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kiwikells
LoopKicker
Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Posts: 938
Location: Jing'An District
Status: Offline
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Oct 23, 2005 - 03:16 PM |
 
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| Post subject: Residence Registration with PSB |
Hi All,
I have the official yellow paper from my temporary residence which doesn't expire until early Nov, but have recently moved to my permanent accommodation and only yesterday discovered you have to re-register yourself with PSB within 24 hrs???
Does anyone know whether it will be ok to register my new address when I extend my L visa without any penalties provided my temp accommodation's registration hasn't expired? (And even though I'm no longer now there?)
I also believe you have to take your leasing contract with? As such, can you be fined from the date of signing that if you didn't register within 24hrs or are they a little leniant?
Thanks!
*Stressed Out and uninformed Xpat* |
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Rufus_T_Firefly
Talker
Joined: May 04, 2003
Posts: 88
Location: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo
Status: Offline
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Oct 23, 2005 - 05:38 PM |
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I have been in your position before, and unluckily, I had no foreknowledge. The simple answer about whether they'll be lenient is....maybe. Technically, yes, you have to re-register yourself within 24 hours. However, if you're going to renew your residence permit soon, you may not need to bother with a new Yellow Paper. The fact of the matter is that the official at the facility that processes your new paperwork will not be aware of the specifics of your move situation. Moreover, unless it's a seriously flagrant violation, the chances that they'll bother you are slim. Your only real risk is that you'll get into serious trouble before your re-registration and will need to produce a valid yellow paper that you don't have.
My advice is this: Go get your new residence permit processed as if none of this ever happened. If you speak very good Chinese, you can go yourself. If you speak no Chinese at all, you can go yourself. If you speak only some, don't swing it, bring someone with you. Speaking none is the easiest in this situation, as Police rarely feel like spending the time to explain the nuances of registration law to someone who can't really understand it. At worst, you'll get some kind of fine, pay it and just leave. If you're concerned that the fine might be in the range of ridiculous, bring a local with you to negotiate it down.
Rufus T. Firefly
"Hail, hail Freedonia" |
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kiwikells
LoopKicker
Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Posts: 938
Location: Jing'An District
Status: Offline
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Oct 23, 2005 - 05:58 PM |
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Thanks Rufus T. Firefly that's a great help. I'll still have my temporary yellow paper until I renew my L Visa and thus my residence permit/new registration of permanent residency so think I'll be covered in that respect and as you say they won't know the exact details as long as I have my temp yellow paper, and then submit for a change in address....
Your suggestions about the PSB speaking/not speaking the language etc are very valuable! |
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sinned69
SuperStar
Joined: Sep 01, 2004
Posts: 1512
Location: China, Middle East, Asia Pacific
Status: Offline
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Oct 23, 2005 - 08:52 PM |
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its simple, if your temporary residence was an apartment or some such accommodation and not a hotel, then when you go to get your L visa renewed, simply dont say anything about having moved, you can always write down the old address (temp one). after all you ahve already registered and have the registration form (yellow paper) to prove it. you will need this when you go to extend your visa at the immigration dept, which has now moved from puxi to pudong. see my other posts in regards to this if you need the address.
in reality, if you don't disclose this information (having moved since first registering) to the PSB, then they are highly unlikely to be any the wiser about your move. many laowais do this and since they don't say anything it don't matter.
generally speaking you don't need to produce your apartment lease/contract when applying for a visa change or extension with the immigration dept. you need it though if you were to go and re-register with the PSB again. 
just to clarify, technically yes you are meant to re-register when you move, and if caught you could be fined, however most of the time the only way a laowai is fouund to be in violation of the rules, is when they (the laowai) inadvertantly make a mistake and dob themselves in, and hence the fine is imposed. incidently if a fine is imposed, it can be negotiated down.
lastly, even if one can speak chinese even remotely well, dont! its better to be able to fall on the advantage of not being able to communicate and therefore the perception is one doesnt understand... this can play to ones advantage. most PSB officers can't speak english, or those that can can't do it well. we know as we have had to do some translation for them... just play dumb if caught out, and for the most part, the PSB can't be bothered with pursuing the matter.
hope this clears that up for you. |
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qing nin shao deng |
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kiwikells
LoopKicker
Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Posts: 938
Location: Jing'An District
Status: Offline
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Oct 24, 2005 - 01:32 PM |
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Thanks Sinned69! It does help, but if I'm planning on being here quite some time, once my Yellow Registration form expires from the temp residence (serviced apartment block) I will have to submit a new residential address, (and thus re-register myself correct?) So when I renew my visa is it not best to change my address then and 'register' it while there but not alude to the fact that I've been in the permanent residence for weeks?
Hope I make sense.
In short, I need to know the best avenue for registering myself again with my address now once my Yellow Registration form expires on 4 Nov with the least possibly penalty, or none at all considering my blunder and uninformed self!
Cheers, |
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sinned69
SuperStar
Joined: Sep 01, 2004
Posts: 1512
Location: China, Middle East, Asia Pacific
Status: Offline
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Oct 24, 2005 - 02:32 PM |
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ok. simple. this is the easiest way for you to handle this. when you go to apply for an L visa extension, simply produce the registration form (yellow slip) you got when you registered with the PSB, please note that producing the yellow slip is not a requirement at all as the authorities can check their WAN to see you have registered. to be on the safe side, take a photocopy of your yellow slip just in case
when you complete the application form for the L visa extension, simply write down the address you were registered at. once you get your L visa extension, you don't have to go and re-register with the PSB. your first registration will simply carry over
what this means is that anything officially related to your whereabouts -just remember to use the first address for now. its really no biggie.
incidently.. if you were to go to the PSB, they are fairly lenient about it for the most part since you have already regsitered in the 'system' so even if you were to rock up to the local PSB [which accepts laowai registrations, as not all do] even up to one week after your move then you stand a good chance of not being fined, but then again if you are just plead your case and tyr to have it lowered.
just for reference -i once hadn't registered on my L visa, over 3yrs ago, since when i first came i was on a Z visa and the company handled it. so when i had my first L visa for China, the registering part was an oversight on my part. no problem, at the beginning of my 4th week of the L visa I went to register with the PSB, who kindly pointed out my error, but just warned me nicely about it... no fine naddah!
since then i have gotten to know a few PSB locally and they have used me for their internal promo brochures, for photos and also we have done alot of translations for them... related to this very subject.
the choice is yours.
a). go and register your new address now, and see how luck goes with the timeframe since moving to registering...
or...
b). simply use the initial registering address... for all L visas you might need...
which brings me to another point, why do monthly L visas, when there are other visas available including longer duration L visas.
have a chinese 'friend' check and help you out if interested, and also see other posts on this site regarding visas etc. |
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qing nin shao deng |
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kiwikells
LoopKicker
Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Posts: 938
Location: Jing'An District
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 09:25 AM |
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Thanks! My L Visa extension will be for at least another 6 months, so I don't have to hassle with it again anytime soon. Will have a local with me so might 'do the right thing' and register my new address and hope for the best, as knowing me, I'll get myself in more trouble using the old already registered one as I'll no doubt forget! |
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sinned69
SuperStar
Joined: Sep 01, 2004
Posts: 1512
Location: China, Middle East, Asia Pacific
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 09:37 AM |
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hey kiwikells... you are kiwi too? i know i know its kinda off topic...  |
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qing nin shao deng |
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kiwikells
LoopKicker
Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Posts: 938
Location: Jing'An District
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 11:07 AM |
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I am a Kiwi yes  ) Are there many of us here? I'm still quite new.... Went to the mixer at O'Malleys but they were mostly married, businessmen. I'm a 'youth' as stated on the xpat group that meets on Sats (18-29) so wasn't really my type of shindig.... |
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sinned69
SuperStar
Joined: Sep 01, 2004
Posts: 1512
Location: China, Middle East, Asia Pacific
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 11:24 AM |
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no, not many of us kiwis here... every month though there is a kiwi night at o'malleys on a friday or was that what you went to there? there're more aussies here than us kiwis... go figure. other than that trip along to the nz consulate and add your name to their e-mailing list oh and kiaora |
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qing nin shao deng |
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shanghaiceltic
Board Royalty
Joined: Sep 20, 2005
Posts: 7625
Location: Perth WA
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 12:51 PM |
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Even if you register your new address and get a new yellow copy anytime you leave the country and re-enter you should go back to the PSB again, especially if you are on anything but a Z visa. They can check your exits and entries from the stamps in your passport.
The Z visa is I believe exempt as your address details are recorded with the PSB unit on Wusong Lu where you also get your work permit etc registered. |
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I have parrallel bars at home, one for gin and one for whiskey |
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magdalene
Seeker
Joined: Jan 09, 2004
Posts: 54
Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 01:00 PM |
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PSB Unit has moved to 1500 Ming Sheng Lu, Pudong. Tel: 68541199 effective 1 October 2005.
For foreign passports on visas matter is on the 3rd Level. Collection of passport is on the 1st Level. |
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cruella
Seeker
Joined: July 30, 2004
Posts: 52
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 03:14 PM |
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I have a Z visa, do i still have to go to the police (PSB) everytime I leave and enter China? And, when i need to renew my visa, do i still need to present a new yellow form (if ever i decide to move to a new apartment)?
I had the same problem as kiwikells but i decided to use the yellow form (with my old address, mine was even one-month expired!) and i still got my residence visa/work permit...my only worry is if i would have a problem when i renew it next year. |
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kiwikells
LoopKicker
Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Posts: 938
Location: Jing'An District
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 04:32 PM |
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Cruella, from what I think I understand from above, because you have the Z Visa you're exempt from re-registering because all your details are 'permanent' at the PSB as long as your Work Visa is current.... |
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kiwikells
LoopKicker
Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Posts: 938
Location: Jing'An District
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 04:34 PM |
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Kia Ora sinned69! Yes went to the O'Malleys thing. Might invade the Aussie mixer (on the grounds that my partner's one heheh) and see how I get on.... |
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sinned69
SuperStar
Joined: Sep 01, 2004
Posts: 1512
Location: China, Middle East, Asia Pacific
Status: Offline
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Oct 25, 2005 - 05:51 PM |
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ok ppl.
this is the situ. just to clarify the situation for everyone and stop this confusion. 
no matter what the visa is that a person arrives with into mainland china as an immigrant, you must register at the local PSB within 72hrs but can be within the first 7 days. anything over and above the 72hrs can result in a fine being imposed. also read my words carefully not just any or all PSB (public security bureaus) can or handle registrations for laowais. so bear this in mind.
next the only ppl who generally won't need to register are those that stay at an approved and licensed hotel, which actually keeps a register expressly for laowais. however if one moves on from the hotel and lives elsewhere then -re-registering the new address is meant to be done. similar to what has happened fundamentally for kiwikells (even though she has lived in a serviced apartment -becuase she moved she was required to notify the PSB).
the other situation where a laowai usually will not have to register themselves, is those teaching at public sector uni's, schools and the like... esp whereby accommodation is provided by the institution. please note that this does not apply to private schools generally speaking.
another point is that whenever a laowai leaves the country and returns across the border, registration is required again, no matter the visa type. don't make this mistake and think that just because one has a multi-entry visa and just popped outside the country for a day or so... that the registration is not reqiured it is.
| Quote: |
PSB Unit has moved to 1500 Ming Sheng Lu, Pudong. Tel: 68541199 effective 1 October 2005.
For foreign passports on visas matter is on the 3rd Level. Collection of passport is on the 1st Level. |
also please don't confuse PSB with the immigration dept. where most go to have new visas or extensions done... as in magdalenes' post above
hope this clarifies this once and for all...
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qing nin shao deng |
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Rio
Post Boaster
Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724
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Oct 25, 2005 - 06:04 PM |
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GC
The Ginger Prince
Joined: Dec 01, 2003
Posts: 21536
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Oct 25, 2005 - 06:09 PM |
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And to add to this, don't panic if you forget to register and then need the yellow slip for a visa renewal, there are other options open to you.
