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Thread: L Visa to Z Visa and Extending L Visa

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[quote=APAULT,254543]Whew!

Ok, from the top...

1.  In theory you cannot look for work on an L visa, but in practice it's no problem. This 'rule' is the logical basis for not allowing a person on an  L visa to obtain a Z visa on the mainland.

2.  Three approaches. One is to apply for an extension on the mainland.  In my experience that is for a maximum of 1 month (anyone able to say otherwie?).  The second is to apply for a dual or multiple entry visa and exit at the nearest border and re-enter (immediately if you want to).  Third, exit and apply for a new visa which will normally be granted.  I recommend the multiple entry unless you are interested in seeing some other place such as HK.  I also suggest using a Chinese run travel agent to apply for the visa and ask them to get the longest visa they can.

3.  I believe 3 months is the longest L visa unless you are a spouse of someone who has a longer visa or is a national.  I believe the rule is one renewal of 1 month, but they will give a one week visa if you apply again...enough to clear up and clear out.

4.  Yes, you can go to HK, no need to stay a couple of days.  You can get a visa in half a day if you are prepared to pay the fee...cheaper than staying in HK (but US passport holders must pay higher fees).  Or go to Macau which is cheaper and pay a travel agent.

5.  It seems impossible to get a Z visa on the mainland... my employer thought they were going to be able to just 2 weeks ago but failed and I had to go to HK.  You can get the Z visa in HK, no problem, if you have the right paperwork.

6.  You are right - when the Z expires you can get a one month L visa.  I believe you can transfer the Z (actually, your residence permit) if you arrange a new job before the contract and residency expires AND the two employers are well enough organised (!!)  Otherwise off to HK.

7.  Get an F visa as a foreign employed person, or start a business here.

See also a new thread on visa anomalies.
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