01. Visa Types
Chinese visas are categorized into diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa and ordinary visa. Diplomatic visas and service visas are issued to expats entering China for diplomatic or official reasons,while a courtesy visa is issued to expats with special identity who require courteous reception.
The corresponding category of ordinary visas is issued to expats entering China for personal reasons such as work, study, family visit, tourism, business activities and talent introduction other than diplomatic and official reasons.
Ordinary visa is further classified into the following categories, with the corresponding Chinese Pinyin letters indicated on the visa page:
A.C Visa: It is granted to foreign crew members by means of international transportation, including trains, aircraft and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in crossborder transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the ships.
B.D Visa: It is granted to those who intend to reside in China permanently.
C.F Visa: It is granted to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, investigation and other activities.
D.G Visa: It is granted to those who intend to transit through China.
E.J1 Visa: It is granted to resident foreign journalists of foreign news agencies stationed in China; J2 Visa: It is granted to foreign journalists entering China for short-term news coverage.
F.L Visa: It is granted to those who intend to go to China as a tourist; group L visa is issued to tourist group for entry tourism.
G.M Visa: It is granted to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
H.Q1 Visa: It is granted to those who are family members of Chinese citizens applying for residence in China due to family reunion or to family members of expats with permanent residence status in China as well as those who apply for residence in China for fosterage or other purpose. Q2 Visa: It is granted to the relatives of Chinese citizens residing in China who apply for shortterm family visit or to relatives of expats with permanent residence status in China.
I.R Visa: It is granted to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.
J. S1 Visa: It is granted to those who intend to go to China for long-term visit of the expats working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents,parents-in-law, sons or daughters under the age of 18, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs . S2 Visa is granted to those who intend to go to China for a short-term visit of expats working or studying in China to whom they are family members, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs.
K. X1 Visa: It is granted to individuals applying for long-term study in China. X2 Visa: It is granted to individuals applying for short-term study in China.
L. Z Visa: It is granted to those who intend to work in China.
Expats who enter China free of visa and need to stay beyond the free-visa period, or foreign crew members and their accompanying family members who need to leave the port city, or those with other circumstances requiring the issue of expat's residence permit, should apply for the residence permit as required.
02. Residence Permit Types
Applicants
Expats who enter Shijiazhuang and need to stay or reside for reasons other than diplomatic or official matters can apply for visa extension, renewal and reissue, the issue, renewal and reissue of stay permits as well as issue, extension, renewal and reissue of residence permit at the Exit and Entry Administration Office of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau in accordance with regulations.
The Exit and Entry Administration Office of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau
Add: West Gate of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau, No. 66, Yuannan Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang City;
Tel: 0311-86862507, 86863175.
Application Methods
Expats who apply for the extension, renewal, replacement or reissue of visa and residence permit or stay permit should go through the relevant procedures in person at the Exit and Entry Administration Office of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau. In any of the following circumstances, the application can be made by the inviting unit or individual, the applicant’s relatives, or relevant specialized service agency on behalf of the applicant:
A.Those under the age of 16 or over the age of 60 and those with mobility
difficulty due to illness or other reasons;
B.Those who have entered China multiple times and have a good record of staying and residing in Shijiazhuang;
C.Inviting unit or individual should provide financial guarantees for the expat’s costs and expenses during their stay in Shijiazhuang.
The expats applying for residence permits should go through the procedures in person at the Exit and Entry Administration Office, Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau. In the case that the expats are high-level talents urgently needed by China and possess specialized skills in high demand belonging to the first category mentioned above, the application can be made by the inviting unit or individual, the applicant’s relatives, or relevant specialized service organizations.
Registration of Inviting Unit
Unit that invites or receives expats can apply for registration at the local county (city) public security bureau, or the exit and entry administration office of the public security sub-bureau.
Expats applying for visas should accept relevant inquiries by the exit and entry administration office of the public security bureau. If the exit and entry administration office needs to verify information from the inviting unit (individual), relevant units (individuals) should cooperate. If the applicant or the relevant inviting unit or individual fails to attend an interview without legitimate reasons at the specified time as notified by the exit and entry administration office, the latter may, according to law, refuse to grant the visa.Expats applying for visa should submit their valid passports or other international travel documents, fill in the Expats Visa Application Form, provide one photo meeting the specified requirements, and submit relevant proof materials related to the purpose of the application.
