Job Discussion Forums

chryanvii · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 125

My visa/Residence Permit expires on July 15 - I had a lot of trouble deciding on which new city to go to, which kind of position to take, etc.

I am going to Shanghai on Tuesday for a couple final visits. I still don't think I have an ideal position yet, but now I just need to take something if I want to stay in China, I guess.

Some of the employers I have spoken to have said that they can get the visa for me within 2 days, while others have told me that it is too late and they are worried they can not get one for me in time.

So...am I going to have to leave China on July 15, or if I sign a new contract this week in Shanghai and have them activate the visa process, will I be okay? Is there any grace period at all?

God I would hate to have to leave...

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

Wait. Are you talking about a visa OR a resident permit? If you have either, you are technically obliged to got to work for the entity that procured either. Did you do at least a LITTLE research before you arrived in China?

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

my understanding is that if you submit your application for a new
residence permit before it expires (including the date of expiration?),
then you will not have to leave the country to secure a new visa.

but in order to submit your new RP application, you must already
have a signed contract, a new health certificate, and new expert
certificate.

given the time constraint, you will probably need to stay within
the same province, avoiding the need for a new FEC. you might
even be able to get away with using your old health certificate.

chryanvii · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 125

Shoulderdocca, you got me. You're right. I didn't do my research effectively. I talked to other people and potential employers about it, and I ask other people questions about it such as on these boards, but if you think about it...you're absolutely right...this isn't truly research, particularly this late in the game. So you're absolutely right. Yes, I did screw myself, and yes, I will admit that.

And I agree with you about the concept of the expiration date as well...I really don't understand the true concept of "expiration date" yet. At least in China. When the rent is due here...it's due on the day that it's due. In the states, there is always a little 5-day or so grace period built in. But we're not in the states anymore!

I need to have this criticism from you, and I think it's good for me. But to be fair to myself, I need to also say that sometimes "good things sometimes come to those who wait". I have waited for a good reason, and that is that I have been offered a design position: one that can help me grow and use my actual degree at the same time. If I had signed a contract prior to this offer, I would not have been able to investigate this position further.

Unfortunately, it IS going to be "down to the wire". I didn't really want it to be this way.

But please be kind and fair to me in this question that I ask you and others: I know now that no grace period exists. However, if I sign a contract with a new company on the 6th [my visa expiring on the 15th], and they take care of the paperwork immediately, is there truth in the fact that I am legal to stay in China as LONG as my paperwork is being processed?

If so, how can I prove that my visa is in process and I am still legal to stay in China?

Yes, if no visa application works out for me I will leave...but...as long as I have everything together and ready to give the employer, shouldn't I be "good to go"?

Thanks for your kind, supported help.

Lobster · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:19 am Post subject:

You will be ok as long as the paperwork for the new RP is in. Getting your FEC in 10 days is cutting it close. For a renewal you probably won't need a med exam. You will need your release form from your old school and your Shanghai police reg form.

From personal experience: If it comes down to it, your new employer can request an extension, but that will be in the form of a 30-day tourist visa. It's used until you can submit the new RP paperwork. A lowly clerk may refuse this. If so, talk to the supervisor (desk on the far left). Good luck!

RED

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

shoulderdocca, are you saying if my RP expires on 25 August I have to leave the country before midnight on the 24th or be fined? Where did you get this information from?