in multiple consulates in their services? And, I’m against letting my passport out of my hands, so I’m leary of giving it to any visa agent ever. So, that sucks.
thank you for the comment Ana. Yes, nobody says it was easy : )
The VISA posts are written to be useful regardless your nationality. We may write a specific posts for US nationals in the future. At the moment many consulates outsource the visa management to the CVASC so no way you can avoid a visa agent
Hi Furio,
My husband (Indian Passport Holder) is working as a consultant for Huawei Shenzhen. So, he has to keep coming to China. In last 1 year, he came to China at least 5-6 times and stayed much as 14 to 30 days. He was only granted with Double Entry Business Visa.
Each time, we submit all documents including Invitation letter from Huawei.
Do you have any idea why is it so hard for them to grant a multiple one?
Cheers!
Business visa’s are getting more and more restrictive in China because the government want to avoid that people use this kind of visa’s to work illegally
Hi there, I am currently studying chinese in ningbo with an X2 visa, and i was wondering if can extend it within china for another 6 months or even 3 months, as it will save me a huge expense.also if not possible you think its possible i could do it in hong kong with no problems? its the only chinese visa i have ever had.
Hi, only your school can reply to thsi!
Hi,
I’m going to be visiting China as a tourist in a few months time. I’ve read that to get a tourist visa you need a round trip air ticket. Does this mean that I have to buy a return ticket to my departure country (e.g. fly from UK and return to UK)? Or can I buy a departure ticket to another country (e.g. fly from UK and then fly to Vietnam when leaving China)?
If only the first option is possible, is there any way around this?
Thanks for your help.
Hi there, you can fly from and to any country! The important is that you have a ticket to leave China
awesome, thanks for your help!
Hi Furio,
I am planning to visit China and have a tourist visa. My inviter is a friend and her boss who have business company in China are most likely to finance me in my tour there. He is living in USA but visiting china with a multiple entry visa to work there and supervise this friend who will be my inviter. I have a round ticket already and one hotel reservation only good for 4 days but i will be staying there with my fiance and my friend for 30 days single entry visa. Will I need to submit a bank statement of my friend who is a Chinese or the bank statement of my fiance? What do you recommend? My flight ticket is already on Febraury 21, 2017. Please advise. I need your help
Thank you.
Blessings,
Ly
I don’t understand the question, if you already have a tourist visa why you should provide more documents?
Hello Ly,
sorry but I didn’t understood the situation as you claim to already have a visa
Here how it works, in order to get the visa:
1. if a Chinese person or a foreigner with a resident permit send you a letter of invitation, you dont need an hotel (see details on the article for how to draft the letter)
2. Usually you dont need a bank statement, but if you think you may need it, just print it out and bring it with you when you apply for the visa
Hi,
I currently have a Residence Permit For Foreigners that is expiring soon (the Permit was issued in Shanghai after I came into China with a Q2 visa). I am married to a Chinese Citizen.
I am out of China right now but cannot figure out how I can renew my Residence Permit after the Permit Expires. Can I renew the Residence Permit outside of China..for example at a China embassy in the US? Or do I need to be in China? Can I travel to China on the expired Residence Permit? (I would think not..but not sure). Any guidance would be appreciated!
Best,
WH
Hi there,
1. I don’t know if you can renew a residence permit in US. You shall contact the Chinese consular Office there
2. No, I don’t think you can enter China with an expire resident permit
I want to get the 10 year tourist visa for US passports but I am in Southeast Asia. I have heard that most China consulates in SE Asia, if they give you a 10 year visa, will only give you 30 day duration of stay, not 60 days like you can get if you apply in the US. But some people have reported getting the 60 day duration with a 10 year visa in Thailand. Do you know what the facts are about this? What duration of stay do they give you in Vietnam? Or Hong Kong? Thanks if you can help.
Hi Ben,
the law doesn’t say anything about this. So, the truth is that nobody knowns. I suppose they just choose case by case. Just go/call to the Consular Office and ask
I am Sumit from bangladesh. I was admitted to an University as PhD student in Anhui,hefei,China. But working on that lab i become sick. So, i will change my major to a different university and give up my scholarship.
Do i need to apply again for X1 visa if i got the scholarship(as i have residence permit for anhui province and my new university will be in Tianjin. Can I change my Visa in Tianjin by going to PBS of Tianjin).
Please help me, i am earnestly seeking help from you.
Hi there, I’m afraid you must change your resident permit, not sure you need another visa though. Your new university in Tianjin shall guide you and provide all necessary documentation.
