Job Discussion Forums

jeffinflorida · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:38 pm Post subject: F visa 24 month question

Ok I hooked up with a corporation that wants me to "consult" for them regarding marketing and teach their staff general business concepts and how to transact correctly with US based customers.

It is one of the larger corporations in China and they will base me in Shenzhen and also have me travel around to their other Chinese locations to interact with thier staff.

The visa issue was not so simple for them. They are not a school and thus - i think - can not obtain me a Z visa or RP. I said I think on this one because I don't really know and they are not sure.

So they will get me an F visa - which is ok with me. They emailed me a copy of the Chinese Consulate visa fees page and it shows F visa multiple entries 12 months $150 and 24 months $150. So I wrote out a letter to the Chinese Consulate requesting the 24 month multiple F visa and enclosed a check for $150.

Of course, it makes more sense to spend the $ for 2 years vs 1 year, especially when the figure is the same.

Has anyone ever actually got a 24 month F visa or do you know anyone that has? And please no "Urban Legand" stories... (" Well I don't actually know him but this guy my friend's cousin met in the airport in Bangkok said he knew someone that got this visa...").

mjlpsu · Joined: 03 Oct 2005 Posts: 128 Location: NJ to Shenzhen

From the Chinese Embassy in the US:

You may apply for a Multiple Entry "F" Visa valid for 24 months, if

(1) you submit documents which certify you have made an investment in China, or have established a collaboration with a Chinese company, e.g. business license, contracts, a letter of appointment, etc.; or

(2) you have visited China at least twice with the "F" visa within the past 12 months , or have been issued a multi-entry "F" visa, and shall submit a copy of the visa(s); or

(3) you are a foreign Chinese.

jeffinflorida · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:55 pm Post subject:

mjlpsu · Joined: 03 Oct 2005 Posts: 128 Location: NJ to Shenzhen

I'm in a similar boat. I'd like to get the 2 year visa as well, but I'll probably end up with 6 months or a year just to ensure I get a visa.
Supposedly you can get an F visa in Shenzhen, but the PSB gave me about ten different answers in five minutes. I think you may only be able to get 6 months in Shenzhen, but longer visas in HK. I'll find out more on Wednesday when I go back to the PSB.

upchuckles · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 111

is that 24 month visa just a multi-entry with 90 days or 24 months straight?

jeffinflorida · Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:42 pm Post subject:

I believe it is only 3 months or 6 months at a shot and then you either have to leave or get an extension. I worked with people who at an F visa at the King's craphole and they stayed for 90 days each time.