Short-term Visa Extension Policy Tends to Tighten

Based on the cases we have recently come across with our clients, and our communication with the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau, the recent requirements for the extension of short-term visas (without residence permits, such as M visas) have become more stringent and the extension has become more difficult.

Example Case:

Mr. X, American, entered China on March 20 with a business visa (M visa) due to engineering and construction-related affairs in China. 

Previously, Mr. X had extended his visa 5 times already. The 6th extension was rejected by the police officer because the company submitted his related documents one day later than required, so he failed to get the extension. 

Now he can only get a 10-day exit visa, and he has to leave China within 10 days.

While in fact, due to the worsening current situation of the global epidemic, China's entry policy has tightened, so it is difficult for personnel to return to China once they leave China.

Application reasons with lower  success rate :

• Business activities

• Unable to purchase air tickets back to home country due to the epidemic

For the second reason, it is necessary for you to prove that there is no flight ticket to return to your home country in next month, while it will not be acceptable if there are no tickets to your home city but there are tickets to other cities. (in this situation, it means you are able to back to your country by landing in other cities).

Application reasons with higher success rate :

• One needs to extend his/her current visa to stay in China because his/her work visa is being processed. 

• One needs to extend his/her current visa to stay in China because one is applying for business registration. And provide proof of business registration in process. (eg: Enterprise registration verification form 企业注册核名表单).

Two solutions depending on the circumstances:

• Apply for a work visa after finding a job in China. 

• Register a company in China and apply for a visa as a legal representative. 

Recommendation:

We highly recommend that you prepare for the visa transfer in advance if you are a short-term visa holder and want to stay in China in the future.

Don't wait until the last few days of the expiration date and risk the possibility of mandatory departure.

WARNING

You should be aware that once the short-term visa extension fails, it may cause serious consequences.

Normally, once the short-term visa extension fails, the police will only give one a 10-day exit visa to leave the country.

Due to the worsening situation of the global epidemic, China has banned the entry of foreign nationals from multiple countries recently.

It is likely that one will need to wait until China fully opens up the borders to enter again, which could be next year or even the year after.

If you have any questions about the entry policy or visa applications, please contact our visa consultant Alex (WeChat ID: AnyHelperAlex).

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