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underh20
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Post  Posted: Apr 18, 2008 - 10:32 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

CaptainCook wrote:
They have updated the info.... all visa processing are back in HK with tighter control of multi-entries and more documents for L and F.

http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/xwfw/gszxxw/t426104.htm


Still telling those who are not permanent residents in HK to go home to apply.

They will, however, process Z visas for people why come down from the Mainland.

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Post  Posted: Apr 23, 2008 - 07:35 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Does anyone have any recent experience getting an L visa in HK? The SH Entry/Exit bureau will not give me an extension on my L while I'm in the process of setting up a WOFE (too many previous renewals, I guess). The visa chief said the only way was to go to HK (or elsewhere but HK is closer), and now I'm hearing people are being denied L visas in HK. Any recent experience anyone? I've read all the updates from the HK visa office, can't get through visa agents in HK on the phone. I'll be interested to hear if anyone has been denied an L visa in HK since the last update from 4/18, or how anyone has gotten an L visa and what documents did they provide (return ticket out of China, hotel reservations while in China?).

Thanks!
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Andreas
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Post  Posted: Apr 23, 2008 - 10:30 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Cambronne wrote:
Dasher wrote:
Hmmmm... my parents have just had their visa application questioned. They are coming to Shanghai for about a week on their way to France and my father listed his reason for coming to China as 'visiting relatives' i.e. me. I'm only here on a tourist visa myself (and no I'm not working) and they have requested my birth certificate to prove they're my parents. Should I just book them into a hotel for the night they arrive and get them to change their reason for travel to 'tourism'? They've also requested a copy of their plane tickets proving they're leaving Shanghai. I'm feeling a little uneasy as they have both traveled to Shanghai before with no problems so I don't understand the sudden attention!


Just to react to this. Perhaps some of us get a tiny taste of what Chinese traveller get when apply fot visa to the Free World.

Funny to see in those visa thread how people complain about the bad chinese government etc. over such insignificant issues. Knowing that most of us come from countries that sponsor separatism in China (and other nations), kill people all over the world etc. Lets be serious. Those visa issues are just minor annoyance.


The difference is that we here do not work illegally in restaurants, set up laundries and prostitution rackets, and bring our whole triad family here.

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Post  Posted: Apr 23, 2008 - 10:47 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Andreas wrote:

The difference is that we here do not work illegally in restaurants, set up laundries and prostitution rackets, and bring our whole triad family here.


But those who work illegally take jobs that could otherwise be filled by someone else (foreign or local) that would be paying taxes. Illegals don't pay tax... most of the time.

And yes, I have to add, speak for yourself.
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stylesOffline
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Post  Posted: Apr 23, 2008 - 10:51 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Well I just came to HK to try and get an L visa, I couldn't because I don't have a return ticket to my country (but return to shanghai Very Happy LOL) so.. I am stuck in HK! This is the second time I've been to HK for visa purposes, and it's the 2nd time it's really reminded how much Hong Kong sucks (weather, loud canton people, etc.) It sucks! I'm stuck here.. who knows for how long.. maybe even a few months! Wtf.

I waited in Wanchai at China Resources Building for hours to be told "no, you need a return ticket".. and yeah I got a slip of paper detailing the requirements for visas at the entrance early, but I wanted to see if I could still get a visa with out one, but no, she turned me down.

Here, this is the text on the slip of paper:

"

Please makre sure you have all the necessary documentation ready, otherwise your application will not be accepted.

Basic Requirements
-Passport Valid for at least 6 months with blank visa page.
-Completed Chinese visa application form with one photo.

Additional Requirements
Visa for Tourism and Transit
-A copy of Chinese hotel booking.
-A succession trip airline ticket, or a copy of return flight ticket booking.

Visa for Visiting Relative in China
-Proof of kinship (Notarized) for applicants born in foreign nations.
-A copy of return flight ticket booking.

Visa for Buisiness and Visiti
-Visa notices Form issued by the relevant Chinese Authorities.
-A copy of Chinese hotel booking.
-A copy of return flight ticket booking.

Please visit our webste:www.fmcoprc.gov.hk for visa information.

