Job Discussion Forums

[yamahuh]

Is it possible to get a visa extension in China before your current visa has expired??
My current RPF expires on August 31st during which time I plan on being home in Canada, my wife ran into a problem last year when she was home because the Chinese Consulate wouldn't issue a new visa until the old one had expired. If this is the case I can't return to China until I have a new visa (takes a week, so I can't leave for China until after the 7th of Sept) or I have to cut my trip home short to return before it expires. Our next job won't start until the first week of September, so there's an overlap there that is really crappy.
Can I get a visa extension while still in China BEFORE my current one has expired?
Is there a minimum time frame (1 or 2 weeks before expiry)?
How long does it take to get and if I'm in Beijing where should I go for the quickest turn-around?

Thanks guys.

[HunanForeignGuy]

PM me if you wish on this item.

[yamahuh]

You have a P.M

[Roger]

I have no idea whether RPs get extensions without a contract being shown to support your wish to remain in China or to return there after your stint ends.
BUt what I know through experience and from others is that VISAS - tourist visas or business visas - can get extended if you apply a FEW DAYS before the visa expires.
To apply for an extension you must have a legal address (i.e. as a tourist, you must be staying at an approved hotel!).

Applying one month ahead of expiry is bound to yield a negative result!
On the other hand, I would suppose that a Chinese embassy or consulate has the power to CANCEL your old visa before issueing you with a new (tourist?) one.
This is standard practice in China itself - where the P.S.B. do cancel visas if a new contract is submitted with a work visa application.

My work visa - prior to the introduction of residence permit stickers - used to be cancelled several times when my employer applied for a new visa a month or so before the old one had come to the end of its shelflife.

[tofuman]

Why do people ask questions like this on a board of this nature? If you have questions like this, go to your PSB office and ask them. They are the ones who will ultimately decide your fate.

When I had immigration questions, I asked the director of foreign affairs at the local PSB office. She's quite attractive and helpful. She also speaks good English.

Unless Roger has visited every PSB office in every city, especially your city, in the last week or so, how can you be sure that what he says, as good as it sounds, is still applicaple to your case?

[adamsmith]

i would say that it really depends on far your new school is willing to go for you and what kind of contacts they have with the local psb office. I have extended my z visa twice now in two different cities. In Beijing it was easy because I had a new contract and there was lots of time to do the applicable work.
This last time was just today in Ningbo. As I had only two days left on my visa it was much more difficult but it is possible. It just depends on the circumstances and your relationship with the school I think. If you have a new contract though it should be no problem for you new school to do all the paperwork before you leave as long as you have a letter of release from your old school (that is the main thing they will need to do it)

[yamahuh]

[quote="tofuman"]

[tw]

[tofuman]

Yamahuh,

If you are comfortable doing things as important as what you describe based on hearsay, it's your life.

Good Luck!

[yamahuh]

[tw]

[yamahuh]

[tofuman]

Yamahuh, I did not intend to be confrontational. Sorry if it came off like that. I really meant to wish you good luck in your endeavors.

I would not presume to answer your question.

Visa issues are difficult ones. The PSB FAO told me directly that "the best way to remain in China is to marry a Chinese woman. Then we will give you a permanent resident permit." Next is an "F" visa which can be renewed 3 times for a total of 9 months, but only if you have a relative here. Or you can work and get a "Z" visa." Those were her words.

It may be different in other places, so all you visa "experts" save your energy. I don't care what it is like in your town. I live here and have to deal with the PSB in this office, not yours.

When visa time rolls around, I'll try whatever seems right at the time.

I would not take anybody's word on these matters except the visa person in the PSB office.Inexperienced FAO's are very ignorant of these things, but an experienced one, I would listen to.

I've heard from two different FAO's that in order to convert an "X" visa to a �Z� visa, I would have to leave the country or go to Beijing or HK. That may be true, but I'm sure going to the PSB first, if I ever want to do that.

I was once told by a visa lady at the PSB office that "We are not supposed to change a "Z" visa into an "X" visa. The university FAO stepped up, they exchanged looks, and she said she would let her boss decide. A week later, I had the visa I wanted. Possibly guanxi at work

Again, in all sincerity, I wish you good luck.

[yamahuh]

No problem Tofuman, I appreciate your answer and you're right in that the PSB would be the first place to start any enquiry into something like this. I think the problem may be resolved though; we've accepted a short term contract which has guaranteed us a 'Z' visa or an extension to our current RPF (if that's possible).
We start in a few weeks so I'll postpone my trip home for a week or two until the visa is renewed and then leave for Canada. I have already informed them of this so there should be no problems...ya....right....

[dave_merk]