Receipt of Acceptance
For visa applications that meet the acceptance criteria after examination, the Exit and Entry Administration Office, Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau will issue a receipt of acceptance, and make a decision on whether to issue the visa within the validity period of the receipt. The validity period of the receipt of acceptance for visa and stay permit applications shall be no more than 7 working days as of the date of application acceptance. For application of residence permit, it shall be no more than 15 working days as of the date of acceptance.
If the applicant’s passport or other international travel documents are retained, the applicant can legally stay in Shijiazhuang with the receipt of acceptance. If there are justifiable reasons, the applicant can apply to the Exit and Entry Administration Office, Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau for temporary retrieval of the passport or other international travel documents. However, it should be returned within the validity period of the receipt of acceptance to avoid affecting the issue of the corresponding visa document by the Exit and Entry Administration Office, Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau.
Expats seeking an extension of their visa stay period should apply to the exit and entry administration office of public security bureau at least 7 days before the expiry of the stay period indicated on their visa, and submit the related proof materials as required:
A.Holders of C Visa should submit a certification letter issued by the competent authority at the county level or above, or by local transportation companies such as civil aviation, railways, highways and ports. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 30 days.
B.Holders of F Visa should submit a certification letter issued by the inviting or hosting unit. Unregistered units should also provide proof of registration. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 180 days.
C.Holders of G Visa should submit a certification letter issued by the hosting unit and ticket for the scheduled departure to the destination country or region, with confirmed dates and seats for air (rail, sea) travel. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 30 days.
D.Holders of J2 Visa should submit a certification letter issued by the foreign affairs department of the provincial people’s government. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 30 days.
E.Holders of L Visa should submit an itinerary and travel arrangements. For group tours, a certification letter issued by the travel agency is also required. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 30 days.
F.Holders of M Visa should submit a certification letter issued by the local inviting or hosting unit or individual. Unregistered units should also provide proof of registration. For individual partners, the letter issued should be signed and accompanied by local permanent household registration or certificate of residence in the actual place of residence. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 180 days.
G.Holders of Q2 Visa should submit a letter, proof of identity, and certification of the family members relationship issued by the person being visited. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 180 days.
H.Holders of R Visa should submit a certification letter issued by the inviting or hosting unit. Unregistered units should also provide proof of registration. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 180 days.
I.Holders of S2 Visa, family members for visiting should submit a letter, expat’s residence permit, and certification of the family members relationship issued by the person being visited. Other individuals should submit relevant documents for private affairs or humanitarian reasons. For family members, the extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 180 days, and for other individuals, the extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 90 days.J.Holders of X2 Visa should submit a certification letter issued by education or training institutions in Shijiazhuang. The extension can be granted for a period not exceeding 180 days.
The cumulative extension of the visa stay period must not exceed the originally specified stay period on the visa.
Documents Required for Visa Replacement / Renewal Application
A.Where a expat changes his or her purpose of stay or is granted entry conveniences in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China, or where a expat starts using a new passport or needs to stay separately from his or her tour group after entering China with a group visa due to objective reasons, the following supporting documents shall be submitted when applying for the issue of an ordinary visa:
a.To apply for the issue of an F visa, a certification letter issued by the inviting unit should be submitted. This visa allows for the issue of zero-entry, one-entry, two-entry, or multiple-entry visa with a validity period not exceeding 1 year and a stay period not exceeding 180 days. For individuals meeting the relevant regulations for foreign high-level talents and investors, a multiple-entry visa with a validity period not exceeding 5 years and a stay period not exceeding 180 days can be granted.
b.To apply for the issue of a J2 visa, a certification letter issued by the provincial foreign affairs department should be submitted. This visa permits the issue of a zero-entry visa with a stay period not exceeding 30 days.
