Job Discussion Forums

JeremyDay · Joined: 11 Apr 2016 Posts: 58

Has anyone had to replace their passport due to a shortage of pages or because of a lost passport?

Does the residence permit have to be PHYSICALLY transferred to the new passport if you still have the old one?

Or are the two passports just connected in the system.

Thanks.

Blistering Zanazilz · Joined: 06 Jan 2018 Posts: 180

If just renewing a passport then no need to do anything. But anytime you need your passport you'll need to bring both of them till you get a new res permit inside the new passport. Lost passport? Different story.

JeremyDay · Joined: 11 Apr 2016 Posts: 58

I appreciate the swift response.

nimadecaomei · Joined: 22 Sep 2016 Posts: 605

I am from the US, if that matters. Last year when I got a new passport, was expiring soon, I had the RP put in the new one. Good advice about carrying both though, as the authorities were a bit skeptical when I left and returned with only the new passport. No fines or anything, they were just confused and it took me explaining in Chinese to reassure them.

Elicit · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 244

You must take both passports ASAP to the PSB to get the RP put in the new passport.

The official rule is something like 10 days or 14 days. Any later and you leave yourself open to a fine (country-wide). However, the implementation of the fine rests with a little man in a little office on hearing your explanation of the delay in completing this process.

Personal experience in Shanghai was that i didn’t do it for 23 days but escaped a fine by looking very sorry. The little man explained he’d let it go this time and that the shit would have really hit the proverbial fan if it was more than 30 days.

My advice is do it immediately.

Blistering Zanazilz · Joined: 06 Jan 2018 Posts: 180

An expiring or replaced passport doesn't mean the res permit inside it also expired. It's still valid and that's why you're advised to carry both passports till you apply for and get a new res permit in the new passport (and that's only if you're staying here another year). I've gone through the process twice before and am renewing my passport right now as well. Anyone in doubt as to what they should do better contact their employer so they can get the exact details from the local officials.

nimadecaomei · Joined: 22 Sep 2016 Posts: 605

Blistering Zanazilz · Joined: 06 Jan 2018 Posts: 180

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

Good info in this thread. Schools can wait until the last minute to do things and teachers are the ones who often suffer the consequences. I have seen it happen.

I am also from USA and thinking of getting a renewal of my passport during vacation in the states. From what I gather I can return to China with both the old and new passport and then must get the RP transferred without delay.

nimadecaomei · Joined: 22 Sep 2016 Posts: 605

lionheartuk · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 173 Location: Guangdong

I got a new passport two weeks ago. My R.P expires in July. Don't need to get a tranfer of permit until then. Same thing happened 10 years ago. I waited until a new contract came about. I just hand in both passports even when I travel.

Listerine · Joined: 15 Jun 2014 Posts: 340

My wife's passport only has a 5 year validity so we have had to replace hers twice in China. In both cases we went to the (Wuxi) PSB to play it safe about swapping her RP and they also just said keep both passports for now and when the RP is renewed later it will go in the new passport. Best to confirm with you local branch of the PSB though as some are likely to be more stringent than others.

One thing you will need to do ASAP though is take the new passport (or copy of) to the local cop shop to update their details.

tin man · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 137

Seems like some conflicting information?

Elicit · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 244

Implementation of rules by different little men in different little offices. Best to go see one’s own little man to find out, or if the employer is trustworthy, ask them.

nimadecaomei · Joined: 22 Sep 2016 Posts: 605

I had my RP transferred to the new passport because that is what the woman at my former employer said needed to be done. I am not sure it was required, but I was not going to argue with her after her keeping me legal for eight and a half years. It got transferred and I never had an issue with in that respect. That was in Chengdu about a year ago.