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As international students in China approach the expiration of their study visas, they encounter various situations and needs. Depending on these, there are different lawful solutions to extend their stay in China. Here is a guide to some common scenarios and their respective solutions.
1 Incomplete Academic Program
If you have not completed your academic program on time and have not received your degree certificate.
Apply for an extension of your study visa. Contact your university’s office for international students, explain the reasons for not completing your program, and request supporting documentation for the extension application.
2 Handling Personal Affairs
Need extra time to handle personal matters, such as packing up belongings or going on a graduation trip with friends.
Apply for a temporary stay visa, typically valid for 30 days. Prepare documents including your passport, current visa, and proof of study completion, and submit them to the local Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Administration office.
3 Continuing Studies in China
Planning to continue language courses.
Provide admission notification from the language school along with other required documents to apply for a new study visa.
Re-enrollment in undergraduate or master’s programs.
Provide the university’s admission notification and proof of continued study to apply for a new study visa.
4 Employment in China Post-Graduation
Found a job in China post-graduation and plan to stay for work.
Legally apply for a work visa. Necessary steps include:
- Contact your employer to obtain the employment contract and company documents.
- Prepare documents including your passport, current visa, employment contract, company business license copy, a certificate of no criminal record, and a medical check-up certificate.
- Submit your application with all original documents for a work permit and work visa.
5 Entrepreneurial Ventures in China
Planning to start a business in China.
Legally register your company and apply for a work visa. Steps include:
- Company registration and handling affairs with the Foreign Expert Bureau: Understand and complete the company registration process, obtain a business license, and record and open accounts timely at the bureau.
- Apply for a work visa: Provide company registration documents, a copy of the business license, and the work permit.
6 Other Plans and Visa Needs
Your current visa does not meet your ongoing plans and travel needs.
Depending on your specific situation, apply for other types of visas such as a tourist (L visa) or business (M visa) visa. Generally, this requires leaving and re-entering the country. Prepare documents including your passport, current visa, and relevant invitation letters or proof documents.
This guide provides international students with various solutions to lawfully extend their stay in China based on their specific situations, thus avoiding illegal residency and its significant negative impact on future visa applications in China. If you are unsure about the best course of action for your situation, feel free to consult Lisa, who will provide tailored solutions based on your real and specific circumstances!
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