I’m due to go to Beijing on a L visa, but plan on applying for a Z visa as I have accepted a new job there. Do I need to leave the China (E.G. go to HK) to apply for a Z visa? Or can it be done in Beijing?
Unless this is a very special case (in which case your company shall tell you), you need to leave China in order to apply for a Z visa
Hi, I have been offered a work position in China, however from their side of things it’s been a little all over the place. In short, I now have very little time before I fly out, and I’m wondering whether a British national can apply for a z-visa from Hong Kong.
I am currently waiting for the government issued invitation letter. Can this be delivered to Hong Kong for me to apply for my visa from there? I have a non-permanent Hong Kong ID (HKID), and I have previous visas to China over the past few years in my passport.
I was told by my employer to apply for a business visa, and that we would work on a z-visa on my arrival, however from all my sources I have been told that’s not possible, and I would end up having to fly home after 90 days to repeat the application.
Personally, I don’t mind doing that, as I believe my employer would help fund the travel, but I would personally not like to go through all that stress. Do you know whether I could apply for either the Z-visa, or the F/M Visa
Thanks
Apply for those visas in Hong Kong*
Apply for a F/M visa is still possible in Hong Kong but I don’t think isn’t always possible to get a Z visa there, it’s possible that you’ll have to go back home for that. However if your HK ID is still valid you can apply for a any type of Chinese visa in Hong Kong
Hello, thanks for all the information.
Do you need a degree if you want to apply for a Z visa to teach English in China? This is a question I hear often and here is why. There are a lot of misleading information on the web and the information is usually not up to date, for example, China is on the list of top 6 countries to teach English in without a degree. I figured out this is far from the truth. So my Question to you is, are there any websites you can give me the links to, other than this current one, that states that you need a degree to teach in China or maybe a link to the new policies for Foreigners teaching in China. I’ve also learned that now you need to get your Degree stamped ( verified ) by Chinese embassy before sending it to your employers in China for them to apply for your work permit and invitation letter which you need to then apply for your Z visa. Any information and links you have on this will be greatly appreciated
If you or anyone can provide me with updated websites with factual information I can put it on my blog for future or current English teachers to read and spread the news.
Thanks for your time
Hello Chantell,
China is more complex than that. Officially, I do think you need a degree. And this rule is enforced in many cities. However, in second / third tiers cities, we heard of many people that were able to get the Z visa also without degree.
Basically, if the school is able to secure you a Foreign Certificate Expert, you will get the visa
Hello Furio,
I am currently in China on a 30 day Business M Visa in Shanghai, and I have to stay here for another month and a bit in order to finish my Business trip. So I would like to get a 2 or 3 month extension
Can I try to get an extension at the local exit-entry bureau in Shanghai?
Leaving the country for just one more month of visa seems very expensive and not worth it.
Thank you for your answer.
Yes, you can try. Although it’s not sure you will get the extension!
Okay thank you, so I’ll try to go for a 30 day extension. And it just depends on the goodwill of the employee at the bureau? Also, when I apply exactly 7 days before my current visa runs out, and the procedure of the bureau takes around 8 days, will the start date of the new visa be the pickup date of the new visa? Or will the 30 days start on the day that I apply for an extension?
Hi,
not only on the “goodwill”, also on the documentation you provide, including the reason for the extension, and the number and kind of your past Chinese visa.
I’m not sure when the renewal period will start, I think from the day in which they grant you the permit
Hi,
I currently have 6 Chinese visas: 3 student, 1 tourist + extension and an F which issued between 2013-2015. I’ve now bought a return ticket to go back to China see friends/ travel to different places and wonder if I will find it complicated to get another tourist visa. I have a British passport and will be applying to the London embassy.
What are your thoughts here… is this going to be difficult you think?
Thanks.
Hi there,
it’s difficult to assess as they decide case by case. However if your visa are from 2013-2015 it shall not be an issue. Usually the problems arise when you have too many visas in the same year!
Hi thanks for all the wisdom you being sharing. I wanted to know how long does it take local government to process an invitation letter in China?
Hi Lawrence,
I don’t understand your question. The invitation letter is issued by the inviting person / business. So, the goverment doesn’t have to process. Once you get the letter from who is inviting you, you can apply for the visa.
