Job Discussion Forums

BuzVega · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 6 Location: China

Just got back from the Chinese Consulate in New York, where I was seemingly approved for a 24-month multiple entry F visa with the duration of each stay being 90 days. My question is this: does this mean that I'll have to leave and re-enter the country every 90 days? Or can I just get some sort of PSB stamp every 3 months? If I get an extension (new visa) in China would that invalidate my 2-year visa? I think this type of visa is fairly new, but I'm hoping someone out there may have some experience with it.

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

You will need to leave the country every 90 days. Its possible the PSB can change your visa over to another visa, depending on which visa you want to change over to. If you change visas then your initial visa will be cancelled.

BuzVega · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 6 Location: China

So, if I have to leave China, what's the cheapest way? The Hong Kong run? A ferry to Korea? The train to Ulaan Bator? Almaty? Of course, I guess it all depends on where I'm located... a detail I'm unsure of at the moment.

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

Probably the HK option, however like you said you are unsure where you will be based. Just remember catching a train to Mongolia/Russia you will need a visa for these two countries. I am sure that trying to get a visa for one of these two countries will be a nightmare. HK and Korea you will not need a visa.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Yeah, that's really new! I have seen the 12 month visas that had to be used to get out of the mainland every 30 days sharp (or before).

If you don't leave the mainland you will be technically overstaying and be subject to a 500 yuan a day fine!

Where to exit? That's depends on where you intend living. You can exit to Hong Kong or Macau. In Guangxi you have no choice but to get a Vietnamese visa and exit to Vietnam, for example - unless you fly out of the country!

laska · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 293

The duration of stay restriction can be removed. Where are you? In big cities, a good visa "consultant" can do this for you. Just google, say, Shanghai + visa.

If you speak Chinese (or even if you don't) you might consider just going to the visa center and trying to get the restriction removed yourself. You may need to present a chopped letter from a company on your behalf saying that your "fangwen" will last longer than 90 days, or something to that effect. Definitely less trouble to use a consultant, however.

Mysterious Mark · Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Posts: 121

In the South China Morning Post, on a page of travel agency ads, I noticed one that said 3-year multiple entry visas were available.

rlsowa · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 12

I have a one year multi-entry visa I must cross the border every 30 days or less. I have not tried to extend my stay period yet and wont I am close to the border and the school gives me a day of with pay to go. I was told the 3 year visa is for HK ID holders.

Joe C. · Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 4:12 am Post subject: