Does anyone know if it is possible to extend the "duration of stay" for a multi-entry visa? I currently have a 1 year L tourist visa that does not expire until July 2009, but each duration is only 60 days. So every 60 days I have had to haul my ass to Hong Kong or somewhere outside mainland China. After a few times doing this, it's proving to be a bit expensive.

Is it possible to extend the duration of stay? Even a 1 month extension would be ok. Or is there some way to get a new 60 days or something equivalent to a re-entry without actually leaving the country (unlikely)?

The main reason I ask now is that I am in the process of getting a working Z visa followed by the residence permit, but need a new re-entry at the end of March before the process will be complete to get the Z visa. If I had another 60 days, I would have enough time to get my new visa. Once I get the work visa, I'll probably have to go to HK to enter with the Z visa, but at least I wouldn't have to go there twice and blow like 5000+ RMB.

Any advice?

No, you cannot.

All you can do is go to the PSB and ask for an extension. They will issue you a new visa valid for 30 days which effectively cancels your initial visa.

cannot be done. As underho says, visas are never actually EXTENDED, they only issue new ones. Trying to do so will only result in getting a different visa, likely a single entry or zero entry one, potentially with only a 30 day stay. You already have a pretty good one considering the situation these days. just make your 60 day visa run and suck it up like the rest of em.

As for saving 5000rmb, fly to shenzhen or zhuhai ( from 700RT) or take train (even less)then take ferry across to HK, do your visa stuff with an overnight and come back.

All this indicates how friendly China is to Foreigners.

Z.

Ever see someone try to extend a US Visa?
China is not unique in their attitude...And IMO is actually a lot more flexible than most of our governments.

Ever see someone try to extend a US Visa?
China is not unique in their attitude...And IMO is actually a lot more flexible than most of our governments.

^ Thief! You are only here trying to steal more passports!!!!!!!!