The visa application process may take up to 4 working days
Hi, Furio,
Firstly thank you for making this wonderful site. My question is: I currently hold a residence permit for purposes of work in Beijing. This residence permit expires June 30 as well as my current work contract which I have the residents work permit through. I don’t intend to renew my contract with my current company or any company at the present time. Instead I would like to get a Q1 visa since I am married to a Chinese citizen Who has Hukou in Beijing. My question is where do I go in Beijing to apply for the Q1 visa is it the public service bureau near Yonhegong or somewhere else . Additionally do I have to provide some proof of financial resources in addition to the other documents listed in the application process . thank you for your time sir .
Hi Matthew,
sorry I don’t know these details are for the visa Q1 they are different in each province. I suggest you to ask this to the consular office of your country in beijing
Hi sir,
I wanted to stay in China for 6days. As stated above that i need to have a bank statement to prove that i am able to fund my stay in China. I just wonder if how much to I must have in my account so they will approve my visa application. Thank you!
The prove is only needed in some countries, just ask to your closest Chinese embassy
Hi! I recently got a visitor (L) visa valid for 9 years, I didn’t read anything about this long-term multiple-entry visa on saporedicina, and wanted to share my experience for others.
I’m Canadian, and this LTME type of L visa is a bilateral agreement between Canada and China since Feb 2015, so I don’t know if any other countries’ citizens have this option. I found out about it on the travelchinaguide – Chinese Embassy in Canada webpage, https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/canada.htm
I first went on an exchange trip to Chengdu, Sichuan a couple years ago (between my university and SWUFE). The schools gave me all the special documents I needed. I just graduated (BA, unspecialized), and want to go back ASAP. I met my girlfriend (from Gansu) there, she still lives in Chengdu.
So I applied for an L visa with the forms on the Toronto CVASC website, along with a short invitation letter from her (basically saying only that I could financially support myself but she would support me if I needed, pretty sure it was a standard letter she copied from somewhere). They wanted a photocopy of my previous visa, usual ID (BC and DL), and a photocopy of her residence permit (my first attempt at submitting, I thought “Chinese ID” meant her hukou, but they refused that). I stated I wanted a short visit now and to visit at least once per year during Spring Festival, and that I am unemployed (quit my PT school job before applying, bad idea, took about 7 weeks total). 2 weeks to schedule an appointment x3 for not having the right paperwork twice, only 5 days to process/pick-up the actual visa!
I thought the process was extremely easy, I didn’t have to book any flights beforehand or answer any questions other than the standard form, or provide any proof of finances or education. The visa is valid 9 years (as long as my passport, rounded down) with 60 day visits. In my ‘trip itinerary’ I only stated Chengdu with my gf’s address.
Hello Yahnny,
thank you for sharing your experience : )
These agreement at the moment are fairly rare; so far I’m only aware on Canada and US – US citizens can get a 10 years L visa (and we mention this in the article).
Dear Furio, hope you are well.
Since the 17th April 2017, In France where i live actually, the process to get a Z visa seems to became very hard.( translation and certification of diploma etc.. At the French ministry of foreign affair in Paris)
In 2014 I get my Z visa in Hong kong to work in Shenyang, was quiet easy at that time.
Do you think it is still easy ? I will have official invitation letter to do a Z Visa from Hong Kong.
Thanks
I don’t know Frederic, we can’t keep track of all countries, unfortunately. We only talk for what we experimented in person or for what people share here in the comments
Hi Furio,
My husband and I live in New Zealand (although I have an Australian passport).
We are both currently out of the country and not near a Chinese embassy or consulate. We arrive in Hong Kong on the 15th May. Our tickets to Beijing are booked for 21st – 24th May and Shanghai 24th – open and depart Beijing 29th May. Our hotels are also confirmed. Is there anywhere in Hong Kong that we would be able to organise tourist visa’s. You mentioned Forever Bright a few years ago? Kind regards Annabel
Hello Annabel, we still recommend Forever Bright, in Hong Kong
Hi
I have a son applied for English teaching post in January 2017. he had his degree,matriculation certificate and police clearance all authenticated and certified by the Chinese Embassy all done by Feb 2017.- it’s now May and still he has not got his work permit visa- the agency says that he has a post already but with the new system with the visa’s it’s been delayed. I was made to understand that the new system is going to improve the visa application -but not for so long. they now sent him another application form with a barcode. would you be able to tell me how long more does this process take.They told us to wait until 12 May 2017.How will I know if this process is being done?
Hi there, this doesn’t sound normal.
No, we aren’t able to tell you how long it will take on your specific case, as it depends on too many factors
Thanks for your response- we got an answer from China requesting him to renew his police Clearance now- yet it’s not his fault that they took so long!!! it’s costing us unnecessary costs because to get a police clearance we have to go to another province. I would like to know if we need to authenticate and certify the police clearance again with the Chinese Embassy.
