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Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

Shortly after I arrived here this year, I was taken downtown for the usual visit to the PSB for them to issue me the residence permit. The FAO accompanied me. I think I signed some papers and then waited while the FAO talked to the small woman sitting behind the counter. The FAO then asked me if I intended to return home for the summer or if I thought I would be traveling out of China for the holidays, etc..

I said that I didn't anticipate any trips out of the country during my contract. Besides, my visa indicates 1 entry (as do all of every other visa I've ever gotten from the Chinese consulate. I've never been able to secure a multiple-entry visa when I've come to China).

I asked "Why are you asking?"

She said something to the effect that if I anticipated leaving then returning, there'd be an extra fee--- 900rmb. She then said, "Well, let's just say that you'll be going out then returning, okay?"

Fine. It didn't make any sense that the PSB would be asking this question when my visa clearly indicates one entry, but, what the heck, TIC. RIGHT?

She said that she had to go to the bank to get more cash. I stayed behind and watched her get into a taxi and drive off. Ten minutes later (or less), she returned and went to the counter. I didn't watch what transpired, and I didn't understand what they were saying. I'm not sure if she even paid the 900rmb, but she indicated that I could now come and go several times.

A month later, I got my passport back with the RP sticker in it. There was nothing on it to indicate entry or reentry, and there was no new visa issued. No big deal. TIC, RIGHT? The only thing that I thought peculiar was the fact that the RP expires five days after my visa expires and there was a check written in ballpoint pen across my visa which indicated ONE entry.

This morning, I emailed my FAO and asked about exit and reentry during the summer. I told her that my visa indicated only one entry. I could see nothing in my passport which indicated otherwise. Her reply was that she called the PSB and said that I could leave the country and return after the summer break with no problem.

Am I missing something, or is there something wrong with this picture?

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Perhaps you should have done some research first, as in read the stickies! A Z visa is only valid for 30 days after you enter the country regardless of the expiry date written on the visa. A Resident Permit (RP) is always multi-entry and expires on the date written on it. Usually this date is the same date written in you Foreign Expert Certificate (FEC) and/or your contract.

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

I scrolled back to 2005 in the sticky and found nothing addressing the relationship between a single-entry visa and a Residence Permit allowing multiple entry.

Nor did I find anything addressing an "extra" 900rmb in order to secure multiple exit/entry privileges.

BTW, my visa was valid for NINETY days after the date of issuance, NOT THIRTY DAYS.

Perhaps someone with current knowledge could update the sticky.

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

Yes you are missing something. Voldermort is correct as usual. You don't have a Z visa any more. Your RP allows you multiple entry. Check your passport again.

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

I've never heard of a Z visa being issued for longer than 30 days. It was a Z, yes?. If so, I suggest they did make a mistake.

Anyway, that's beside the point, you have an RP and that means you can come and go as you please. If you don't believe me or anyone else who says that then go to the PSB and find out yourself.

If you or the school paid RMB900 extra on top of the usual fee for an RP 'to allow you multiple entry' then someone got ripped off.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

Your res permit allows you in and out until expiration, as you are a resident. The check on you Z happened at the border, they check it to show you have entered. Not sure about the 900 RMB thing, your FAO should know.

I also had 3 months to enter on my Z, not sure why it is different than the previous one month, but once you are in you have 30 days, I believe, to get your RP and then you "visa" is worthless (you are then a resident with an RP).

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

Yes, what I meant was that the Z visa is valid for 30 days after entry not before entry which, as pointed out, is generally 90 days

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

OP I think you aware now that a Z visa is valid for 90 days pre-entry and 30 days post entry by which time a RP should have been applied for, so don't keep going on about it. Your Z visa is not valid any more. Dead, kapput, gone to visa expiry heaven. RIP.

Just be happy that you now know you can leave and come back as much as you like.

Enjoy your holiday. Rolling Eyes