Visa for South Africian

Visa for South Africian - Shenzhen
May 30, 2010 07:08
THEET Points: Join Date: May 30, 2010 Status: offline	Hello, I am a South African married to a Chinese lady (married last year in Shenzhen) and we are planning to return to Shenzhen to live there permanently. My wife has a hukou for Shenzhen. I am looking for advice on obtaining a visa for me to stay in Shenzhen. I have heard & read about 30 & 60 day visas where one must pop in & out of HK. Is this the only type o visa available? What happens if I wish to holiday in Xian and Beijing for 3 to 4 months? Can I apply directly to the necessary officials or should I use an agency? Are these agencies reliable? Thank you

Visa for South Africian - Shenzhen

May 30, 2010 07:08

THEET
Points:
Join Date: May 30, 2010
Status: offline

Hello, I am a South African married to a Chinese lady (married last year in Shenzhen) and we are planning to return to Shenzhen to live there permanently. My wife has a hukou for Shenzhen. I am looking for advice on obtaining a visa for me to stay in Shenzhen. I have heard & read about 30 & 60 day visas where one must pop in & out of HK. Is this the only type o visa available? What happens if I wish to holiday in Xian and Beijing for 3 to 4 months? Can I apply directly to the necessary officials or should I use an agency? Are these agencies reliable? Thank you

Jun 5, 2010 12:45

APAULT
Points:
Join Date: Mar 11, 2006
Status: Offline

Firstly, as a RSA, you should be able to get a multiple entry visa for up to 12 months (we never know what maximum will be given) with exit required every 2 months (again it varies).

However, if you apply for the tourist visa for visiting family you are in a much stronger position and should be able to get a 12 month visa with minimal restrictions. To obtain this you will need to produce the relevent documents.

The only way to find out exactly is to go to your local visa issuing office and try. My experience is that the offices are helpful when you appear in person (but to get a reply on the phone is like winning the lottery).

Note that spouses are not entitled to work and you should apply for an alternative visa at a lter stage if you want to. Or of course if you have a job lined up with a business accredited to employ foreigners, you can apply for a work visa now.

Jun 27, 2010 04:27	#2
THEET Points: Join Date: May 30, 2010 Status: Offline	Hello, Thank you for your reply. I am aware of the multiple entry visas. I presume I will have to apply for the visiting spouse once I am there. The one year/30 or 60 day visa is a hassle as I do not know what to do if I go to the wife's home town Xian for 2 or three months. I am sure I will be able to get some thing sorted out. Eric
THEET Points: Join Date: May 30, 2010 Status: Offline	Last edited by THEET: Jun 27, 2010 04:30

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