Hi there,
we can’t reply to these: the requirements change from city to city, and often also depending on who is applying etc. I suggest that you contact the Chinese Embassy
Hi there, I’ll try and explain this so it’s not overly confusing haha.
Starting a rtw backpacking trip. Booked flight from Australia to Beijing already. Plan to stay there for a week, then head on into Mongolia for 3-4 weeks taking the budget bus/train option . I also plan on getting my Mongolian Visa in Beijing,as it will save me about $150.
After 3-4 weeks in Mongolia I head back into china via train/bus. Then want to travel inland and all the way down to Hong Kong 2 weeks later,where I have booked a flight already to go to the Philippines.
Therefore,I need to apply for a double entry China Visa back here. However I won’t have a Mongolian Visa until i get to Beijing,so will they give me a double entry visa if I just show Mongolian accommodation bookings? I also won’t have any booked flights in and out of Mongolia as I will take the bus/train which is a lot cheaper. Also is a flight leaving from Hong Kong to the Philippines enough to show onward travel?
So I guess I have 2-3 queries there on whether I will receive a double entry visa…
Thanks
Ben
Hello Ben,
in order to get a tourist visa (either single or double entry) you’ll need to show:
1. Travel Itinerary in China, including hotel booking for all nights you spend in China
2. Tickets that prove you can leave China in the days indicated by your itinerary
I don’t think you need to show any info about Mongolia.
Hello,
If you re x2 visa holder,do ı have to register with the police station after I arrive to Chine within 24 hours? Because when ı arrive first,I wont be in the same city where my x2 issues for a while.The registering with local police in another city than where visa is belong to ,would be problem?And 2. question, as I know x2 visa doesn’t need a residence permit since already written 180 days on the visa ,is this true?3.question;Will I do physical examination when I arrive to China.if no res. permit given,I don’t think so but want to know clearly.
Thanks in advance
Hello,
1. Unless you stay in a hotel / school dorm, you always need to register yourself at the PSB (local police office)
2. Usually for short term visa, a physical examination is not required. However, in these cases, we always advice to contact the school / organization that sponsored your visa. They shall know the requirements
Hello,
Thanks for answer,but maybe my question wasn’t that clear sorry.My x2 visa will be from X ctiy and I will not register myself at the local police station in the x city but the z city.Would it be problem and would they follow it for any reason?,
Thanks
I think you shall register in the city where you shall study, however I don’t know if they allow exceptions if you are just staying for short term in a different city. I advice you to talk with the consular office or CVASC where you got the visa
Hi!
I was offered a position teaching English in Foshan, and have a quick question about the z-visa requirements. My work experience is as a part-time library desk clerk. I have had this position for 4 years (September 2013 – August 2017), and worked during my studies (graduated June 2017). Since most of my work experience is not post graduation, will this disqualify my application?
Thanks for your help!
Hello Gen,
generally speaking, I’m afraid the answer is “yes”
However, in China they are often flexible. Talk with the company that wants to hire you and see what they say / how they can help
Hey Furio
Wanted your two cents. I’ve accepted a role in Shanghai, and am in the process of applying for my z visa
A question on work experience: On my proof of employment, it was reflected that I took up an internship and got converted to perm between Feb 15 to April 17 – which gives me 2 years and 2 months of continuous full time experience.
However, I graduated in June 15, and got my job before I officially graduated. Do you think this will be a point of contention? Technically if you start counting only from my graduation, I would have 1 year 10 months experience.
Hi there,
it’s difficult to assess. What I can say is that Chinese are quite flexible usually
Hi Furio
Thanks for the reply! At least I can feel somewhat good now… You’ve a really great blog with v helpful and relevant content. As someone who is seeking for information, thank you for these!
N
Hi N,
I think you should be fine.
Had a similar situation as you, I have more than 9 years of work experience but only finished my undergrad studies in 2015. When I applied for the visa I theoretically would have had only 1.5 years of experience after the undergrad degree. However the Chinese authorities recognized the previous work experience and granted me the tier “B” work visa status.
All the best
Thank you Adi for sharing
: )
Hi! I am British, I have a job with a private high school, I have been granted Cat B Status and been issued with a “Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in the PRC” Form complete with a barcode. So I have been granted a work permit but now need to leave China to get it. I’m on an L, which will be cancelled once I leave China, will I be able to get this new Z visa in Hong Kong now that everything has been approved? Medical done, all docs notarised, checked and accepted by the Chinese Hunan government already. I literally just need the thing in my passport. Doing it in HK will save me a lot of time and money. Can you confirm this? Thank you in advance, Dan.
