Job Discussion Forums

Old Dog · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 564 Location: China

Sorry if this info has been given before and I've missed it. However, I need to know what the "going rate" is for the new multiple-entry Z/Residence Permit visa.

On Monday, I am going to be given both my new Z visa/Residence Permit and a personal explanation of its workings, it being the first one issued here by our local PSB - at local PSB headquarters no less.

Our FAO, of whom I have written before, sent me a note suggesting I bring 1000 RMB with me to cover the cost - although, in a subsequent conversation, he amended this to "800 should be enough". I wondered if we're going to involve ourselves in an attempt at a discount. I don't know.

However, the FAO also indicated that he would be retiring soon but indicated too that he would come out of retirement to offer any assistance we may wish. Since 800 yuan sounds a trifle high to me - being one who has never paid for a visa here - it did occur to me that maybe he was also organizing a bit of a retirement fund for himself and a tip for the local visa chief. Or is it just plain dear?

If anyone could tell me what they have paid, I'd appreciate it.

Spiderman Too · Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 12:54 am Post subject:

We had 2 new teachers begin this term. The other day the F.A.O. told me that F.R.P.'s, in the new 'sticker' / multiple-entry form, has doubled from 400 RMB to 800 RMB.

Old Dog · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 564 Location: China

Ah! So just plain dear. No retirement fund for the FAO, no tip for the PSB and fewer DVD's for me. Many thanks, Spiderman. Is 800 what is being paid elsewhere also? At that rate, no wonder the school is reluctant to keep paying.

bendan · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 739 Location: North China

I paid 400 a couple of weeks ago, though I also had to pay 60 to have some digital photos taken. The price might not be the same for different nationalities. I'm British - Americans probably pay more.

Spiderman Too · Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 3:36 am Post subject:

Bendan, did you get a 'sticker' (which looks like a visa) in your passport, or a small green booklet?

The 2 new teachers are American.

Old Dog · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 564 Location: China

Ah, do I smell a rat? They could charge 800 if I were American, which I'm not, but if I were not to know there was a difference in charges maybe a charge to me of 800 would leave a nice little sum for a slap up dinner. Since TIC, my suspicions are raised.

These fellows are not aware that, in this internet age, experiences throughout China can be compared in a trice.

bendan · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 739 Location: North China

I got the new sticker. They said everyone has been given them since January 1st. The bummer for my school (who reimbursed me) is that I was only changing address, mid-way through the validity of my green book (which the PSB kept).

Old Dog, I don't know if Americans pay more or not. Just guessing, as there used to be different fees for re-entry visas.

Edit: Looking at my post, it looks like I might have been charged 400 because I was making a change to an existing document, but I was told 400 was the cost of this visa.

KES · Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 722

Paid 400 RMB about 2 months ago.

Old Dog · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 564 Location: China

If anyone has been charged 400 RMB for these new visa/residence stickers, was the visa valid for 6 months or 12 months.

I just asked our FAO if his figure of 800 was accurate and, immediately, out came the 400 figure for 6 months and 800 for 12 months - either through a lifetime of skilled lying or simply because he knew it to be the truth. But I know him well enough not to know which.

smalldog · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 74

Mine cost 400 for about 8 months' validity in December. An American colleague paid the same.

bendan · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 739 Location: North China

This website says it's 400 for one year or less, and 800 for more than a year.

http://www.globalhrlink.com/EN/FAQ.htm

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

Paid 400 last week for the one-page addition to my p'port (US) and it's good until Dec 31. No more green book.

Does anyone know for ABSOLUTELY, DEFINITELY, SWEAR-ON-YOUR-GRANDMOTHER'S-GRAVE if this "sticker" is also a multiple-entry visa? Can I leave China for the US or Canada or Thailand AND return on it? I know I can do that for HK or Macao, but how about other countries?

I don't want to get to the airport only to have the PSB stamp the thing "Invalid" meaning I can't get back in without a new invitation letter!!!!!

Old Dog · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 564 Location: China

Regarding the 400 for one year and 800 for more than one year cost:

I wonder if they calculate costs on the calendar year, i.e. visas issued in 2005 will be valid till 31 Dec. and will cost 400. Otherwise, if valid till March 2006, 800 RMB.

But, no, surely not!

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

OD,

Come on. You've been in China long enough now. Which way would result in more dough for China? Yup, just as you say: 400 until 31 Dec, 800 thereafter. At least I think that's true. Hey, pity the guy that goes there on 30 Dec!!

bendan · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 739 Location: North China

I really can't believe all the 400RMB visas would expire on Dec 31, that would be insane!

I'm pretty sure now that it's 400RMB for a one year (or less), multi-entry.