"

I been here 1 week and already missing Shanghai Razz
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Post  Posted: Apr 25, 2008 - 10:56 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Just sorted out STYLES in Hong Kong. Hope your happy. Welcome back to China mate!

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yu888
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Post  Posted: Apr 25, 2008 - 02:46 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Andreas wrote:
Cambronne wrote:
Dasher wrote:
Hmmmm... my parents have just had their visa application questioned. They are coming to Shanghai for about a week on their way to France and my father listed his reason for coming to China as 'visiting relatives' i.e. me. I'm only here on a tourist visa myself (and no I'm not working) and they have requested my birth certificate to prove they're my parents. Should I just book them into a hotel for the night they arrive and get them to change their reason for travel to 'tourism'? They've also requested a copy of their plane tickets proving they're leaving Shanghai. I'm feeling a little uneasy as they have both traveled to Shanghai before with no problems so I don't understand the sudden attention!


Just to react to this. Perhaps some of us get a tiny taste of what Chinese traveller get when apply fot visa to the Free World.

Funny to see in those visa thread how people complain about the bad chinese government etc. over such insignificant issues. Knowing that most of us come from countries that sponsor separatism in China (and other nations), kill people all over the world etc. Lets be serious. Those visa issues are just minor annoyance.


The difference is that we here do not work illegally in restaurants, set up laundries and prostitution rackets, and bring our whole triad family here.


Wow, what a broad generalization. Thats like saying all foreigners are English teachers, the backpacker kind that just end up here.

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Post  Posted: Apr 25, 2008 - 03:05 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

The backpacker kind does still bring money into the economy rather than taking it out... I don't know what you have against backpackers. English teachers sure, they don't pay tax most of the time, I get it.

Although if you're referring to the amount of money they add to the underground market with their hash purchases... then I withdraw my comments backing up backpackers. Cool
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Post  Posted: Apr 25, 2008 - 03:57 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Andreas wrote:
Cambronne wrote:
Dasher wrote:
Hmmmm... my parents have just had their visa application questioned. They are coming to Shanghai for about a week on their way to France and my father listed his reason for coming to China as 'visiting relatives' i.e. me. I'm only here on a tourist visa myself (and no I'm not working) and they have requested my birth certificate to prove they're my parents. Should I just book them into a hotel for the night they arrive and get them to change their reason for travel to 'tourism'? They've also requested a copy of their plane tickets proving they're leaving Shanghai. I'm feeling a little uneasy as they have both traveled to Shanghai before with no problems so I don't understand the sudden attention!


Just to react to this. Perhaps some of us get a tiny taste of what Chinese traveller get when apply fot visa to the Free World.

Funny to see in those visa thread how people complain about the bad chinese government etc. over such insignificant issues. Knowing that most of us come from countries that sponsor separatism in China (and other nations), kill people all over the world etc. Lets be serious. Those visa issues are just minor annoyance.


The difference is that we here do not work illegally in restaurants, set up laundries and prostitution rackets, and bring our whole triad family here.


I think both of you are missing the point - without a doubt it's China's right to decide on its Visa policy, even if it will hurt it eventually. They have the right if they want foreigner to be here or not and if they want to stay in the WTO; thing is that it was done suddenly, messy and without much warning - there are plenty of people who are "legal" with honest intent of coming here that got or will get hurt by this. For example, it would have been easy enough to notify the world in advance that six month from now regulation would change. This way, I'm sure everyone would have accepted it and had nothing to say.
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Post  Posted: Apr 25, 2008 - 07:14 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

I have seen many pople climing they want reciprocity on things like visa issues.

Seems like now they have it and complain.

Trying getting e temporary work permit fort the USA or the UK.

Try applying for a US visa outside of your country of legal residence..Sorry, nup nada not nears no mearcy no go to USA.

I think this visa policy may last a lot longet than after the Olympics games finishes.

I'm sure it is difficult for those who come to visit the factories that manufacture OEM products and the home company send out people for QC work.

