How to obtain or extend a visa

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-09 11:19

I'm an American citizen in China on a regular tourist L visa that will expire at the end of November.

During my time in Beijing, I have fallen in love with this city and succeeded in finding an English-teaching job at a language school. I would like to extend my L visa until I can sort out my working visa application materials.

How can I extend my L visa and then change it?

If you haven't extended your L visa before, go to the Beijing municipal public security bureau (PSB) with your application documents including passport, check-in certification in Beijing, and proof of financial support for living costs (eg bank statements, equal to an average of US$100 per day) and a 2-inch photo.

The L visa can be extended a maximum of two times and each extension lasts for one month.

To change your visa, you need a residence permit and a "foreign teacher" or a "foreign expert" certificate issued by the state administration of foreign experts affairs.

I'm English and employed by a foreign company, which has a number of clients in Beijing. I have a 30-day multiple entry F visa which will expire on Nov 15. I need to extend this visa because there is more work to do in Beijing than my boss anticipated.

How can I extend my F visa and should I change it to a longer visa, like a Z visa?

If you have never before extended F visa, you can apply to the PSB with documents including valid passport, check-in certification in Beijing official letter, application form and the company business license.

If you want to change your F visa to a Z visa in Beijing, you have to get a work permit from the Beijing municipal commission of commerce and the bureau of labor and human resources.

In addition, you must hold a work position at or above deputy general manager.