Guide on Visa Extension, Change and Reissuance for Foreigners

I. Scope of Application

Applicable to foreigners applying for visa extension, change and reissuance after entry with a regular visa.

II. Legal Basis

Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners.

III. Accepting Authorities

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) entrusts the exit-entry departments of public security organs at or above the prefecture-level cities (including counties and districts under the jurisdiction of municipalities directly under the central government) to accept the foreigners' visa affairs.

The exit-entry departments of public security organs at the county level, upon the request of the exit-entry departments of the provincial level public security organs and the approval of NIA, are authorized and may accept the visa application of foreigners.

IV. Conditions of Application

Foreigners who, after entering China with ordinary visas, need to stay in China for non-diplomatic or unofficial purposes may, in accordance with relevant regulations, apply to exit-entry departments of public security organs for visa extension, change and reissuance. The applicant shall go through the relevant formalities at exit-entry departments of public security organs. In any of the following cases, the inviting entity or relatives of the applicant may apply on behalf of the applicant:

1.The applicant is under the age of 16 or over the age of 60 or it would unduly inconvenience the applicant due to illness or other reasons;

2.The applicant's current entry is not his or her first entry into China and the applicant has good records of stay or residence in China;

3.The inviting entity or individual has guaranteed to cover the necessary expenses of the applicant incurred in China.

V. Application Materials

1. Applications for visa of foreigners may be accepted upon completion of relevant formalities and submission of relevant materials

a. Valid passport or other international travel documents

b. Fill out the Visa/ Stay Permit/ Residence Permit Application Form and submit a photo that complies with the Guide for Entry and Exit Document Photographs

c. Supporting materials related to reasons of application

d. Other formalities to be completed and supporting materials to be submitted

2. Documents required for visa extension

To apply for extension of a stay, a foreigner shall apply to the exit and entry departments of public security organs 7 days prior to the expiration date of the stay specified in the visa, and submit relevant supporting materials as required:

a. Holder of C visa shall submit a letter of certificate issued by the competent departments of the people's government at or above the county level or the local civil aviation, railway, road and port transportation companies. The stay may be extended for no more than 30 days.

b. Holder of F visa shall submit a letter of certificate issued by the inviting and receiving entities. The entities that have not filed for records shall also submit the registration certificate. The stay may be extended for no more than 180 days.

c. Holder of G visa shall submit a letter of certificate issued by the receiving entity and a connecting ticket (flight, bus or ship) to the destination country (region) with confirmed seat and date. The stay may be extended for no more than 30 days.

d. The holder of J2 visa shall submit a letter of certificate issued by the foreign affairs departments of the people's government at the provincial level. The stay may be extended for no more than 30 days.

e. Holder of L visa shall submit a travel plan and itinerary, and for a group tour, also a letter of certificate issued by the travel agency. The stay may be extended for no more 30 days.

f. Holder of M visa shall submit a letter of certificate issued by the local inviting and receiving entities or individuals, and the entities that have not filed the record shall also submit the registration certificate. The inviting individual shall put signature in the letter and submit local household registration or a certificate of the actual residence. The stay may be extended for no more than 180 days.

g. Holder of Q2 visa shall submit an invitation letter provided by the individuals to be visited, the identity certificate, and proof of family relationship. The stay may be extended for no more than 180 days.

h. Holder of R visa shall submit a certificate letter issued by the inviting and receiving entities, and the entities that have not filed for records shall also submit the registration certificate. The stay may be extended for no more than 180 days.

i. For the S2 visa holders, the visiting personnel shall submit an invitation letter provided by the individuals to be visited, a foreigner residence permit and proof of family relationship. Foreigners visiting for other purposes shall submit certificates stating the nature of the private affairs or humanitarian causes. The duration of stay may be extended to no more than 180 days for those visiting relatives, and no more than 90 days for those visiting for other purposes.

j. Holder of X2 visa shall submit a current study certificate issued by an education or training institution within the territory of China. The stay may be extended for no more than 180 days.

Note: The accumulated extension of stay shall not exceed the original duration of stay specified in the visa.

