We heard about the change of China visa policy and regulation at the end of May 2013. And we suggested our clients to get long term visa via our Hong Kong solution. Now we inform our clients and website visitors, the Hong Kong long term visa solution is not the same as before.
Here we divided this article into 3 blocks, see UK government's report, China's new visa rules & our solutions as below.
UK Government Report
Chinese Government announce new immigration laws and new visa regulations for foreigners visiting and living in China, under new Chinese immigrations laws to be enforced on 1 July. The details though not yet finalised, indicate that as of 1 July, anyone wishing to stay in China more than 180 days will need a residence permit. Visit ( tourist) visas will only be extended once by a maximum of 30 days. In addition there will be the introduction of several new categories of visa including R visas - for highly skilled specialists. Work visas - Z visas - will be divided into Z1 (over 90 days) and Z2 (under ninety days), with Z1 visa holders likely to need a residence permit also. Rules for F visas (current category for business visits) may also change, with business/commercial visitors required to apply for a new “M” visa category - however please note that details of the difference between F and M types have not yet been finalised. More detailed information will be distributed once available. The new draft visa categories are as follows: F - non-commercial visit L - tourism G - transit visa Z1 - work in China over 90 days Z2 - work in China less than 90 days X1 - long term study X2 - short term study M - commercial or trade activity Q1 - family reunion Q2 - short visit visa R1 - highly skilled specialists R2 - Highly skilled specialists (less than 180 days).
Source https://www.gov.uk/government/world-location-news/chinese-government-announce-new-immigration-laws
China New Visa Rules 2013
Following are some changes (in Chinese visa extension in Beijing) we just get confirmed:
- L or F visa extension takes 7 working days (It takes 5 working days before the 1st of July 2013).
- Residence permit application takes 15 working days (It takes 5 working days before the 1st of July 2013).
- The immigration office (Exit and Entry Administration) request you to process your visa at least 1 week before it expires, earlier is better. Don't wait until the last 1-2 days.
- L visa can only be extended for 1 time, maximum 30 days. (before was twice 30 days)
- If you register too late (over 24 hrs) in the police station to get the registration form of temporary residence, they can charge you maximum 2,000RMB for the penalty (before was 500RMB)
- If you over stay your visa, they can charge you 500RMB/day maximum up to 10,000RMB (before was maximum up to 5,000RMB)
- Certificate of No Criminal Record (click for more) is required when applying for China residence permit for work in Beijing.
