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SummerSweetie
Newbie
Joined: Apr 02, 2004
Posts: 8
Status: Offline
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  Posted:
Mar 25, 2006 - 07:25 PM |
 
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| Post subject: URGENT! - WAITING ONLINE CHINESE VS. AUSTRALIAN PASSPORT |
HELP!
I need to make up my mind in the next couple of days!
Here is my situation, I've just got an Australian passport, but my Chinese passport is still valid for another year. I am relocating to Shanghai soon (haven't secured a job though, just can't wait to come back  ), and was wondering whether I should use the Chinese passport or Australian passport to enter China.
If I use the Chinese one, then there should be no problem for entering China, but since it is only valid for one year, I may have trouble to renew it since I have already taken up the Australian citizenship. And maybe even worse - I could be fined if they found out! Possible???
If I use the Australian passport, then I will have to get a Chinese visa! Which visa should I apply? (I intend to live in Shanghai for a longer period, so I don't want to have too frequent visa extension hassles) Is the F visa the best choice? I heard that in order to get one, I need an invitation letter from a local company? Is that's all I need? What should be written in that letter? Does the letter have to be the original one in mail? Does a faxed copy or email count as well?
Can someone help me to make a decision please, based on the following 2 factors:
1. I am going to get a job in Shanhai, so I need to know which passport (in fact, which status, Chinese national or foreigner) would give me a better/competitive edge in terms of getting a sound employment.
2. I also want the convenience of travelling in & out of China. It would be ideal if I could use the Chinese passport for entering China, then use the Aussie passport for travelling to other countries. Haha...but I don't think I can do that, can't I ? 
Anyway, very long topic indeed, I am a little bit confused....  Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
SummerSweetie |
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bellabella
Gypsy Queen
Joined: Aug 03, 2004
Posts: 14993
Location: London
Status: Offline
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Mar 25, 2006 - 07:50 PM |
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I don't know a lot about visa issues but I think that you should use the Australian passport, I assume that if you are now an australian citizen you are no longer a chinese citizen and so your chinese passport is no longer valid, so you would get into trouble if they found out, plus leaving china with a chinese passport but entering on an australian one would cause all kinds problems with entry and exit stamps etc.
As far as visas go I would recommend that you get a tourist visa for china as you haven't secured a job yet and then when you are here you can change your visa when you get a job or do it through one of the visa agencies here in shanghai - www.visainchina.com who have helped me a lot or www.emoo.net just for fairness! They can help you get an F visa for 6 months which will let you stay here in china without having to go back and forth.
hope this helps. |
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SummerSweetie
Newbie
Joined: Apr 02, 2004
Posts: 8
Status: Offline
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Mar 25, 2006 - 08:55 PM |
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Thank you very much for your suggestions, bellabella!
Would you please give me a rough idea on how much it costs for getting a F visa later on? And do I have to supply an invitation letter to the agencies or they take care of everything, I just need to pay $?
Cheers, |
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pantoufle
Barker
Joined: Jan 27, 2005
Posts: 169
Location: Hong Qiao
Status: Offline
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Mar 25, 2006 - 09:23 PM |
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Hey Summersweetie, Mr Pantoufle now has a kiwi passport, and in gaining this he lost the right to use his Chinese one, even though it still had a few years remaining before it expired. My understanding is that the Chinese government does not allow dual citizenship - as soon as you become a citizen in another country you can no longer be a chinese citizen, or use the passport. I agree with Bellabella that you should use the Australian passport as you could find yourself with some major difficulties if come in on the Chinese one then try to change later.
I cant help you with the F visa question tho as am on the Z visa myself, but am sure you will find the answers you are looking for from someone here, or check back through the previous posts as there have been many visa questions before. |
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Pantoufle out |
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trip
Barker
Joined: Feb 03, 2005
Posts: 180
Location: Closer
Status: Offline
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Mar 25, 2006 - 09:47 PM |
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Hey SummerSweetie...
You should look into things deeply. Such international nationality issues are rather difficult... From what little I know, you are no longer a Chinese Citizen, but an Aussie one. China does not allow dual citizenship. This means that you have to enter on your Aussie passport. This means that you need a visa. I suggest that you get a tourist visa, I know from experience that they are rather easy to get (we have experience in Melbourne...) This way you can have a look around for a job.
Second point that you need to be aware of. If you come back here without employment from Australia, you may not be able to get employment as an expat. Most companies will treat you somewhere in between. They are happy to find someone with fluent foreign language ability and understanding of Western business culture, but they will not give you a FAT expat package (as if they exist anymore).
Good luck to you... I would give up my home citizenship to be a citizen of the world, but not of a foreign country where I would have difficulty coming back (even though you can go many foreign places). I also have experience with how this can work.
All the best... Regards to the Great Southern Land.
