Blog

3 Stories: Bet One of These Visa Journeys Sounds Just Like Yours

Lately, we’ve worked with a range of clients—each with unique journeys:

Some anxiously awaited visa outcomes while launching their startups;
Others nearly missed permanent residency due to a technicality;
And a few boldly pivoted careers, redefining their professional lives.

Their stories might feel remarkably familiar to your current experience.

💼 Case 1｜A Nerve-Racking Moment for an Entrepreneur: From Verification to Visa Approval

Mr. A took a bold step by founding his own company in Shanghai. His work permit was approved without issue, but his work visa application triggered an inspection by immigration authorities. During this period, he was understandably anxious—fearing visa rejection could derail his entrepreneurial dream. This scenario, however, is more common than one might think.

In general, if applicants can demonstrate:

  • A detailed business plan,
  • A physical office presence, and
  • Potential local business partners,

Immigration departments are usually inclined to grant the visa.

Mr. A ultimately secured a one-year work visa.


For newly established businesses, the first visa term typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, but in some cases, can be issued for up to a year.

This approval provided the runway needed to fully launch his venture.

🧾 Case 2｜Permanent Residency Nearly Denied? A Second Attempt Brought a Pleasant Surprise

Mr. B, a senior executive at a multinational corporation, exceeded all the qualification thresholds for permanent residency—salary, job title, and tenure. However, his application was halted due to a technicality: “Annual tax contributions did not reach 20% of his income.”

This could have meant a complete dead-end for his PR application.

Facing this setback, Mr. B reached out to us. We conducted a meticulous audit of his tax records over the past four years and identified that he had benefited from expat-specific and regional tax exemptions. With this clarification and proper documentation, his application was resubmitted—and successfully approved.

🍽 Case 3｜From Teacher to Restaurateur: 60-Point System Made Career Transition Feasible

Mr. L, a U.S. national, had been teaching at an international school in Shanghai for nearly 15 years. This year, he pursued a different dream—opening his own restaurant. But his new career path posed a challenge: he had no prior experience in the F&B sector, which made a new work visa difficult to justify.

After a comprehensive analysis, we decided to use the 60-point scoring system for his application. Factors like his age, academic background, and years of experience in China contributed to his point tally, allowing him to meet the visa threshold.

Ultimately, he received a one-year work visa, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his life.

❤️ Behind Every Success Story

Each successful case represents someone determined to stay, to try something new, or to continue building a life in China.

📩 If you’re currently planning a visa change, permanent residency application, or a new business endeavor in China—

Feel free to reach out. We’ll help assess the most suitable path forward for you.

 

Back To Top