We can’t confirm this , there’re people who manage to get a Z visa in Hong Kong but theoretically you should apply to your country of residence.
can a company in china help a 16yrs old boy process a 3month Z viisa ..and how much will it cost?thank you
No, a 16 year old foreigner can’t work in China
how can i get my visia from Nigeria to china and live in china and work in Chinese company?
You must beforehand find a Chinese company that sponsor your visa, then get the visa at the Chinese consular office in Nigeria
if I have 4 days residence visa remaining can i enter in china.
Hi,
I’m not sure I understand your questions. Generally speaking, if your visa has not expired it shall be possible to enter the country
Hi, we are planing a tourist trip to China. My girl friend and I had no problem with our visa application, but her parents were a different story. The lady at the consulate was very rude and pretty much no help at all. All she could tell us was that we need a name change document, but couldn’t tell us what that is. The parents were born in China and became U.S. citizens about 50 years ago. I believe the problem was that the dad’s citizen paper name didn’t match his passports (his Chinese name was changed to his middle initials, so he picked an American name Bart and added KM for kuiman). The mom’s US paper work all matches, but her Hong Kong ID is her original maiden Chinese name. We already changed our September trip and are going to try again for April, but at this point we are almost ready to forget China. Does anybody know what name change documents the lady was talking about?
Hello Mark,
personally I don’t know… maybe passport must match ID card?
Did you try to contact another Chinese Consular Office, or the US Consular Office in China?
Hi Furio Fu
Do you have to get hotel bookings for your entire trip to China (I plan to travel approximately for 3 months in China), or can you have hotel bookings for only some of your trip (lets say 3 weeks) without the Chinese visa expires after those three weeks? If you have to have bookings for the entire 3 moths, can you just book a couple of hotels and then cancel those without problems?
Best Regards
Hi there,
for a tourist visa, the law says that you shall have hotels for all the duration of the trip. However, try to discuss with the consular office / CVASC where you intend to apply for the VISA and see what they said (as your trip seems pretty long).
Hi Furio
Wondering if you can help with this –
I am currently preparing docs for Chinese Z visa and got my degree certificate etc. notarised, but on my current passport. This will run out before I go to China so I’m in the process of renewing it. The passport number on the new one will be different to the old, and therefore different to the one which was used as ID to get my docs notarised.
Do you think this will cause an issue when taking the docs to be legalised in London Chinese embassy? I’ll have new passport by then, but was thinking to bring old and new – think I’ll encounter any issues?
Thanks,
June
Hello June,
1. I don’t know if this will be an issue. Contact the CVASC in London, if you intend to apply for the VISA there
2. For sure bring your old passport (and a photocopy of it).
Hi guys
Where in HK can I get my diploma verified?
Vesna
Hello Vesna,
I guess the Consular Office of your own country is your best bet
BUSINESS VISA ?
My wife is Chinese and I got my PR, we are thinking to start a FOOD CHAIN in China, but not so sure what kind of visa do i required to start this business, i do not have any business visa at this moment but only my PR. Does anyone help me in this case?
Appreciate your help! thank you
P.S I’m Pakistan National !
Hi, if you want to start a business in China, you need to open a company there. Then, the company can provide you with a working visa
Re Turkish tourist visa stamps in your passport being an issue. Absolutely true. After living in China for two years NOW this becomes an issue. Crazy and true. I’m currently a victim of this Big Brother mess to confirm its happening
Yes it’s a nightmare, China is scared of people returning from Síria
This actually answered my problem, thank you!
: )
I have been issued a 30 day Z work visa. Upon arrival I must take a medical test then apply for a 1 year work visa. After that I can apply for a residence permit. I will be arriving a week before the National Day holiday (Oct. 1-8). I am concerned about whether or not I will be able to apply for the residence permit in time, as 5 working days will be “wasted” due to this holiday.
Hello Cris,
you already have the work visa! You just need to take the medical test and then apply for the resident permit at the PSB. 3 weeks shall be enough. Make sure to discuss beforehand with your employee and to get detailed instructions on all the steps!
Hi,
We are British citizens and will be going on a cruise from Shanghai in about 4 weeks time. We know that we can get a 144 hour transit visa if we just visit Shanghai. But we would really like to fly to Beijing to see the Great Wall and then get the train from there to Shanghai. For this I think we will need a tourist visa. However, my husband travels a lot with his job (including to China) and can’t spare his passport for the time it takes to get the visa in London.