3. Documents required for visa change

Where a foreigner changes purpose of stay, is granted entry conveniences in accordance with relevant provisions of the State, starts using a new passport, or needs to stay separately from his or her tour group after entering China with a group visa due to objective reasons, the applicant may apply for a change of visa by submitting the following documents:

a. To apply for the change to F visa, the applicant shall submit a letter of certificate issued by the inviting entities, and may be issued the zero-entry, single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa with a valid period upon entry no more than one year and a stay no more than 180 days.

b. To apply for the change to J2 visa, a letter of certificate issued by the foreign affairs department of the people's government at the provincial level shall be submitted. A zero-entry visa with a stay of no more than 30 days can be issued.

c. To apply for the change to M visa, the applicant shall submit a letter of certificate issued by the inviting entities, and may be issued the zero-entry, single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa with a validity period of entry no more than one year and a stay not exceeding 180 days.

d. To apply for the change to Q2 visa, the applicant shall submit an inviting letter provided by the individual to be visited, identity certificates and proof of family relationship. And the zero-entry, single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visas with a validity period of entry no more than one year and a stay no more than 180 days may be issued.

e. To apply for the change to R visa, the applicant shall meet the qualifications and requirements set by the competent authorities of the Chinese government for inviting high-level foreign talents or urgently needed specialists, and submit relevant certificates and supporting materials in accordance with the provisions, as well as certification letter issued by the inviting and receiving entities. And the zero-entry, single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visas with a validity period of entry no more than five years and a stay no more than 180 days may be issued.

f. To apply for the change to S2 visa, the visiting individual shall submit an inviting letter provided by the person to be visited, foreigner's residence permit and proof of family relationship. Foreigners visiting for other purposes shall submit relevant supporting materials stating the nature of the humanitarian causes. And the zero-entry or single-entry visas with a validity period of entry no more than three months and a stay no more than 180 days may be issued.

g. To apply for the change to X2 visa, the applicant shall submit an official letter and a certificate of admission and enrollment issued by an education or training institution within Chinese territory, and may be issued a zero-entry, single-entry or double-entry visa with a validity period of no more than one year and a stay of no more than 180 days.

h. A foreigner who starts using a new passport because the original one is about to expire or is running out of visa pages may apply for a change of visa by submitting the original passport for the latest entry or relevant certificates issued by the embassy or consulate of the applicant's country in China specifying that the original passport has been withdrawn. A visa that is consistent with the original visas in type, validity period of entry, duration of stay and the remaining valid entry times may be issued. The entry times of the new visa will be decided in accordance with the remaining valid entry times of the original visa.

i. Foreigners who need to stay separately from the tour group after entering China with a group visa shall submit a letter of certificate issued by the hosting travel agency. The visa may be changed in accordance with the provisions in the preceding paragraph.

The accumulated stay period of the changed visas shall not exceed one year since the date of current entry.

4. Documents required for visa reissuance

Where a foreigner needs to apply for reissuance of visa because the original visa is lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen or robbed after entering China, the applicant shall submit the following supporting materials:

a. If the visa is lost, stolen or robbed, the applicant shall submit the certificate of reporting the loss of passport or the official note issued by the embassy or consulates of the applicant's country in China, and the new valid passport or other international travel documents.

b. If the visa is damaged, the applicant shall submit the damaged passport or the official note issued by the embassy or consulates of the applicant's country in China, and the new valid passport or other international travel documents.

c. If the group visa is lost, stolen, robbed or damaged, the applicant shall submit a certification letter issued by the hosting travel agency and a copy of the original group visa.

The applicant may be reissued a visa that is consistent in type, validity entry period, duration of stay and the remaining valid entry times with the original one.

VI. Facilitation Measures

1. Visa facilitation measures regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

If foreign seafarers carrying out BRI maritime transport tasks need to leave the port city and change means of transport for exit, the time limit of issuance shall be shortened from 7 working days to 3 working days, and for emergency exits of the seafarers, visa may also be issued on the same day of acceptance.

2. Simplified formalities for visa extension

3. Expedited conveniences for foreigners in urgent needs

The exit and entry departments of public security organs shall provide convenience to the immediate acceptance and approval of visas for foreign nationals in the following three cases:

- For foreign nationals who have lost their passports and are in urgent need of reapplying for visas for departure, their application shall be accepted and examined in a timely manner by submitting the tickets (air, bus or ship) with confirmed seats and date as well as an explanation letter provided by the inviting entities;

- Foreign seamen and their accompanying family members who urgently need to apply for stay permits to leave the port cities for outbound flights shall be accepted for examination and approval in a timely manner by submitting the guarantee letter issued by the shipping agency and the tickets (air, ship or bus) with confirmed seats and date;

- Foreign tour group members who urgently need to apply for group visa separation to leave the country shall be accepted for examination in a timely manner by submitting the letter of explanation provided by the receiving travel agency and the tickets (air, bus or ship) with confirmed seats the date.

4. Visa and residence facilitation for Chinese of foreign nationality

For Chinese of foreign nationality who come to China to visit their relatives, for business talks, carry out exchanges in science, education, culture and health, or handle personal affairs, the exit and entry departments of public security organs may issue multiple-entry visas valid for five years. Residence permits valid for 5 years may be issued to Chinese of foreign nationality who need to stay for a long term to work, study, visit relatives or engage in private affairs in a local area.