c.To apply for the issue of an M visa, a certification letter issued by the inviting unit should be submitted. This visa allows for the issue of zero-entry, one-entry, two-entry, or multiple-entry visas with a validity period not exceeding 1 year and a stay period not exceeding 180 days.
d.To apply for the issue of a Q2 visa, a letter issued by the person being visited, a certificate of identity and certification ofthe family members relationship should be submitted. This visa allows for the issue of zero-entry, one-entry, two-entry, or multiple-entry visas with a validity period not exceeding 1 year and a stay period not exceeding 180 days.
e.To apply for the issue of a R visa, proof materials confirming the status of foreign high-level talents and urgently needed specialized talents as determined by the competent Chinese government department, as well as certification letters issued by the inviting or hosting unit, should be submitted. This visa allows for the issue of zero-entry, one-entry, two-entry, or multiple-entry visas with a validity period not exceeding 5 years and a stay period not exceeding 180 days.
f.To apply for the issue of an S2 visa, a letter issued by the person being visited, a expat’s residence permit, and certification of the family members relationship should be submitted. Other individuals should provide relevant humanitarian reasons documentation. This visa allows the issue of zero-entry or one-entry visas with a validity period not exceeding 3 months and a stay period not exceeding 180 days.
g.To apply for the issue of an X2 visa, a certification letter and admission or enrollment proof issued by educational or training institutions in Shijiazhuang should be submitted. This visa allows for the issue of zero-entry, one-entry, or two-entry visas with a validity period not exceeding 1 year and a stay period not exceeding 180 days.
B.Expats seeking a new passport due to expiration or running out of visa pages shall submit the passport held during their current entry or a statement from their country’s embassy/consulate in China confirming the retrieval of the passport held during the current entry. The renewed visa will match the original visa type, entry validity, stay period, and the remaining valid entry times of the original visa.
C.If a expat brings additional accompanying persons after entry, they should submit the passport held during the current entry and the birth certificate of the accompanying person. They can request visa renewal following the aforementioned regulations.
D.For those holding group visas and intending to stay separately after entry, they should provide documents like a confirmation letter from the receiving travel agency, among others. They may apply for a renewal according to the aforementioned regulations.
The duration of stay for the visa renewal shall not exceed 1 year as of the date of entry.
Expats who apply for reissue of a visa due to the loss, damage, theft or robbery of their visas after entry should report the loss or theft first to the nearest public security bureau station to obtain a report certificate and then submit the following documents:
A.If the visa is lost or stolen, the applicant should provide a passport loss report or a note from their country’s embassy in China and a new valid passport or any other international travel document.
B.If the visa is damaged, the applicant should present the damaged passport or a note from their country’s embassy in China along with a new valid passport or any other international travel document.
C.If the group visa is lost, stolen or damaged, the applicant should submit a certification letter from the local receiving travel agency and a copy of the group visa.
A reissued visa matching the original type, entry validity, stay duration, and the remaining valid entry times of the original visa can be issued.
A.Non-visa-exempted expats requiring an extension beyond the visa-free period due to non-diplomatic or non-official reasons should submit relevant proof in accordance with the provisions in Article 7 of this Notice to obtain a corresponding stay permit.
B.For foreign sailors and their accompanying family members needing to depart from the port where the ship is docked, they should submit a seaman’s certificate or other international travel documents, an assurance letter from the ship’s agent company, and confirmed travel tickets with specified dates and seats (airplane, train, or boat), or other relevant proof related to the reason for the stay. A stay permit not exceeding 30 days may be issued.
C.For those approved to renounce Chinese nationality and require a stay in Shijiazhuang, they should submit the People’s Republic of China renunciation certificate, foreign passport, or any other international travel document, along with proof related to the reason for the stay. A stay permit not exceeding 180 days may be issued.
D.If a expat’s residence purpose terminates and there is a humanitarian need to continue staying, they should submit the residence permit and relevant proof. A stay permit not exceeding 30 days may be issued.
E.Foreign infants born in Shijiazhuang requiring a stay in Shijiazhuang should provide the infant’s birth certificate, passport, and both parents’ passports. A stay permit matching the duration of their parents’ stay may be issued.
