Job Discussion Forums

[Long ai gu]

I'm about to enter China and I'm wondering if I can still get a 6 month business visa in Hong Kong. The last time I did this I went to the Chong Qing mansions and a guy named Mr. Fred had an office there and he got me the visa in a day. Does anybody know if this is still possible?

[waxwing]

a)I think you mean "Chungking" mansions

b) I have used these guys: http://www.fbt-chinavisa.com.hk/ . Their website has the virtue of, at least sometimes, having up to date information about what is and is not possible. You can also phone them, as I recall. In any case their service is top notch and they are well known.

If you end up going there and need directions, I'd be happy to drag the correct route out of my memory.

Two years ago I had no trouble getting a 6 month, no questions asked. Things have changed a little since then, as far as I know (which is not too far). I would give them a call, personally.

[nobleignoramus]

Actually, those semilegal travel agents doubling as visa agents are still advertising in the English-language HK media (though not in the South China Morning Post).

They promise you nothing that the Chiense government visa office on HK Island cannot supply.

In other words: You pay such agents to procure for you a visa you can get by yourself.

Some get their six month visa, some won't. IT's not up to the agent to decide.

The agents are now kept on much tighter leashes than before.

[waxwing]

According to my research at the time I needed that visa, it would have been very foolish to try and use the official government office, inasmuch as it was a very slow and difficult process ... now this was two years ago, so I don't know for sure but it makes sense to me. Using an agency got me the visa from a set of very professional, English speaking people, either on the same business day or within 24 hours (I can't remember). It's not only about convenience or time of course; there is also the matter that going into any embassy or consulate worldwide and getting a visa can have all kinds of tricky points you don't anticipate (as for me I've visited 25 countries, so like many on this site I have plenty of experience with these places). If it is at all financially feasible to go with a local agency, it is almost always the best option.

But hey, do your own due diligence.

[Long ai gu]

Has anyone been to a Mr. Fred lately, post-olympics? The olympdics were the reason I couldn't get my business visa renewed last time and I returned to my home country. Has anyone received a 6 month business visa in the last year from these private agencies in Hong Kong.

[samhouston]

[nobleignoramus]