Job Discussion Forums

dractalks · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 136 Location: Boston/Shanghai

Hi all. My Z visa expires June 30 2003. I am in Shanghai and want to get a 6 month F visa...the business one . Would the recent SARS cause any problems at this point ...(has anybody done it recently?). Do I need a Chinese "sponsor " for this visa ? Can any old pros out there lend a hand on the best way (agencies, recommendations etc...) Thank you in advance for any assistance...
Mr. Green

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Why would you want a business visa? It confers on you absolutely no advantgage or extra rights! Get it if you like - I suggest
PHOENIX TRAVEL, 96 Nathan Rd., Tsimshatsui, Kowloon;
you will need one picture and 750 HK$ for a six month, multiple entry visa. Hand in your passport and the picture before 11 a.m., and get it back by 6 p.m.. COnvenient location if you live in CHungking Mansion or MIramar Mansion!

But, as said before, there is no concrete difference between a business visa and a tourist visa, so why bother? Get a tourist visa for six months from JAPAN TRAVEL Ltd., they sell it for around 400 to 500 HK$.

A business visa is technically reserved for business visitors that visit factories on the mainland, invest there or attend a fair. They normally need a business registration or a business card. F visas do not entitle you do renting a flat or accepting a job.

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

[quote="Roger"] Convenient location if you live in CHungking Mansion or MIramar Mansion!

Hmmm...Chungking Mansions, what lovely residences (in the 60s!). Nice place for picking up hash though.

To return to the point, I must agree with Roger; there are no benefits conferred on the holder of a 'business' visa, you are better off with a standard working visa or a tourist visa.

Explorer · Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Posts: 42 Location: China

Here are several common China visa types and the requirements for them. The advantage of an F visa (over an L) is in getting unlimited multiple entries. As for the requirements, if you get the visa through an agency or hostel in HK, all you need is a photo, the payment and a current passport not due to expire soon with empty pages.

L Visa = Tourist visa
Required: A certificate of reception from a Chinese travel service in the light of some specific conditions and when necessary, an airline ticket to the country (region) after leaving China. There is only one-entry or two-entry tourism visa to China. There is no multiple-entry tourism visa to China.

F Visa = Visit and Business Visa
Required: An invitation letter or telegram from the relevant department of China or from the authorized Chinese company. Single-entry, double-entry and multiple visits are available.

D Visa = Residence Visa
Required: A permanent resident confirmation form, which may be obtained through application by the the applicant or by his or her designated relatives in China from the exit-and-entry department of the municipal or county public security bureau at the place of the applicant's intended residence.

Z Visa = Employment Visa
Required: An invitation letter or telegram from the department of the Chinese Government or Government-authorized company, together with an employment license issued by the relevant department or a certificate of foreign expert or the relevant certificate of employment permit.

X Visa = Study Visa
Required: A visa application form for international students (JW-202) issued by the State Education Commission of China and a notification of admission from the receiving college with the seal of the said commission.