Visa and Immigration Changes, China – June 2008
(Courtesy Santa Fe Relocation Services)
Changes to the issuance of visas for foreign nationals visiting and working in China have been recently announced. The Chinese
authorities are working to add clarity to the announced changes and further refinements are expected in the coming weeks. The
announced changes appear to be mainly affecting visa services in Hong Kong.
Business “F” Visa
Restrictions have been placed on the issuance of a multi
entry “F” business visas. Single or Double Entry “F” visas
will continue to be issued following a formal application
process. Multi entry “F” (3 to 6 month) business visas will
no longer be processed in Hong Kong (for non-residents)
and applications can only be made in the applicant’s home
country. Procedures for application are expected to require
that an “Invitation Letter” be processed in China as part of
the business visa application.
Summary of Changes
“F” Business Visa:
- Will only be issued in an applicant’s home country
following a formal application process
- Applications in Hong Kong will no longer be accepted
for non Hong Kong residents
- Single and Double entry visas will still be granted
following an application process.
Single Entry “Z” Visa
The Single Entry “Z” visa is a precursor to receiving the
multi-entry “Z” Residence License Visa. Before the
announced changes, the possibility existed for foreign
nationals processing formal Work Permits for the “Z”
Residence License Visa to enter China on “f” or “L” (tourist)
visas and then begin the application for their Work and
Resident Z Visa. The process required the “foreign”
applicant to leave China and apply for a Single Entry “Z”
visa. Due to distance and convenience, many foreign
nationals processed their Single Entry “Z” visas in Hong
Kong. The new regulations require that the application for
the single entry “Z” visa be processed at a Chinese Embassy
or Consulate in the applicant’s home country.
Summary of Changes
“Z” Single Entry Business Visa:
- Will only be issued in an applicants home country
following a formal application process
- Applications in Hong Kong will no longer be processed
for “foreigners”.
Student “X” Visa
Foreign students studying in China had the option to travel
to Hong Kong to process their formal “X” Student Visa or to
process renewals for their visas. In line with the changes
made to the Single Entry “Z” Visa, Student “X” visas will no
longer be processed in Hong Kong (for non Hong Kong
residents) and they must return to their home country for
processing.
Summary of Changes
“X” Student Visas:
- Will only be issued in an applicant’s home country
following a formal application process.
- Applications in Hong Kong will no longer be accepted
for non Hong Kong residents.
Recommendations:
Visa and Immigration preparations for China should be made well in advance of a transferee’s arrival into China. For businesses
accustomed to processing their new employee Single Entry “Z” Visas in the applicant’s home country, the changes will have little
impact.
Recognizing the new procedures, it is also recommended that individuals and employers check expiration dates for key documents
(Residence “Z” Visa and Work Permit) and prepare in advance for Visa and Work Permit renewals.
Customers are also reminded that their Residence Registrations with their local Public Security Bureau should be up to date; and that
as foreigners in China, they are required to carry their passports at all times.
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