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Foreigners residing in China must strictly adhere to visa regulations to avoid illegal records. Below are some easily overlooked yet critical rules. Many foreigners unknowingly breach these regulations, leading to fines and unclear records that may affect future applications. Let’s say no to illegal records by paying close attention to these key points:
Passport Renewal and Visa Transfer: Update Your Visa After Renewing Your Passport
When renewing a passport, you must transfer your visa from the old passport to the new one promptly. For instance, if a foreigner obtains a new passport but forgets to transfer the Chinese visa from the old one, they may face an overstay violation. This not only results in a 303 record but also potential fines.
Work Permit Cancellation: Cancel It Immediately After Resigning
After leaving a job, it’s mandatory to cancel your work permit promptly. Failing to do so can complicate future applications. For example, if a foreigner does not cancel their work permit after resigning and it gets automatically canceled, the next application will likely require additional explanations and may even face rejection.
Work Residence Permit Cancellation: Cancel It Within the Required Time Frame
Once your work permit is canceled, you must cancel your work residence permit within the specified period. For example, if a foreigner fails to cancel their residence permit within 10 calendar days after canceling the work permit, continued stay in China could be deemed illegal, leading to penalties.
Student Visa and Part-Time Work: Prohibited Without a Work Permit
Foreigners on student visas cannot engage in paid part-time work without proper authorization. For instance, a student teaching English privately without a work permit may be found guilty of illegal employment upon investigation.
Work Authorization: Begin Work Only After Full Approval
Starting work before both the work permit and work residence permit are approved is prohibited. For example, if a foreigner starts work during the work permit approval process or begins employment with only the work permit but without the work residence permit, they could be charged with illegal employment.
Visa Type and Activities: Ensure They Match
The activities of a foreigner in China must align with the type of visa held. For instance, using a business visa to visit family violates visa rules and could result in visa cancellation.
Compliance with Visa Conditions: Adhere to Validity and Stay Limits
Foreigners must abide by their visa’s validity, stay duration, and activity scope. For example, overstaying a tourist visa without applying for an extension can result in illegal residency charges.
False Documents: Avoid Severe Consequences
Submitting false documents or information during a visa application carries significant penalties. For instance, if a foreigner provides a forged employment certificate, their visa application may be rejected, and they could face legal prosecution.
Adhering to these regulations is crucial for foreigners wishing to reside in China legally. Violating these rules can lead to illegal residency records, fines, or even affect future visa and residence applications. Those planning to apply for long-term or permanent residency should be especially vigilant.
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