If he goes to China befopre our cruise, can he take my passport with him and apply for the tourist visas inside China? If so, can this be done instantly and how much does it cost?
Hi,
yes, you will need a tourist visa. No, I don’t think you can apply for a tourist visa “on arrival”.
Note that you can usually apply for a rush visa in your country of residence, ie. they keep your passport only 1-2 days.
Hello,
I will like to apply for a buisness visa from USA, can i apply straight for one year visa, i will also like to know if i can use the visa whenever i’m ready like May/June. I read somewhere online that visa will expire if not used in 90days from the day it was granted. Thank you.
Visa expires. In my opinion, it’s too soon to apply for the visa, if you plan to travel on April. A year visa can be obtained, it depends on your situation, travel history etc.
Hi Furio,
Thank you for all the information provided.
We plan to go for a long trip with my wife next year. We will travel in Asia and we would like to visit continental China.
Do you know whether it is doable for French citizens to apply for a Chinese tourist visa directly in Singapore (with the Chinese visa centre)? We will be in Singapore as tourists/non resident. I heard that now it is difficult for non resident to get a Chinese visa from Singapore? Do you have any information on this process?
Thank you for your help!
Chris
Hi, it shall be possible, but I have no first-hand experience.
Applying in Hong Kong is quite easy though.
i need a information
my visa going to expire on 25th October
i have just re-entered china 10 days back
am i eligble to stay in china for more 90 days from the day i re-entered or should i apply for new visa ??
please respond fast
We have no idea. We aren’t the Chinese consular office. Also, we don’t know what kind of visa you have etc.
Great website. I am a Canadian teacher and have been teaching in Shanghai for 15 years. Now the requirements for a Foreign Expert Certificate dictate I only have 56 out of the needed 60 points. So the Z visa won’t be renewed Dec. 31, 2017. I need to fly to HK to get an L visa to come back and get back pay, bonuses etc. in February and ‘close up shop’.
Is it hard for someone to get the L when they have been so long a Z? Do I need some kind of Shanghai to Hong Kong (back) to Shanghai back to _Canada_ plane ticket(s)?
I am offered the work still, but I think beginning in January I will become a legitimate ‘tourist’ so that I will be less vulnerable and have enough time to sell off and mail home all the stuff I have amassed in the last decade and a half.
Hello Charles,
I’m sorry to hear that : (
Although nobody can guarantee that you will get a L visa in Hong Kong, generally speaking your case seem ok. Usually they refuse visas to people to ask 2 / 3 short visas in a row, to avoid that people do visa runs and work illegally.
Having said that, the only way to know for sure is to go to Hong Kong and apply for the visa.
Usually you do need a flight to exit China (it doesn’t matter if it’s for Canada) and hotel reservations for the whole duration or your stay (or a letter of invitation from a Chinese person or a non-Chinese with resident permit). Sometimes, if you use an agency, some of these requiremetns aren’t compulsory.
Hi,
All the comments above are very useful. I have a quick question for the S1 visa does the marriage cert photocopy need to be authenticated ?I emailed the embassy in my country but they never replied ://
Probably you need to authenticate it, or show the original one. It depends on the place you are applying for
Hello guys,
my name is Mark and I am currently working as intern in China on an X visa. I signed just an agreement with no mention of end or beginning date, not a real contract so to speak. Unfortunately, I don’t like my current situation and I would like to quit earlier. What would happen if I leave without saying anything to anybody? Disappearing basically form one to the other. Could I still be able to visit China in the future? Will I have any legal consequence when I return back to my country (Austria) ?
Thank you and keep up the good work!
Hello Mark,
I’m sorry but we aren’t lawyers and we don’t know the answer to this question. First of all, I would contact a serious visa agency in the chinese city where you are, to know what think. I would also ask advice to the embassy of my country in China. They may have already some experience of somebody that did the same.
I will be travelling from Sydney Australia to Tashkent Uzbekistan (staying 12 days) and return via Guangzhou. Is it allowed to stay in Guangzhou using 72 hour visa in both directions.
Flights between Guangzhou and Tashkent make 1 or 2 transit stops within China. Does this affet the visa.
Hello Bob,
I’m not sure if you can enjoy the visa exemption in Guangzhou, if you stop in China after landing in Guangzhou
Hello,
My wife is living with me in China (Hangzhou) with S1 visa since June 2017. We are Indians and I am holding a work visa (Z), resident permit. My wife recently got a job offer from a University and will get her work permit paper by end of January. The questions are, Does she need to go to India to apply for Z visa and then enter to China to get a resident permit for work? Can she directly apply for a work resident permit in China without actual Z-visa issued by home country?