On my second visit to Shanghai i was here on a 30 day L visa and needed another L visa for 30 days. I was staying in an apartment and had not registered with the local PSB so when i went to Wusong road to apply for the visa, they informed me i needed this yellow slip.
So along i went to the local PSB office where i was informed i would be hit with a fine for every day i had not registered. Now, i had already spoken to other people and knew i could get a temporary residents permit from any hotel or hostel so i asked why i should pay a big fine when i can get an equivalent from from a 140rmb a night hotel. At this point he basically told me to 'get lost' and go and do that then. |
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You turned on the lights, Fuelled U boats by night, That's how you repay us, It's time to go home. |
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cruella
Seeker
Joined: July 30, 2004
Posts: 52
Status: Offline
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Oct 26, 2005 - 02:12 PM |
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it's really strange that you need to register with the PSB everytime u leave and enter China (despite having a residence visa)....
i will be traveling in and out of China early next year and i don't know if i should register my new address with the PSB. I just got my Z visa and work permit (last month) using an old yellow form with my old address), but now, i'm living in another place. The company that i work for told me that I can just apply for a change of address when i renew my visa late next year, but my problem is since i'll be leaving and entering China (more than once) next year, should i tell the PSB that i still live in the old address, until i renew my visa next year? Now, I'm confused! |
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Quo vadis? |
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sinned69
SuperStar
Joined: Sep 01, 2004
Posts: 1512
Location: China, Middle East, Asia Pacific
Status: Offline
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Oct 27, 2005 - 01:47 AM |
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cruella
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it's really strange that you need to register with the PSB everytime u leave and enter China (despite having a residence visa)....
i will be traveling in and out of China early next year and i don't know if i should register my new address with the PSB. I just got my Z visa and work permit (last month) using an old yellow form with my old address), but now, i'm living in another place. The company that i work for told me that I can just apply for a change of address when i renew my visa late next year, but my problem is since i'll be leaving and entering China (more than once) next year, should i tell the PSB that i still live in the old address, until i renew my visa next year? Now, I'm confused!
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well no problem. first up, every country has their own system, and well the registration reqiurement is just one of those thigs required by the authorities. some 10-15yrs ago things were much more strict than that, laowais couldnt vsit or go just anywhere one pleased as we generally do today, also there was a seperate currency for laowais... and many other things. today is much easier than yesterday -thats for sure.
now about your visa. the visa and the registering are kinda seperate. firstly -you need a valid visa to be in the country, which you have, and you need to have regsitered at the local PSB within the first 72hrs of arrival, one way or another, which you also have. since registering with the PSB, you've moved, ok so dont sweat it. simply wait until you leave the country (next year) and return, then when you go to the PSB next year, simply register with the new address, just make sure you take your contract along so they can sight it. it doesnt alter your visa at all, so dont wait until you have to apply for a new visa. all in all no big deal, so dont stress over it. for now your fine, your registered even if it's at the old address, so all's ok.???
if youre still confused just re-read all the posts here.
its simple each time we leave the countries borders we have to register again with the PSB when returning, no matter how long we been coming or going. only those lucky few who have the new permanent residence card (not the green book) need not worry about this, but thats a different matter entirely.
ok.. less confused? |
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qing nin shao deng |
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GC
The Ginger Prince
Joined: Dec 01, 2003
Posts: 21536
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Oct 27, 2005 - 01:55 AM |
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But as there is no formal channel of communications between the psb, immigration department and the airport immigrations is it really worth the hassle. |
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You turned on the lights, Fuelled U boats by night, That's how you repay us, It's time to go home. |
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shanghaiceltic
Board Royalty
Joined: Sep 20, 2005
Posts: 7625
Location: Perth WA
Status: Offline
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Oct 27, 2005 - 08:13 AM |
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Green books are no longer issued. The new format is a visa in your passport which states is a 'Residence Permit for Foreigners in the PRC'
When I got this I surrendered my yellow slip to the Woosong Lu brigade. As I have that visa and my residence address for it and the work permit as well as my Representatives Cert are all registered with Wusong Lu I have not bothered re-registering every time I come and go with the local nick.
