In the process of applying for a Chinese visa, every foreign applicant hopes for a smooth and successful approval. However, visa approval is a rigorous process that involves verifying the applicant’s background, purpose of application, and the authenticity and completeness of the submitted materials. But if your passport has not been returned after submitting your application, does that necessarily mean a rejection?
According to the National Immigration Administration of China, foreign nationals must submit their original passport for verification when applying for a work permit. This typically occurs during the submission of materials, and the passport is returned on the same day.
Once the work permit is issued, the next step is to apply for a work-type residence permit, which requires submitting your original passport along with other application materials. This is followed by a review process that takes approximately seven working days, after which your passport will be returned.
During the work visa application process, government officials may conduct a site visit to verify the authenticity of your provided information and documents. Ensure that your contact number is accessible so they can reach you if needed. If more than seven working days have passed without any updates, or no officials have contacted you, it’s advisable to reach out to the relevant authorities to check the status of your application.
If your situation is urgent, you might wonder if expedited processing is available. While there is no standard expedited service according to China’s Exit-Entry Administration, in some cases, providing sufficient evidence of urgency (such as an imminent business trip, medical emergency, or other urgent materials) may lead to an expedited review. However, the final decision rests with the authorities.
When applying for a Chinese stay visa, you must submit a series of materials, including your original passport, as outlined in the Foreigners’ Stay Permit Issuance Guide. According to the official information, the government requires at least five working days to review and backup all submitted materials. During this time, your original passport will be temporarily held to facilitate the necessary verification.
If your application is successfully accepted, you will receive an acceptance receipt, valid from the day of submission until the return of your passport. The government may arrange a site visit during this period, so it’s crucial to ensure your contact information is accurate and that your phone is reachable.
Throughout the application process, maintaining communication with the authorities is key, as delayed responses could hold up your visa application. If your application remains pending for an extended period, it could indicate an issue with your materials.
3 Permanent Residency Application
Submitting your original passport is a mandatory step when applying for permanent residency in China. Typically, it will be returned on the same day, allowing the authorities to verify your identity and the authenticity of your application materials. After submitting your permanent residency application, you may continue using your passport for travel and other activities until you receive your permanent residency card.
During the review period, make sure your passport is still valid and keep your phone accessible for potential contact from the authorities. If your application requires additional time or there are special circumstances, the authorities may request a follow-up interview or require supplementary materials.
The review period for permanent residency applications generally ranges from 6 to 9 months. If you have not received any updates after an extended period, you can reach out to Maggie for consultation.
Once you are granted permanent residency, you will be able to travel freely in and out of China with a valid passport and Permanent Resident Foreigner Card, eliminating the need for further visa applications.
In conclusion, while waiting for your visa application, we understand the anxiety and anticipation. However, a delayed return of your passport does not necessarily signal a rejection. It could simply mean that the review process requires more time to ensure every application is thoroughly examined. As long as you follow the correct procedures, submit your application carefully, and maintain communication with the authorities, most waits will have a satisfactory resolution.
