Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By hongkong7

China Visa Changes: From July 1 2013

Closed Thread
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    7,517

    China Visa Changes: From July 1 2013

    See https://www.gov.uk/government/world-...migration-laws

    New visa regulations for foreigners visiting and living in China, under new Chinese immigrations laws to be enforced on 1 July.

    The Chinese Government’s new immigration law will come into force on 1 July 2013, with new visa rules for foreign nationals visiting or living in China.

    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)
    Until July it is unclear how these changes will be enforced and what consequences there might be. However, if you are likely to need a Chinese visa in the next 6 months, I'd apply before July.
    Last edited by drumbrake; 30-05-2013 at 07:04 PM.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    6,180
    Quote Originally Posted by drumbrake:
    Until July it is unclear how these changes will be enforced and what consequences there might be.
    After July it will be still unclear how these changes will be enforced and what consequences there might be.

    Even now there are differences what you can get in the visa office and at an agent.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    7,517

    True. But less uncertainly now than there will be after July.


  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Hong Kong side
    Posts
    1,824

    No good can come form this thats for sure.Thanks drumbrake for the headsup - first i had heard of this


  5. #5

    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    4,821

    It seems reasonable to me. It's clear that there are many, many foreigners living and working in China more or less illegally (including huge numbers of English teachers) so in principle it seems like a good idea to clean this up.


  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Hong Kong side
    Posts
    1,824
    Quote Originally Posted by Gruntfuttock:
    It seems reasonable to me. It's clear that there are many, many foreigners living and working in China more or less illegally (including huge numbers of English teachers) so in principle it seems like a good idea to clean this up.
    agreed but it usually just ends up inconvencing and costing legitimate frequent visitors : something like over the top airport security in Australia designed to catch terrorists but in fact I was selected yet again for special screening at Adelaide airport while all of the usuall suspects waltz on through :we shall see how it pans out : I will be surprised if they get it right