Job Discussion Forums

Lord Bafford · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 58 Location: China

If, for example, your residence permit expires on 30 June, do you have to leave China on or before this date?

I have a friend who has booked a ticket for one week after their residence permit expires: are they in for a nasty fine and/or a bollicking at the airport?

The Edge · Joined: 04 Sep 2010 Posts: 455 Location: China

It is prudent to leave either before or on the date of expiration.
I have heard various true stories of leniency for being a few days over and also of fines imposed for taking the p1ss (2 weeks late, etc).
Overstaying a visa or work permit is not a shrewd thing to do in any country (such as your own).
Why on earth would it be much different here?

GeminiTiger · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 8:02 am Post subject:

your friend can a visa extension at many offices across china.

chinatimes · Joined: 27 May 2012 Posts: 478

The rules preached in China seem to be overly strict. I have never seen authorities in Beijing or Shanghai (and a few other less known places) not give an L visa. This is a tourist visa and are typically good for 30 days. So, you could get extra time this way.

I am not saying you should overstay your existing visa. What I am saying is you go in before the dates in your contract and visa and explain why you want to stay. Do it ahead of time and I am sure you will not have a problem.

hells_kitchen · Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 18

There is little question. The date, called an expiration date, is the date at which the permit/visa becomes invalid. Thus, you are required to leave the country BEFORE it expires - in other words, by the end of the day prior to the date of expiration. While you are unlikely to be reprimanded or punished leaving on the same day as expiration, the answer is what it is.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

Just get an L visa to cover the extra days. It's no big deal. It happens all the time. As long as you're out of the school facilities or are square with your landlord, there should be no problems.

I've done it.

Lord Bafford · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 58 Location: China

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

No problem. I've done that too.

Mr. Leafy · Joined: 24 Apr 2012 Posts: 246 Location: North of the Wall

Bafford, I have had resident and other long-term visas in several countries (although never China). Don't worry, they have always been good to the end of the day on which they expire.

Lord Bafford · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 58 Location: China

Thank you both for the reassurance!

It really would be a kick in the balls to get entangled in some nasty immigration dispute and lose my 5000 RMB plane ticket.

hells_kitchen · Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 18

obliged or obligated ... which is the better word (just out of curiosity) ?

colonel · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 89 Location: Nanyang and Cha-Am

Lobster · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 4:35 pm Post subject:

The visa expires at midnight on the date shown. Therefore you need to leave before midnight on June 30. You could be fined, detained or denied re-entry if you overstay the visa. Leave before it's expired or get a tourist visa extension.

RED

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

scholar · Joined: 18 May 2012 Posts: 159

Foreigners should obey China's laws, policies, and regulations. Plan ahead so that you do not stay beyond your visa limit. China has much to offer but it does not welcome foreigners who choose to break the law or traditions.