Job Discussion Forums

icebear · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 40 Location: Alaska

One of my big concerns currently is the actual retrieval a Z-visa. I live in Colorado at the moment, and will be in Alaska this summer prior to leaving for China. Both of these places are fairly distant from the closest consulates in Houston and San Francisco. While a week in San Francisco sounds fun, I'd rather not shell out the $500 or so to merely pick up a visa that I could obtain otherwise, bringing me to my question...

Has anyone used a courier type service to complete their visa? I saw a post in the "medical check" sticky concerning this, but haven't received any replies confirming that this is possible/allowed. A search on Google led me to this website
http://www.visa-chinese.com/china-other-visas.htm
$69-130 sounds like a pretty awesome savings in price and hassle. So, anyone tried this and had good or bad results? Thanks for any info.

Oh, and as a disclaimer, I could afford flying in to pick up a visa, but I'd rather save that money if possible. No need for lectures on why I should be financially solvent before coming to China.

Spiderman Too · Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 12:27 am Post subject:

Couple of points:-

There is no such thing as a 6 month 'Z' visa. They are issued for 30 days only and during those 30 days they must be converted to a Foreigners Residence Permit here in China. Phone a Chinese embassy and check for yourself.

In Thailand and Australia, visa agents can facilitate 'L' and 'F' visas only. 'Z' visa applications must be submitted in person. Once again, best check with a US Chinese embassy.

icebear · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 40 Location: Alaska

I'll definitely check with the embassy myself before making any decisions.

So Z visas are only valid 30 days, huh? Wow, for whatever reason that had passed right over my head the month or more I've been reading here. Guess I don't have to worry about it too much until late summer...

Thanks for the info!

rlsowa · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 12

My Z visa last year was for one year they may have changed the law. They did on the F visa I have a one year F visa but must leave the country every 30 days but just to get it stamped and then back into the country. Its a good thing Im close to Hong Kong.

KES · Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 722

I used a Visa service, they were great. I think they were called Zher or something similar.