China Visa Update June 10, 2008 Zachary Wortham Wang Jing & Co. Law Firm www.wjnco.com
Wang Jing & Co. Chinese Law Firm established in 1994 Over 150 staff More than 75 lawyers 7 offices throughout China Full service law firm with 90% of our clients being foreign Client Service Managers representing; Europe, The U.S.A., and Japan Services offered in 6 languages, All members of the firm must speak English
Visa Regulation and Policy Changes No 6 month or 1 year, multiple entry business (F) or tourist (L) visas Only 30 or 60 day single or double entry L and F Visas Must submit confirmed flight itinerary (confirmation number) and a hotel reservation F Visas require a letter from the Foreign Economic Relation and Trade Commission in China Immigration offices stopped issuing short-stay visas to Shenzhen on April 1 Recently enforced rule that the Legal Representative of a Representative Office is exempt from obtaining a work permit. However without a work permit it is impossible to get an invitation letter to receive a Z visa.
New Business (F) Visas Possible in Hong Kong May not be able to be issued in one day (hotel room) Arrive by 9:00 a.m. (two hours early to get a place in line) Must bring a Passport, (6 months validity passed return date) Application Form Two, 2 inch photos Business Card with your name from your company in your country Costs vary depending on where applicant is from Recent cases: 2 weeks ago a US citizen received a one year multiple entry business visa in the U.S. A regular businessman was only able to obtain a 15day visa in Hong Kong.
F Visa Extensions in China Official word Normally takes 5 days Ability to receive an extension depends on your current Visa and your situation for extension Two 2 inch photos (one required) Completed Application forms Passport and at least one copy of the first page At least one Copy of your current visa Letter from the employing company If you own the company bring documents evidencing your business activity Employers working license in China Registration Form of Temporary Accommodation for Foreigners issued by PSB
New Documentation Required for a Tourist (L) visa A copy of your hotel bookings valid from the day you arrive to the day you leave A copy of a return flight ticket booking A letter from your employer stating that you'll be on vacation between your arrival and departure, as stated on your airline ticket * A bank statement with a minimum of US $3,000. Alternately, you can choose to show cash equivalent to US$700, if you do not show your financial statement * * the last two bullet points are not uniformly enforced but were confirmed to be a part of documentation that may be required
L Visa Extensions in China Official word Tourist Visa s cannot be extended inside China or changed to an F visa Note there are reports of authorities still allowing extension applications
Enforcement for Guests staying in Hotels and Serviced Apartments Must register with the PSB upon arrival (normally completed at check-in with no action required by the guest Hotels in violation will receive a RMB 5,000 fine for each guest not registered Results More detailed check-in procedures, and hotels less likely to make exceptions or let guests have more than the registered number of guests in a room Note Foreigners are required to carry their passports on their person at all times, fines are uncommon but can be given on the spot.
Enforcement for Expatriate Employees Living In Private Apartments All Foreigners must be registered with the PSB in regards to their private address before July 1, 2008 Management Companies and Foreigner could face fines of up to RMB 5,000 Results Technically staying over one night at a friend s place is a violation if not registered
Enforcement of Visa Overstay Fines of RMB 500 per day overstayed (this is at the discretion of the PSB as they can find that there was a willful intent to overstay and impose further fines and even deportation in extreme cases) Report any violation with the PSB as quickly as possible and going with good representation is always helpful
Chinese Visa Classifications C Visa: Issued to crewmembers to perform duties on board an international train, airliner or other vessel, and their accompanying family members. D Visa: Issued to an alien who comes to reside permanently in China. F Visa: Issued to an alien who is invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or internship for a period of no more than six months. G Visa: Issued to an alien who transits through China. J-1 Visa: Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China. J-2 Visa: Issued to foreign journalists who make short trips to China on reporting tasks. L Visa: Issued to an alien who comes to China for sightseeing, family visiting or other private purposes. X Visa : Issued to an alien who comes to China for study, advanced studies or internship for a period of more than six months. Z Visa: Issued to an alien who comes to China for a post or employment, and his or her accompanying family members.
Questions? Thank You for your Time and Attention. Zachary Wortham zwortham@wjnco.com www.wjnco.com