Thanks for your time!
-Devan
She must go back to India to apply for the Z visa, you can try to apply in China directly but I don’t think she’ll be able to get the resident permit
I am from Pakistan living in Finland holding a PR.(permanent residence permit) I went to Chinese embassy to apply tourist visa(L) while my husband and daughters have Finnish citizenship but Chinese embassy said i can only get group visa and for this i can ask to any travel agent but the travel agent said it is not possible to get tourist visa. I am very confused because we have tickets and hotel reservation already. Please help and guide. Thanks in advance
Hello,
I’m currently a student in China, my visa will expire on March. I want to stay here to travel for a month and then go home. In the other hand, my boyfriend has a working permit and also want to apply for a tourist visa in Beijing. Is it possible for me to obtain a tourist visa here in Beijing? If so, which documents should I present in the PSB?
Hello Nur,
I have no idea. It’s probably possible, but I have no direct experience.
NEED HELP!
I will be traveling to Tibet but will be staying 2 nights in Beijing. I know that you cannot mention Tibet in Chinese visa. I am trying to fill out the visa and in section 2.6 it asks for Chinese itinerary – what do i put??
I’m sorry but we I don’t know what to answer to this.
Hello, I have valid 2 entries Chinese Visa which says enter before 11 MAR 2018 so just wanted to know if i arrive at guangzhou Airport at 12.30 am on 11th March 2018 will it be ok or i need to enter China anytime before midnight of 11 march 2018. As if i enter at 12.30 am on 11th march will it be vaild as it says enter before 11th so is it that i need to enter china on 10th March 2018 ??
Hello Hardik,
I’m not sure because I never had such a situation myself. I would ask advice to the chinese consular office that gave you the visa
Hi everyone, im from philippines and my husband is working as an ESL teacher there, he will be our sponsor for our travel in Beijing with our son, how much have to be in his bank account to sponsor, we plan to apply S1 visa..Thank you for paying attention to it..😊😊God bless you
I’m not sure about the specific requirements, as they might be different depending on the official that reviews your application. Anyway I think that the most important is how much your husband earn and if they consider it’s enough for supporting 3 people
Hello everyone!
Has anyone recently obtained a Chinese double entry visa from a travel agency in Hong Kong? I heard that the rules in Hong Kong have just changed, there’s a new official visa agency that’s been set up in the city which foreign passport holders have to use to get visas.
Does someone know about it? Thanks in advance, any help is appreciated!
Hi,
Website is wonderful and had very well information.
I am from India, deputed on China for project work with work permit & residence permit (Z visa). I would like to invite my family here for visit. My spouse and child would like to stay around 40 days. So, S2 visa looks appropriate for them. However, for my parents and parents-in-law who would like to travel for 10-12 days (in similar period), it is understood there is requirement of ‘Certification of kinship’ if they travel by S2 visa. Considering this, L visa looks appropriate for parents and parent-in-laws. They all would stay along with me in apartment provided by my company.
As there are two different visa for different people, should I need to issue separate Invitation letter? For parent & parent-in-laws, do you recommend to indicate ‘source of funds for expenditures’ by them or by me?
Also, can advise some important points to be noted or considered for this case if any?
Hi, for these details, I suggest you to get in touch with the Chinese consular office where you intend to apply for the visa
I am a UK citizen living in Naples, Italy until the end of June. I need a Toursit visa for travel on 11 July. Is 10 days long enough to get the visa, should i return earlier to UK to apply or can i do it from Italy?
Hello Daniel,
10 days shall be more than enough. I think you can apply at the Rome CVASC, as I’m Italian myself and successfully applied for my visa in London! However, just to make sure, I suggest you to call the CVASC beforehand.
Hi all
Im wondering if someone can help me out. I am from south Africa. I am currently awaiting my Z-visa for china as I am moving to work in China (teaching). This has taken over 3 months now and thus Im still waiting. My dilemma is- my family booked a trip to visit me in China in the anticipation that I was supposed to be over there a little while ago. If my Z-visa does not arrive in the next couple days, Is it possible to apply for a tourist visa in order to go over to china to travel/ vacation with my family? while still awaiting the Z-visa. I understand that I might/ probably will have to come back to SA to get my Z-visa and go back to China for work, if so be. i don’t mind doing that.
