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Beware! Your China Work Visa May Be Shortened for THESE Reasons

When applying for a work visa in China, foreigners typically expect to receive at least a one-year visa. However, due to avoidable yet often overlooked issues, applicants may not secure the intended duration.

To help avoid such situations, AnyVisa has compiled common scenarios based on years of experience, which can guide you during your visa application process.

Risk 1

Business License Validity Less Than One Year

Even if all your materials qualify for a one-year visa, the immigration authorities will issue a visa no longer than the validity period of your business license.

If your license is valid for less than six months, immigration may reject your visa application outright, requiring you to renew your business license first. Since renewing a business license can take a considerable amount of time, it’s crucial to avoid last-minute renewals.

Risk 2

Special Industry License Durations

Beyond the business license, the validity period of various company licenses, such as the Human Resources License, Education License, and Food Business License, can also affect the length of your visa.

Immigration officers typically grant a visa based on the shortest validity period among all your documents. Uploading additional documents may not always be beneficial unless required for specific industries.

Risk 3

Company Lease Agreement Validity

First, a foreign worker’s visa depends on the company’s legitimate office address. If the lease agreement expires without renewal, it can affect the company’s registration with the Foreign Experts Bureau and the legality of the work visa.

Second, visa renewal applications typically require a valid lease agreement, and an expired contract may cause delays.

Moreover, the Foreign Experts Bureau may request to review the latest lease agreement during the application process. Failure to provide this document may result in application rejection.

Timely lease renewals and communication with foreign employees are advised to ensure smooth visa renewals.

Risk 4

Employment Contract Validity

According to the Regulations on the Employment of Foreign Nationals in China, foreigners must hold a valid employment permit and residence permit to work in China. The validity of the employment permit is closely tied to the duration of the employment contract. Upon the expiration of the contract, the employment permit will become invalid.

Employers must apply for an extension of the employment contract and employment permit renewal 30 days before the contract’s expiration.

The length of the employment contract directly impacts the extension period of the foreign worker’s visa. Failure to renew the employment contract on time may result in the foreign employee being unable to continue working legally, affecting the visa renewal process.

Risk 5

 Passport Validity

If a foreign worker’s passport is valid for less than six months, even with a valid work visa, they may face difficulties in extending their visa.

Most countries, including China, follow the international “Six Month Rule,” which requires a passport to have at least six months of validity for visa applications or entry.

Additionally, some airlines may refuse to allow passengers with passports valid for less than six months to board, even if they hold a valid visa. Foreign workers need to renew their passports in time to avoid issues during the Chinese visa extension process.

Risk 6

Temporary Residence Permit Validity

The Temporary Residence Permit is an important proof of legal residence for foreign workers. If it expires without timely renewal, it may affect your residency records with the public security bureau, potentially impacting your visa renewal application.

If the Temporary Residence Permit expires and the new registration is not yet processed, the public security bureau may not be able to verify your residency status, leading to delays or rejection of the visa renewal application.

Foreign workers should renew their lodging registration before the Temporary Residence Permit expires to ensure all relevant documents are compliant. Failure to register as required may result in warnings and fines. Many cities offer online lodging registration, allowing foreign workers to register online conveniently. Below is a QR code for quick access to the lodging registration self-declaration system—simply scan it for online registration:

Managing and renewing work visas for foreigners in China is a meticulous process that requires constant vigilance. By precisely submitting necessary materials, promptly updating relevant documents, understanding policies, and planning appropriately, you can minimize uncertainties during the visa application process and ensure that foreign employees can continue their careers in China smoothly and legally.

 

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