How do I change a visa in China?

Expert Info

Posted by

on 3 Jan 2014

I would like to ask if it is possible to extend an F visa inside china without going out of the country and if I can change it to another type of visa ?? Thanks alot

Anonymous (not verified) on 15 Jan 2014 - 03:30

Hi Maherr， Option 1, you can change to work permit if you get a job offer in china. Option 2, you can have your study permit if you got a study offer from the university. Option 3, marry a chinese, then you can change your visa in china and extend your stay for another 6 months - only 6 months - then you have to go out and go in again to renew another 6 months stay. Option 4, if you can't have the above options, pls go out and come back to china to renew your stay if your visa still in the period of validity. Hope it help you, any question, please do not hesitate to let me know. Regards, ghgw

Anonymous (not verified) on 13 Jan 2014 - 07:42

Hi Maherr

Requirements for visas changed in 2013 but all indications still seem to be that you will need to travel outside of China in order to get another visa. Unfortunately, the F type visa can't be transferred or "changed" into another kind, so the process more or less has to be started again.

Officially speaking, it is best to apply for a new visa from your home country, but this might not be practical. Hong Kong seems to be a popular destination for expats looking to get a different type of visa for mainland China. While many expats have done this, there is the chance it may not work. So I can advise that you be prepare for this possibility.

In the meantime, have a look at our Visas for China page to get a better idea of how the Chinese visa system works.

Good luck!

Xavier

Anonymous (not verified) on 29 Jan 2014 - 11:34

Thanks for your Reply which was very helpful and I want to ask if an international expat could have a bank acount in China with an F visa ?? Thanks

Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Feb 2014 - 07:30

Yes you can have a bank account with a F Visa

Anonymous (not verified) on 15 Mar 2014 - 01:59

Hello, I want to ask if is it really possible to change my F visa into a student visa or working visa without going out of china ??? and if yes how can I do it. Thanks

Anonymous (not verified) on 15 Mar 2014 - 10:52

You have to depart China

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