However if you change address and you are officially working here you should notify the PSB and get the work permit etc updated.
But the whole issue is confusing as little info is published on working/residence visas. For those here on a tourist visa not staying at a hotel my advice is register as soon as you move with the local PSB. |
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I have parrallel bars at home, one for gin and one for whiskey |
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cruella
Seeker
Joined: July 30, 2004
Posts: 52
Status: Offline
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Oct 27, 2005 - 11:36 AM |
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| sinned69 wrote: |
cruella
| Quote: |
it's really strange that you need to register with the PSB everytime u leave and enter China (despite having a residence visa)....
i will be traveling in and out of China early next year and i don't know if i should register my new address with the PSB. I just got my Z visa and work permit (last month) using an old yellow form with my old address), but now, i'm living in another place. The company that i work for told me that I can just apply for a change of address when i renew my visa late next year, but my problem is since i'll be leaving and entering China (more than once) next year, should i tell the PSB that i still live in the old address, until i renew my visa next year? Now, I'm confused!
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well no problem. first up, every country has their own system, and well the registration reqiurement is just one of those thigs required by the authorities. some 10-15yrs ago things were much more strict than that, laowais couldnt vsit or go just anywhere one pleased as we generally do today, also there was a seperate currency for laowais... and many other things. today is much easier than yesterday -thats for sure.
now about your visa. the visa and the registering are kinda seperate. firstly -you need a valid visa to be in the country, which you have, and you need to have regsitered at the local PSB within the first 72hrs of arrival, one way or another, which you also have. since registering with the PSB, you've moved, ok so dont sweat it. simply wait until you leave the country (next year) and return, then when you go to the PSB next year, simply register with the new address, just make sure you take your contract along so they can sight it. it doesnt alter your visa at all, so dont wait until you have to apply for a new visa. all in all no big deal, so dont stress over it. for now your fine, your registered even if it's at the old address, so all's ok.???
if youre still confused just re-read all the posts here.
its simple each time we leave the countries borders we have to register again with the PSB when returning, no matter how long we been coming or going. only those lucky few who have the new permanent residence card (not the green book) need not worry about this, but thats a different matter entirely.
ok.. less confused? |
yeah, i'm less confused and stressed now ....thanks sinned! but i still find it such a hassle to re-register with the PSB everytime i enter China  but then, rules are rules!
another follow-up question, so when i register my new address with the PSB next year, do i also have to go to Wusong Lu again and apply for a change in address for my work permit and visa? or can i wait until i renew everything late next year? thanks so much, you're such a great help! |
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jenming
FooJay
Joined: Dec 20, 2002
Posts: 1675
Location: Right where you wanna be
Status: Offline
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Oct 27, 2005 - 03:08 PM |
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If you have a Z visa, and you don't change your residence address, you shouldn't have to re-register. The last time I went to wusong lu to update my Z visa and I brought the yellow slip, they told me I didn't have to do it anymore. |
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unzip;strip;touch;finger;mount;fsck;more;yes;unmount;sleep |
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longsleeves
Newbie
Joined: Nov 14, 2005
Posts: 2
Status: Offline
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Nov 14, 2005 - 12:33 PM |
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Hi everyone,
I'm from America on an L visa. I've been in China since the end of May but I never registered with the PSB to get a yellow slip. I've even been living in an apartment in Shanghai for the last 2 1/2 months, but I never got a residence registration yellow slip either. My 180 day visa expires very soon and I'm not sure how to get it extended without getting some major fines. I've heard that I can use a hotel receipt in place of a yellow slip to extend my visa, so I'm considering paying for a room (somewhere in Shanghai) just for the receipt. Does anyone know if this actually works? Is there some kind of special form that I would want to get from the hotel? Does anyone have experience with visa extension agencies? Thanks so much for your help! |
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