A Chinese visa is an important proof for every foreigner to stay in China. If a foreigner continues to stay in China after the visa expires, it will have some bad consequences and the foreigner may be punished. In fact, it will influence the following application for a Chinese visa.
Therefore, foreigners are supposed to check their Chinese visas, pay attention to the expiry date as well as the duration of stay, and make sure that they don't overstay.
source: www.gov.cn
Foreigners, who enter China with ordinary visas and need to stay in China continuously for non-diplomatic or official reasons, shall go through relevant procedures to apply for the extension or renewal of visas at the exit-entry departments of public security organs in accordance with relevant regulations.
Attention
Application for visa extension and renewal shall be made 7 days before the expiration of the visa validity. ( 7 days before the expiry date or 7 days before the expiry of the duration of stay specified in their visas. )
According to Foreigner Affairs Office Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government, foreigners are required to prepare some documents if they plan to apply for visa extension and replacement.
Visa Extension
1.Valid passport or other international travel documents and the original and photocopy of his or her valid passport and visa;
2.Completed Foreign National Visa Application Form;
3.A digital photo for the purpose of Guangdong entry/exit documents and its Inspection Note;
4.Overseas Personnel Temporary Accommodation Form valid in Guangzhou;
5.Other relevant supporting documents;
6.Other certificates as required by the public security authority.
Special requirements for different types of visas
L visa holders shall submit a travel itinerary, and a letter of certification from the travel agency for a group tour. The stay may be extended for no more than 30 days.
M visa holders shall submit a letter of certification issued by the local inviting and receiving entity or individual, and the entity that has not filed for the record shall also submit the registration certificate. If the partner is an individual, the letter shall be signed and the certificate of permanent residence or the certificate of residence of the actual place of residence shall be submitted. The stay may be extended for no more than 180 days.
Q2 visa holders shall submit the letter, the identity certificate and proof of family member relationship issued by the person being visited, and the stay period may be extended for no more than 180 days.
R visa holders shall submit a certification letter issued by the inviting and receiving entity. Entities that have not filed records shall also submit registration certificates. The stay can be extended for no more than 180 days.
For S2 visa holders, foreigners' visiting family members shall submit an invitation letter issued by the person being visited, the residence permit of the inviting individual, and certification showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual. Foreigners visiting for other purposes shall submit documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs or humanitarian causes. The period of stay may be extended for no more than 180 days for visiting relatives, and no more than 90 days for other people.
X2 visa holders shall submit a letter of certification of study issued by an education and training institution within the territory of China. The stay can be extended for no more than 180 days.
Visa Replacement
If a foreigner applies for a replacement due to loss, theft or damage of a general visa after entry, a general visa with the same type, validity of entry, number of entries and validity of stay as the original can be issued. The applicant shall apply in accordance with the following requirements:
1.A foreigner whose passport is lost or stolen shall provide a Proof of Loss or a statement from the embassy or consulate of his or her home country in China as well as a new passport or other international travel document.
2.A foreigner whose passport is damaged shall provide the damaged passport or a statement from the embassy or consulate of his or her home country in China as well as a new passport or other international travel document.
3.A foreigner whose group visa is lost, stolen or damaged, shall provide a letter of certification from the local travel agency and a photocopy of the group visa.
4.In addition to the above information, the applicant shall also provide his or her Foreigners' Accommodation Registration Form valid in Guangzhou, a Visa photo for foreigners in Guangdong Province and its Inspection Note.
5.Other certificates required by the public security authority.
Reminder
The extension of the visa stay may not exceed, in aggregate, the period of stay originally indicated in the visa.
The period of stay for renewed visa may not exceed one year in total from the date of the current entry.
source: Foreigner Affairs Office Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government, National Immigration Administration
A valid Chinese visa is pretty important for the foreigner staying in China. HACOS suggests that foreigners should pay attention to check whether their visas are about to expire, and if they need to apply for the extension, replacement or reissuance of visas, they should prepare in advance. It is recommended to make application 7 days before the expiration of the visa validity.
HACOS has rich experience in helping foreigners deal with problems about Chinese visas. If you have any questions about Chinese visa, welcome to consult us!
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