Job Discussion Forums

flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China

So I have NEVER had to go to HK to change a my visa to a Z visa and the people I will work for seem to have little clue as it is new to them as well. In the past they got the visas changed locally but now can not.

They gave me 2 forms to take with me to HK for a z visa - nothing else.

One is an official looking document on thick paper called a WORKING PERMIT complete with red chops and numbers.

The other looks like an invitation letter. It says bring this form to china visa office in HK.

They mentioned I should bring pictures 2 x 2 BUT didn't tell me how many.

They have provided me with air tickets and money for the trip but seem to have no other idea what if anything I might need.

Can someone enlighten me please do I need anything else and how many pictures?

The plan is to arrive in HK via Shenzhen Sunday and go to the visa office Monday am and request same day or nest day service. I need to be back on a plane in Shenzhen at 5:30 pm Tuesday.

The company seems to think it cost 490 rmb for the Z visa (USA citizen) and an extra 250hkd for next day service.

DO THEY ACCEPT RMB? or do I need to pay HKD? And pay at the beginning or when I pick up the passport?

Also I need a recommendation for a decent cheap place to stay for 2 nights.

Any insight is definitely appreciated !

dean_a_jones · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 1151 Location: Wuhan, China

It has been a while since I did a visa run, but I seem to remember that I also brought my medical form. Cannot remember if I actually needed it or not, but think they did have a look. Anyone else been more recently and know about this?

I suspect you will need to pay in HKD rather than RMB, but again not so sure.

I don't think same day service is offered any more. Suspect that you will need to give it in Monday AM (not sure they will be open Sunday) and should be able to get it back Tuesday PM at the latest on next day service, which sounds like it should work, depending on flight times.

The visa office is on Hong Kong Island, I stayed in a dive in Mong Kok in Kowloon when I was there, it was one of those cheap by the hour/day places, but cannot remember the actual price. There were a fair few around in that area anyway. It is not far on the subway to get to the visa office, and there is some decent food and a big market in the area.

Double check your passport number, name, info etc is correct when it appears on either letter, or you might have a problem.

Hope it all works out.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

8 pictures. You won't use them all, but that's what they recommend. You can use some of the leftovers for the Health Card and the FEC.

You will need Hong Kong Dollars. You can exchange money at the airport (and bunches of places in HK).

That's all I'm certain about.

flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China

Thanks. I still need input about any other forms besides the two I mentioned. I THINK they sent my medical form to get the working permit so I don't think they have it anymore.

Any other ideas here?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

I don't think they need the medical form (if you mean Health Card). I took my Health Card with me when I went to get the visa, but I'm pretty sure they didn't need it. The Health Card is required for the Resident Permit. The Z visa allows you to apply for the Resident Permit and FEC.

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

If you submit your application (with passport) in in the morning, you can get the visa by the next morning. Submit it in the afternoon and you can have it back by the next afternoon. The cost for an American for the visa and next day service is 1350 HK dollars. You'll need the forms your school gave you but you don't need the health check. Print out an application form from the website and fill it in before you go to the office. You will only need one photo, but it's always a good idea to have some extras. This info is current as of two weeks ago.

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flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China

drrjon · Joined: 09 Oct 2010 Posts: 35 Location: Chongqing

Pay attention to the previous posters not your school. The cost for the Z visa for Americans is much higher than what your school states.

randyj · Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 5:23 am Post subject:

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

Visa fees from the HK Consulate website:

http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/blsjfy/

Country = America = 1100 HKD

Odd that they list America as a country on an official website, but hey.

I would imagine the cost of a Z-Visa would just be a standard single entry cost, which wouldn't matter for those from the US.

At least they got the 250 HKD for such service right.

popsy · Joined: 03 Sep 2010 Posts: 11

Get ready for disappointment. Unless your invitation documents specify that you should apply forthwith in Hong Kong, you wont be able to secure a z visa there. I'd say your chances right now are less than 50:50.

But good luck!

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

The OP mentioned in his post that the letter said HK, so he should be fine.

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flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

You pay when you pick it up.

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flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China