Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hopefully, this should allow you more than enough time to secure a job or study option.
Once you do find a company or school that is willing to take you on, you'll need to arrange
for your new visa type before you start. The government is particularly watchful these days
of those on tourist visas. It's illegal to work or study while on one, and if you get caught
doing so, you'll face fines and/or deportation. If you need to change your L visa to another
type, such as an M or Z visa, you may or may not be able to do this in Beijing. Laws re-
garding this issue constantly change, however, so if you have any problems when trying to
do this, contact a knowledgeable visa services office.
If you plan to make trips out of China while on your tourist visa, remember to get a
multiple-entry rather than a single-entry visa, otherwise you'll find yourself with an exten-
ded holiday when you try to get back in. And don't forget, Macau and Hong Kong are clas-
sified as international travel and will use up your number of entries.
Visitor Visa—F ( 访访问 , F ǎ ngwèn)
Previously the Business Visa, the F visa is now for those are coming for short-term non-
business trips (less than six months). Reasons for this can include involvement in an educa-
tional program, a cultural exchange, or a sports event.
It's illegal to work while on this visa, and if you do, you'll also risk being fined and de-
ported, never to return to China again.
Work Visa—Z1 and Z2 ( 工工作 , G ō ngzuò)
The Work visa is primarily for those who come to China for employment, and also for their
families. The Z1 visa is for foreign workers working here for more than 90 days, while the
Z2 visa is issued to those here for 90 days or less). The Z visa is about the best kind of visa
that most expats could hope for, but it's not always easy to get. In reality this visa's lifespan
is very brief, lasting only 30 days. In this period you need to apply for your Residency Per-
mit. Residency gives you the freedom to come and go from the country basically as often
or as little as you please for the life of your permit.
If you're the primary person applying for the visa, you first need to meet several criteria:
You must be at least 24 years of age and no older than 60; you must have a bachelor's de-
gree; and you must have two years of post-graduation work experience.
With all the paperwork required and the constant law changes, many expats find procur-
ing a Z visa and Residency Permit downright challenging. If you find yourself in this situ-
ation, be sure to speak to a visa service first. Somehow there are often ways to get around
things.
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