5. High-level foreign talents

a. The foreign experts and scholars invited by key domestic institutions of higher learning, scientific research institutes and well-known enterprises, as well as the high-level foreign management talents and technical specialists identified by the competent talents authorities as well as the competent authorities for technology and innovation of the people's governments of the cities with subordinate districts or above, may apply for port visas for entry. After entering China, they may apply for multiple-entry visas or residence permits for private affairs with a validity period of no more than five years by presenting certificates and letters from the inviting entities. Those who are employed by enterprises or entities may apply for work-type residence permits with a validity period of no more than five years according to the regulations.

b. Foreign talents and members of innovation groups introduced to key sectors and industries in China may apply for work-type residence permits valid for no more than five years by presenting their work permits and certificate letters from their employers. A team member of innovation or entrepreneurship groups may apply for a residence permit for private matters valid for no more than five years (marked with "entrepreneurship") with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the team.

c. Foreigners with outstanding contributions and fit the special needs of China's development can recommend foreign members of their working team and research supporting personnel to apply for long-term visas or residence permits valid for no more than five years.

d. High-level foreign talents working in key domestic institutions of higher learning, scientific research institutes, and renowned enterprises are allowed to engage in part-time innovation and entrepreneurship after being approved by both the entities where they work full time and part time and filing for records to exit-entry departments.

6. International students

a. Outstanding foreign students who have obtained a bachelor's degree or above from a key Chinese institution of higher learning and engage in innovation and entrepreneurship in China after graduation can apply for a residence permit for private affairs valid for two to five years (marked with "entrepreneurship") by presenting their university graduation certificate and certificates for innovation and entrepreneurship. Those who are employed by enterprises and other entities may apply for a work-type residence permit in accordance with relevant regulations.

b. Foreign students who have graduated from internationally renowned universities and come to China for innovation and entrepreneurship within two years after graduation can apply for residence permit for private affairs valid for no more than two years (marked with "entrepreneurship") with the academic (degree) certificates. Those who are employed by enterprises and other entities may apply for a work-type residence permit in accordance with relevant regulations.

c. Foreign students from overseas institutions of higher learning who are invited to take internship in China by well-known Chinese enterprises and public institutions can apply for a visa for private affairs valid for one year (noting "internship") with a letter issued by the inviting entity and a study certificate issued by their institutions of higher learning. Foreign students from overseas institutions of higher learning who come to China for internship in accordance with intergovernmental agreements may apply for work-type residence permits in accordance with relevant regulations.

7. Employment of foreigners

If a foreigner has obtained a work permit but does not have enough time to go abroad to apply for a work-type visa, the applicant may directly apply for a work-type residence permit in China with relevant work permits. If the foreigner has applied for a work-type residence permit valid for more than one year twice consecutively, the applicant may apply for a work-type residence permit valid for five years at his or her third application in accordance with relevant regulations.

VII. Basic Process and Method of Handling

1. Application. Foreigners who apply for extension, change or reissuance of visa, shall go to exit-entry departments of public security organs in person to go through relevant formalities. For cases complying with relevant provisions, the inviting entities or individual, families or relatives of the applicant or specialized service agencies may file the application on behalf of the applicant.

2. Acceptance. The accepting authority decides whether to accept or not after examining the application. The applying matters shall fall within the functions and powers of the administrative authority. If the application materials are complete and meet the requirements, the application shall be accepted on the spot and a receipt of acceptance shall be issued. If the formalities or materials required for the application for a visa are incomplete, the applicant shall be notified regarding the formalities to be completed and the materials to be supplemented at one time.

3. Review and verification. The exit- and entry departments of public security organs shall strengthen verification. The authenticity of the application shall be confirmed through means of interviews, telephone inquiries, field investigations and others. Verification shall also be taken to confirm whether the applicant is of foreign nationality. If an applicant or relevant entity, individual is notified to take an interview but fails to do that at the agreed time without justifiable reasons, the application may be denied by law.

4. Decision-making. If the conditions and standards are met, the authority in charge shall make the decision on granting administrative permits and issue visas of corresponding categories.

VIII. Time Limit for Issuance

Upon examination and verification, if the foreigner's application complies with the conditions of acceptance, the application shall be accepted, and an acceptance receipt shall be provided. The decision on whether or not to issue a visa shall be made within the validity period of the acceptance receipt. The validity period of the acceptance receipt for visa application shall be no more than seven working days from the date of acceptance.

IX. Charging Basis and Standards

1. Charging Basis

Reply of the State Development Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance on Approving the Adjustment to the Visa Charging Standards of Public Security Organs of the Mainland (Ji Jia Ge [2003] No. 392).

