ALERT | New visa policies during the outbreak

Have you received this text recently?

【外国专家局】各位企事业单位的负责人，新年好！
       为全力做好新冠疫情的防控，避免窗口人员的集聚，上海市外专局已研究出台了《关于本市外国人来华工作许可有关事项实行全程网上办理“不见面”审批的通知》，除境内新办（含通知办证）外的其他业务均可采用“承诺制”实现全程网上办理，无需到现场提交纸质材料核验。可按通知要求上传承诺书，全程在线办理。通知及承诺书模板下载详见官网公告：http://news.sgst.cn/zxy/ptdt/202002/t20200201_687533.html

This is actually about a change in visa policies during the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

AnyHelper this week received a lot of questions from readers about their visa issues. Here’s a list of Q&As that hopefully can help you understand what the change is and solve your problems during this special period.

REMEMBER: Any visa questions can be directed to our visa specialist Cindy (contact below).

I’m NOT in China

Situation 1

According to Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs’ policy, employers can process applications for foreigner's work permit extension (Class B and C) and cancellation online. Submission of physical application materials for verification is not required.

1

I'm not in China, how can I apply for an extension?

Work permit is over 30 days of the expiration date:

Step 1 | You will need:

1. Scanned copy of work permit (front)

2. Scanned copy of valid visa page

3. Scanned copy of new contract

4. Tax records for the past 12 months*

5. Screenshot of company's tax filing (with company seal)

* Application for Class B (with 2-year work experience and Bachelor’s degree) or Class C doesn’t’ require tax records for the past 12 months.

Step 2 | Sign documents

Step 3 | Upload and submit

We will send docs that need to be stamped to your employer and upload and submit scanned copies of the docs online afterwards. Once approved, your work permit will be successfully extended. This step will take about 2 weeks.

Work permit is within 30 days of the expiration date:

The exit-entry bureau will NOT accept any extension applications if the work permit expired less than 30 days. You need to re-apply overseas according to foreign application rules. Enter China with a Z visa after receiving the entry notification and then apply for the extension.

2

My visa has expired, what should I do?

If you have an expired visa, and it doesn't exceed 3 months from expiration, apply for an L visa or M visa to enter China and then apply for a work visa. A physical examination is required if your visa has expired more than 3 months after re-entering China.

I’m in China

Situation 2

1

Are foreigners allowed to exit as usual during the period of epidemic prevention and control?

Due to entry restrictions adopted by some countries and regions, it is advised that foreigners who need to exit from China, should learn in advance entry requirements of destination countries or regions to avoid financial and time losses in case of any entry refusals. Those who travel to countries or regions without entry restrictions, are advised to arrive at exit ports well ahead of departure time for necessary checks.

Travel restrictions on travelers from China

(as of Feb. 6)

Click to enlarge the table.

2

How to deal with the situation that a foreigner’s visa, stay or residence permit expires during the epidemic prevention and control?

According to Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC, foreigners should exit China or apply for extension at the EEA authorities before the visa, stay or residence permit expires. In light of the relevant laws and regulations and current situation, those who are unable to exit as scheduled or extend the visas, stay or residence permits due to the reason of epidemic prevention and control shall be given a lighter or mitigated or be exempted from punishment by the EEA authorities depending upon circumstances.

Any visa questions can be directed to our visa specialist Cindy.

If you have any questions during the outbreak period (e.g. where to buy masks, where to see a doctor, etc), AnyHelper (which owns AnyShanghai) customer support team will answer your questions in real-time from 9 am to 9 pm every day!

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