Long story short- will I be compromising my Z-visa application if I apply for a tourist Visa at the same time? and is this even possible :/
Pleaseeeee help!! Thankyou :)
Hello Tash,
I don’t think it shall compromise your application, as long as you get back to South Africa and apply again for the Z visa. I would recommend you to ask to the Chinese consular office where you intend to apply for both visas
Hi!
Thanks for the helpful info. I have heard that Chinese visa is a bit harder to get nowadays, and I would like to know if we can get it in our situation. We are leaving on a world bike trip at the end of March this year with my boyfriend. I am Hungarian, he is from Denmark. Neither of us will have residency, as he is already without an address, I will deregister before leaving. According to our calculations we would arrive to the Pamir highway in the late summer of next year, and we would enter into China to get to Pakistan first. Later on we would plan to enter again to go north (planning to go to Japan), but that is after spending some time in India. Originally we wanted to go through Mianmar and then Laos/Vietnam before reentering, but I’m not sure about the current situation in Mianmar, if it’s safe and/or doable.
My main question is where and when to apply for the Chinese visa for the both of us? Is it doable in Iran or Tajikistan? Is it even possible without having residency anywhere? And can we enter at this border with bikes, or should we hitch-hike a transport through the border?
Hello Dora,
honestly I don’t have an answer for you as I don’t have personal experience with these borders (which are all tricky and regulations are changing all the time).
For instance, when I was in Xinjiang, the border China – Pakistan wasn’t open for foreigners, in fact I couldn’t even enter the province that is at the border with Pakistan.
The fact that you have no residence may also be a problem, although I don’t get how you can’t have a residence at all (but this is another problem)
Hi Furio,
Thank you for wonderful website and info.
A friend of mine is from South Africa and he wants to apply for a Chinese tourist visa or business visa which has a single stay of 90 days. Is this kind of visa easy to obtain? Or should he refer to some agency?
Thanks!
Karen
Depends on the embassy or consulate you are applying for, some places is easy some is impossible.
Thanks. He is actually going to apply through the Chinese visa center
He can contact them directly, this company knows exactly what type of visa they can get.
hi.
I have work(z) visa for china and last 10 months i am already staying and working here in china. I am going to marry in the first week of April. And want to take my wife to china with me on her dependent visa . I will apply her visa in the first week of April itself after getting all the documents like legalized and attested marriage certificate and invitation letter . On 29th April we both will be in china. Because my visa will be expired on 5th of May. And my company will start my visa renewal process from 30th April. So my question is what about my wife visa status?? will her visa also got expired on the same day , my visa get expired. Looking for you guidance. I will be thankful to you.. …
Your wife visa is dependent on yours so you will have to renew it together
A friend’s daughter had an au pair position through an agency who had arranged for her to do a mandarin course in Shanghai. She fell out with the agency, left them and is now living with the family and is not doing the mandarin course, she never signed up for it. She has a residency permit in the city she is living in.
She thinks her Visa is still valid, we don’t – any idea if it is valid or not? If it’s not are we right she is now an illegal alien? Any advice on what she should do in this cae would be welcome
Hello Pamela,
we don’t have enough info for replying to your question. If she has doubts about the validity of her visa, she shall contact a visa agency / the consular office of her country, in order to learn more and fix the problem.
Note that staying in China without a valid visa is illegal!!!!
Hi Furio!
I am a UK citizen who has been living in China on a Work permit for the last 2.5 years. I have now left my job and my visa was changed to an exit one- which expires this week.
I had planned to go to Hong Kong to apply for an L visa but the agency I was using advised that there was ‘no guarantee it would be approved’. I was nervous about this because my girlfriend needs to stay in China to work out her contract (she cannot leave before the beginning of August). I therefore plan to make the application from the UK and have a flight booked that leaves the UK in early May, with the return flighty for early August (not more than 90 days). We will do some travelling around Asia during those 3 months during her weekends off work, but I do need to be able to stay here until early August so that I can help pack our apartment and move our pets.
I contacted a UK visa agency and they suggested that my application should be for a Private visit not a Tourist visa but my understanding of this has always been that I cannot do this because my girlfriend and I are not married/have no children etc. However I do not want to apply for a Tourist visa and then be rejected as they think I have filled out the wrong form. I also want to make sure that I give myself the best chance of being granted the longest possible visa, even if I have to keep leaving and re-entering the country every 30 days.
Do you have any advice you can share about the Visa I should apply for please? Any suggestions you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark
Hello Mark,
I’m sorry to hear that… I was in the same situation in 2012 and personally I chose to apply for a tourist visa in Hong Kong. Honestly, nobody can guarantee you that you will get a visa. The best you can do is to apply and hope your application won’t be rejected