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Post  Posted: Apr 25, 2008 - 10:15 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Any Americans tried the Z Visa process back in the US?, specifically @ NYC China Consulate?, I just arrived back to Boston to deal with this, dug up some info and seems the application for any visa to China has been modified recently and updated. There is no option for same day processing for any type of visa now. Also unclear if I have to go there personally or if its possible to do it via visa agent/travel agent to help apply for visa for the traveler. Will keep folks updated if anyone is interested on the "return to home country (US) side" of things.

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Post  Posted: Apr 25, 2008 - 11:48 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Just a little update for those who are interested- my parents still haven't had their visas approved. Apparently they originally ticked both boxes (visiting relative and tourism) when they originally applied and so far they have had to submit my birth certificate and a letter from myself confirming they are staying with me in private accommodation. They've also submitted their tickets departing Shanghai. So much more fuss than previous visits.
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underh20
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Post  Posted: Apr 26, 2008 - 08:41 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

dr3x320 wrote:
... Also unclear if I have to go there personally or if its possible to do it via visa agent/travel agent to help apply for visa for the traveler.


You can go in person and they do have same-day service. Otherwise, you must use an agent since they do not allow mail-in applications for visas.

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Post  Posted: Apr 26, 2008 - 09:49 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Update: I just called 9 visa agents/travel agency's who can apply for Z visa's on my behalf but, they said "hung mah fan" or very difficult now.
They all mentioned various docs to be prep'd and required prior for applying, some are:
Z visa documents from Shanghai employer (typical)
At least 1-2 bank accounts opened in China in your name.
You must have a plane ticket purchased prior to applying for Z visa.

Heres the kicker, IF my application is denied for some sporadic commie reason, the plane ticket that I just purchased that they required me to do, will be useless since the visa can be denied and im stuck w/ a flight I can't take/use.

My Paperwork from the Company in Shanghai is en route via DHL, I'll be heading down to Boston to talk face to face with one of the bigger agents who can do this without t-bag'n me for useless docs next week, will keep u guys updated on how unorthodox the process is, from Boston > Chinese Consulate @ NYC.

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Post  Posted: Apr 26, 2008 - 01:20 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Cambronne wrote:


I see you are American. Anyway this is not what is happening here. The problems happen for people who entered China with the wrong visa (e.g. tourist visa to look for a job).

Being in a foreign country, working without working visa, etc... is certainly distressing. I do sympathise with those people posting here.


Yes all those working ilegally... waht a shame. However I find it amusing that expats feel it is teri right to be able to work in any country they see fit to enter.

They can now understand how all those illegal immigrants feel in other countries. Visa rules change when there is a lot of exploitation and abuse of a visa system by foreigners. China is only implementing what other western countries do.

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underh20
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Post  Posted: Apr 26, 2008 - 07:13 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

SatelliteTV wrote:
They can now understand how all those illegal immigrants feel in other countries. Visa rules change when there is a lot of exploitation and abuse of a visa system by foreigners. China is only implementing what other western countries do.


Exactly!

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Post  Posted: Apr 26, 2008 - 08:59 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top
Post subject: Visa restrictions - what's the latest?

visa_consultant wrote:
Just sorted out STYLES in Hong Kong. Hope your happy. Welcome back to China mate!



Visa consultant, How did you manage to get Styles a visa to CHina while s/he was in HK?

I just read in a blog that agents like CTS in Macao are only able to provide 7-day tourist visas, not even the standard 1-month. I think they imply it's the same in HK. Here is the link:

http://annatam.com/get-a-china-visa-in-macau-latest-report-from-the-sc ene/

I'm going to HK tomorrow and will have everything they are asking for to get a tourist visa (return ticket out of China, hotel booking, bank statement), but if I only get a 7-day visa, is there any possibility to get that extended in SHanghai?

Thanks! This is getting ridiculous, so any help is GREATLY appreciated.
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Post  Posted: Apr 27, 2008 - 10:53 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

So I guess everything is returning to normal. Visa Consultants with the right connections can still get the job done in return for sufficient payment.
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underh20
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Post  Posted: Apr 27, 2008 - 10:55 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Pegasus333 wrote:
So I guess everything is returning to normal. Visa Consultants with the right connections can still get the job done in return for sufficient payment.


