China Visa Facts – No Visa, No Entry | The definitive guide to Shenzhen, Shekou, Guangdong, China

Submitted by Harry Fozzard on June 20, 2011 - 09:40

Overseas employment is fruitful and at the same time painstaking. The training, relocation and adjustment are usually coined the hardest part of working abroad, but one of the major hassles in landing a job abroad is the approval of visa to work overseas. Every country varies in their regulations as to how a migrant can work without being bothered by the immigration officers during work.

In China for example, there are several visas for every individual. Every visa is designated with a letter for easy identification as to what purpose you have for entering China. The tourist visa, or the "L" visa, is issued for tourists and is valid for three months on the single-entry version. It is valid for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or any personal affairs. The “X” visa is issued to persons whose main purpose is to pursue their education in China. This may also be issued to those seeking or already attending internship programs that should not exceed 6 six months. The “Z” visa is for those who intend to work in the country or for a family member of a migrant. The “J” visa issued to journalists is issued to foreign journalists residing in China or those who visit China for a short reporting trip. The “D” visa is issued to aliens who seek permanent residency in the country, especially foreigners who marry Chinese nationals. Lastly, the “G” visa which is issued to those who are passing through China on their way to another destination.

There are plenty of China visa myths circulating in the country. It is a common misnomer among migrant workers and even employers that an F visa can be used to work in China or that an L visa can be changed to a Z visa. Some even believe that visa changes can be made without leaving the country. Others would marry a Chinese national under the belief that they would be given special visa privileges after the marriage. Unfortunately, these are not true, Chinese visa facts are as follows: the absence of the proper employment visa will subject a migrant worker, on a different visa, to deportation and fines. In changing visa, the applicant must visit his home country and apply for it. And for those who marry Chinese nationals to obtain work, the marriage is not a license to employment. Even if you are married to a national of China, you still have to apply for a working visa.

Marriage to a local can only guarantee a yearlong visa, the type remains to be a tourist visa, and is tantamount to the inability of being employed. China does not offer spouses the benefits of permanent residency out of marriage. The country has qualifications that a spouse must meet before residency is awarded. Among these is a good credit standing in terms of taxes and a residency permit for 5 years after the celebration of the marriage. However, more often than not, meeting these requirements does not warrant the issuance of permanent residency, especially if you are not well connected.

Children born in China maintain Chinese citizenship despite possession of foreign citizenship. As long as the child stays in China, he is considered Chinese. If a child would obtain a foreign passport and uses it for the first time, it would amount to the renunciation of his Chinese citizenship and thus would be asked to get an exit permit to leave the country. If he should intend to return, he would be treated like any other alien to obtain a visa corresponding to his status. The Chinese government is very rigid when it comes to honoring citizenship and it does not in any way recognize dual citizenship.

Blog Image by Kelley Chan

For further reading:
China Visa for Americans
China Visa for Canadians
Getting A Visa To Shenzhen, China As A British National
China Visa Information for Shenzhen As An Australian