Trip |
_________________
I find it very, very easy to be true; I find myself alone when each day is through; I'll admit that I'm a fool for you; because you're mine, I'll walk the line! |
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Magnolia
Board Biatch
Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31550
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Mar 26, 2006 - 01:02 AM |
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others have provided details.... and they are correct, imho. keep the au passport and come to china on a visa. they are not difficult to obtain. as mentioned above, china does not recogonize dual citizenship; when push comes to shove as far as future travel. which passport would you rather have? |
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shanghaiceltic
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 20, 2005
Posts: 8134
Location: Perth WA
Status: Offline
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Mar 26, 2006 - 07:49 AM |
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If you can come in on your Aus passport it would be best. Come in on your Chinese passport and you need a visa to get back out again to Aus. You could not use your Aus passport to get out on as it does not have a Chinese visa.
The Aus Consulate would then have a problem as you are already and Aus citizen and are applying for an Aus Visa. Further what would be the view if you did get one and then had to explain back in Aus that you were not an overstay but an Aus citizen. Nightmare situtation and one that would really tie up an awfull lot of bureaucrats. |
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I have parrallel bars at home, one for gin and one for whiskey |
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bellabella
Gypsy Queen
Joined: Aug 03, 2004
Posts: 14993
Location: London
Status: Offline
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Mar 26, 2006 - 08:20 AM |
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| SummerSweetie wrote: |
Thank you very much for your suggestions, bellabella!
Would you please give me a rough idea on how much it costs for getting a F visa later on? And do I have to supply an invitation letter to the agencies or they take care of everything, I just need to pay $?
Cheers, |
check on that website i gave you for prices, i'm sure you can email them with any questions you might have. |
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AK
Seeker
Joined: Oct 04, 2005
Posts: 59
Location: here and there
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Mar 26, 2006 - 09:32 AM |
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It looks like the Oz passport wins...just my two cents worth: I have two passports (two other nationalities, not chinese) and I thought I could travel the world switching from one to the other...this really complicates things and opens up A LOT of questions at the airport, especially when I go back to the states. My advice: stick to the one passport that gives you the most freedom to move. It looks like being a citizen of the world will only happen in our heads...*sigh* |
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tazman099
Barker
Joined: Aug 08, 2005
Posts: 167
Location: Beijing
Status: Offline
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Mar 26, 2006 - 10:21 AM |
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Assmuning an Aus passport has the relative equal value to say a US passport, why would you do anything that would jeopardize it?
AK, although this has little to do with the original post, just thought I would state what you probably already know - The US does NOT recognize dual citizenship. I'm assuming one of your passports is US since you refer to going back to the States. You don't want to be caught with a 2nd passport.....could make for a less than fun immigration experience. |
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AK
Seeker
Joined: Oct 04, 2005
Posts: 59
Location: here and there
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Mar 26, 2006 - 11:35 AM |
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Tazman, I've looked into this a lot and the key word is "recognize". That does not mean you are not allowed to have dual citizenship, the us just does not recognize the other nationality in question. It's a very interesting gray area that has yet to be clearly defined.
But you are right, this is another discussion. If others are interested, we can make it a separate thread. |
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peterdb
Lurker
Joined: Mar 20, 2006
Posts: 37
Status: Offline
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Mar 26, 2006 - 12:24 PM |
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yeah, u'd better ask chinese embassy in aussie. |
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SummerSweetie
Newbie
Joined: Apr 02, 2004
Posts: 8
Status: Offline
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Mar 26, 2006 - 07:55 PM |
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To all those who replied:
Thanks a lot, guys! Your kind suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
SummerSweetie |
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SummerSweetie
Newbie
Joined: Apr 02, 2004
Posts: 8
Status: Offline
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Mar 26, 2006 - 07:59 PM |
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By the way, can any one tell me how to load up a picture that displays properly? Currently mine is a big X??? |
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trip
Barker
Joined: Feb 03, 2005
Posts: 180
Location: Closer
Status: Offline
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Mar 26, 2006 - 08:35 PM |
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First you have to make sure that the picture fits the specifications listed. Other than that, I am not an expert.
Trip |
_________________
I find it very, very easy to be true; I find myself alone when each day is through; I'll admit that I'm a fool for you; because you're mine, I'll walk the line! |
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YariGuy
LoopKicker
Joined: July 13, 2004
Posts: 877
Location: Puxi
Status: Offline
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Mar 28, 2006 - 04:22 PM |
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| AK wrote: |
| looks like being a citizen of the world will only happen in our heads...*sigh* |
Hold on! http://www.worldservice.org will issue you citizenship for a fee.
The other option is to travel without a passport, like the queen of England: http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page351.asp
| Quote: |
When travelling overseas, The Queen does not require a British passport. The cover of a British passport features the Royal Arms, and the first page contains another representation of the Arms, together with the following wording:
'Her Britannic Majesty's Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.'
As a British passport is issued in the name of Her Majesty, it is unnecessary for The Queen to possess one. |
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