2. Charging Standards

Based on the Notice of Public Security Organs to Adjust Charging Standards to Foreigners' Visas (Gong Ming Fa [2011] No. 470)

Zero-entry Visa (of non-reciprocal countries): CNY 160 per person

Single-entry Visa (of non-reciprocal countries): CNY168 per person

Double-entry Visa (of non-reciprocal countries): CNY 252 per person

Multiple-entry Visa valid for no more than half a year (of non-reciprocal countries): CNY 420 per person

Multiple-entry Visa valid for no more than one year (of non-reciprocal countries): CNY 672 per person

Adding or reducing accompanying persons (non-reciprocal countries): CNY 160 per person

For reciprocal countries, the fees shall be charged in accordance with standards stipulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

X. Results Delivery
Issued Visas for foreigners after approval, shall be claimed by the applicants in person at relevant exit-entry departments of public security organs with the acceptance receipts.

XI. Circumstances in Which Visas Shall not be Issued
According to Article 21 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, foreigners who fall under any of the following circumstances shall not be granted visas:
1. Those who were deported, or were repatriated upon decision, and the No-Entry-into-China period has not expired;
2. Those who are suffering from serious mental disorder, infectious tuberculosis, or any other infectious disease that may result in great harm to public health;
3. Those that may endanger China's national security and interests, disrupt public order or engage in other illegal or criminal activities;
4. Those who resort to deceit in the visa application process or fail to guarantee the expenses needed during their stay in China;
5. Those failing to submit relevant materials required by the visa authorities;
6. Other circumstances in which the visa authorities consider a visa should not be issued.

In the case of rejecting to issue a visa, the visa authority may not explain reasons.
According to Article 31 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, foreigners who fall under any of the following circumstances shall not be granted residence permits:
1. The visa held does not belong to the type for which a foreigner’s residence permit should be issued;
2. Those who resort to deceit in the application process;
3. Those who fail to provide relevant supporting materials as required;
4. Those who are not eligible for residence in China due to violation of relevant Chinese laws and administrative regulations;
5. Other circumstances in which the issuing authorities consider a foreigner's residence permit should not be issued.
Specialized talents and investors who meet the requirements of the State or other foreigners who need to change their stay to residence for humanitarian and other reasons, may apply for foreigners' residence permits upon the approval of the exit-entry departments of public security organs of the local people's governments of cities divided into districts at or above the prefectural level.
According to Article 36 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, the decision made by the exit-entry departments of the public security organs on not granting extension, change, or reissuance of the foreigners' visa, or on rejecting issuing foreigners’ stay or residence permits, extending their duration of residence shall be final.

XII. Rights and Obligations of the Administrative Counterpart
1. In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, an applicant shall be entitled to the following rights:
a. Those who meet the legal conditions and criteria are entitled to equal rights to obtain an administrative license in accordance with law;
b. They shall have the right to make statements and defend against implementation of the administrative license by an administrative authority;
c. Other rights stipulated by laws and regulations.

2. In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, an applicant shall perform the following obligations:
a. Applicants shall submit relevant materials and reflect the reality truthfully to the administrative authority, and shall be held responsible for authenticity of substantive content of the application materials;
b. Applicant shall cooperate with administrative authorities to verify the authenticity of the application materials through interviews, telephone inquiries, field investigations, etc.;
c. Other obligations stipulated by laws and regulations.

XIII. Other Matters for Attention
1. Definition of family members: spouse, parents, spouse's parents, children, siblings, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, paternal grandchildren, maternal grandchildren, and children's spouses.

2. Proof of family relationship and kinship shall include marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption certificate and other kinship certificate issued by competent authorities of relevant countries and related notary public authentication; or the marriage certificate, birth certificate, kinship certificate and certification on the change of name or other personal information issued by the embassy or consulates of the applicant's country in China.

3. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, kinship certificates, or certifications on the change of name or other personal information issued by the competent authorities or notary authorities of a foreign country shall be authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate in that country.

4. Identity certificates. Identity certificates of Chinese mainland residents refer to household register certificates or certificate of residence that prove the actual places of residence for over 6 months as well as resident ID cards. Overseas Chinese identity certificates refer to Chinese passports and certificates of overseas residence. Identity certificates of Hong Kong and Macao residents refer to the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents. Taiwan resident identity certificates refer to the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents. Foreigner identity certificates refer to the Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card. Overseas Chinese as well as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents shall also submit the certificate of residence that prove the actual places of residence for over 6 months.
5. Relevant supporting materials in foreign languages shall be translated into Chinese.

XIV. Flow Chart for Visa Extension, Change and Reissuance for Foreigners