Job Discussion Forums

China2 · Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Posts: 56

A person I know has just had his L visa application rejected due to the fact that he had only bought a single ticket to Beijing. They told him that he needed a return.

As the online single flight ticket cannot be cancelled, would an ongoing ticket to Hong Kong suffice? So it would be a ticket from a European destination - Beijing, and then a separate ticket Beijing - Hong Kong. Would the embassy accept this or as Hong Kong is still part of China would the embassy reject his application again? Does anyone have any suggestions?

thanks - much appreciated

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

For tourism HK is treated as a sep country so an outward PEK-HK should be OK.
BUT is does raise a red flag about intentions.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

Countries want to see proof of onward travel. I can't see why they would insist on a return ticket - but this is the PRC we are talking about.

I think a throwaway ticket to HK may not be the best destination. I would have him look at the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Vietnam etc. Refundable tickets usually work, but some airlines will no longer process the refund if they feel its intent was as a throwaway ticket.

MOD EDIT

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

How long does the OP intend to stay? If he intends to stay no longer than his visa allows, then why wouldn't he buy a return ticket?

If he wants to get a job and stay in China, he will have a difficult time with that. Though there are persistent and (as always) unsubstantiated fairy tales about converting an L visa to a Z visa in-country with a fast checkout line, the OP should be very wary.

MsHoffman · Joined: 18 Sep 2016 Posts: 76

I came to Guangdong on an L visa and the university where I work converted it to a Z visa. I now have the standard 1 year residence permit for foreign experts, work permit, etc.

I needed a return ticket or I would not have been given a boarding pass to go from Los Angeles to Guangzhou. The ticket agent checked thoroughly.

So I wasted the money on the return ticket Sad

On the plus side, I really like my life here and I really like the teaching work. Good pay, fair standards, nice students.

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

I remember your fairy tale.

The story sounds like something promulgated by HFG several years ago.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

The conditions for visa-on-arrival don't include obtaining a visa for work.

http://www.beijingesc.com/visa-on-arrival.html

and

http://www.hongdaservice.com/blog/5-day-shenzhen-visa-on-arrival-for-foreigners-now-available.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913