I would rephrase that statement to something like:

Everything is returning to normal. Visa Consultants who are willing to forge or falsify documents can still get the job done for a sufficient amount of $$.

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Post  Posted: Apr 27, 2008 - 09:42 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

I have dual citizenship, anyone outside the US tried to apply for a Z Visa other then a US Passport?, I have a Swedish passport as well but thinking with the media frenzy going on right now, it might not be as easy with a US passport vs. a Swedish passport, I don't think Sweden has done anything to China other then cheap azz products from IKEA. Will be going to the NYC Chinese Consulate this week, Any thoughts?

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Post  Posted: Apr 28, 2008 - 02:04 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Underh20,
What you wrote is a given. In these trying times, all the more conncections are important.
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Post  Posted: Apr 28, 2008 - 11:07 AM  Reply with quote  Back to top

I dont think many expats will have a problem with it affecting illegal work but it is also affecting legal business. For instance if you are negotiating deals and you have to go back and forth between China and your home country you cant. so guess what is going to happne. People will move their business to Singapore, Vietnam Thailand or India (I know this is already ahppening -the change in labour laws made people think about it and this latest change made up their mind).
What I dont understand is what this all has to do with the Olympics which is being used as the excuse. Terrorism if it does occur will most likely be by Chinese citizens of minority groups -not by expat business people.
As stated above a big problem will be for people coming to inspect product being produced here. Maybe they will just cancel their orders and continue production in their home countries. For China's sake I hope someone has a real good look at the affects of these restrictions and modifies them to allow both a tightening up and multiple entry.
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Post  Posted: Apr 28, 2008 - 12:15 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

visa_consultant wrote:
Just sorted out STYLES in Hong Kong. Hope your happy. Welcome back to China mate!


Yeah! Thanks for the help Wink Oh yeah, if you need a testimonial or some thing feel free to get one off me Wink
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yu888
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Post  Posted: Apr 28, 2008 - 12:27 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

chinamonty wrote:
I dont think many expats will have a problem with it affecting illegal work but it is also affecting legal business. For instance if you are negotiating deals and you have to go back and forth between China and your home country you cant. so guess what is going to happne. People will move their business to Singapore, Vietnam Thailand or India (I know this is already ahppening -the change in labour laws made people think about it and this latest change made up their mind).
What I dont understand is what this all has to do with the Olympics which is being used as the excuse. Terrorism if it does occur will most likely be by Chinese citizens of minority groups -not by expat business people.
As stated above a big problem will be for people coming to inspect product being produced here. Maybe they will just cancel their orders and continue production in their home countries. For China's sake I hope someone has a real good look at the affects of these restrictions and modifies them to allow both a tightening up and multiple entry.


It probably doesnt have much to do with the Olymics perse, but the perception in BJ is that there is a huge potential for those not currently tracked to turn out to be terrorists or prοtesters that will cause China to lose face.

So, the powers that be have opted to do a massive "detox" and unfortunately, many innocents ave been caught up in this crossfire. Its probably the best the could think of up there in BJ, but it will be effective. The side effects will yet top be determined, but barring any more major upheavals, those claiming to be "getting out" of China are either poor risk managed organizations or just much smaller. Most will b!tch and complain now but ultimately lets face it, we are all here for the opportunities China offers, speed bumps and all.

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Post  Posted: Apr 28, 2008 - 12:42 PM  Reply with quote  Back to top

Yes YU888 you talk sense. The thing that worries me most is that BJ knows of some specific threat that they are not telling us about - and it affects expats paticularly. They do have to run their country the best way they can but I think the problem is the lack of communication or explanation that accompanies these decisions. At least with the restrictions they are now going to impose on carry on luggage on planes they have said it is part of an overall plan to prevent or contain the possibility of terrosit attack during the Olympics lead up. That is fair enough as really what they are imposing is very similar to how the rules apply to foriegn countries. Last time I was in Australia they actually weighed my carry on luggage and insitsted I move a book from one bag to another.

Do you think that the visa problem will affect teachers the most? i think that some of them will chose to just leave rather than go back and forth once a month (assuming they are not on long term Z visa's of course.
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