F.Expats holding a stay permit who cannot depart within the permit’s validity due to objective reasons can apply for a permit renewal. The application materials and renewal requirements should be handled according to the afore- mentioned regulations.G.If an expats permit of stay is lost,damaged,stolen or they are robbed, should provide a report for passport loss or a note from their country’s embassy in China, along with a new valid passport or any other international travel document. A stay permit corresponding to the appropriate period may be reissued.
Documents Required for Residence Permit Application
Expats holding visas that indicate a requirement to apply for a residence permit upon entry shall, within 30 days as of the entry date, apply for a expat’s residence permit from the Entry and Exit Administration Office of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau.
Expats applying for a residence permit valid for over one year should, according to regulations, submit a health certificate issued by the local health and quarantine department or a county-level or higher medical institution, confirming that the applicant does not suffer from severe mental disorders, infectious pulmonary tuberculosis, or other communicable diseases that may pose a significant risk to public health. Additionally, they should provide the following proof:
A.For work purpose: Those entering with a Z visa shall provide a work permit issued by the local human resources and social security department, foreign expert services department or other competent authorities, along with a certification from the employer. Those holding other types of visas should also provide the required documentation stipulated by the relevant Chinese government authorities for foreign high-level talents,urgently needed specialized talents, investors, etc. Residence permits can be issued for up to 5 years for high-level talents, urgently needed specialized talents and investors. Those working at reputable registered units can receive permits for up to 2 years, while others can receive permits for up to 1 year.
B.For study purpose: Holders of X1 visas should submit letters from the school specifying the study period and admission or enrollment certification. Holders of other types of visas should provide certification from the competent authority. Residence permits may be issued to match the study period specified by the school.
Expats holding study permits who require part-time jobs or internships outside the school should, after school approval, provide letters of consent for part-time jobs or off-campus internships from the school and the internship unit when applying for the endorsement of residence permits at the Entry and Exit Administration of the public security authorities.
C.For journalists: Holders of J1 visas should submit a letter from the provincial foreign affairs department and an issued “Press Card”. Residence permits for up to 1 year may be granted.
D.For family reunion purpose: Holders of Q1 visas should submit identification of the person to be visited and certification of the family members relationship. Holders of other types of visas should also submit proof of family relationship. Residence permits for up to 5 years may be granted for those under 18 or over 60 years old. The residence permit’s expiration date for individuals under 18 cannot exceed their 18th birthday. For others, residence permits for up to 2 years may be granted.
For foreign child of Chinese of foreign nationality or overseas Chinese who is under the age of 18 and in custodial care in China, the guardian can apply for a residence permit on behalf of the child at the public security bureau where the household registration or the primary residence is located. The applicant should provide the child’s birth certificate, a copy of the foreign parents’passports,and, if one or both parents are Chinese, a copy of the overseas settlement certificate. The guardian should also submit an entrustment letter respectively from the parents and the guardian, specifying the entrusted caregiving or guardianship and the duration of the care, the guardian’s local permanent household registration or certificate of residence in the actual place of residence for more than six months and resident’s ID card. Residence permits valid for up to 5 years may be issued, and the permit’s expiration date for the child cannot exceed their 18th birthday.
E.For personal affairs: Holders of S1 visa, such as family visitors, should submit a letter from the visited individual, proof of residency, and documentation of kinship (spouse, parents, parents of the spouse, children under 18). Residence permits matching the duration of the visited individual’s stay in China may be issued. Others should provide proof related to handling personal affairs. Residence permits for up to 1 year may be issued.
Holders of other types of visas such as family visitors, should submit a letter from the visited individual, proof of residency, and documentation of kinship (spouse, parents, parents of the spouse, children under 18). Residence permits matching the duration of the visited individual’s stay in China may be issued. Visitors with humanitarian reasons should provide relevant documentation, and residence permits for up to 1 year may be granted: Foreign nationals over 60 years old who purchased properties in Shijiazhuang should submit proof of property ownership or notarized housing sales contracts and financial proof; Expats receiving medical assistance or services in Shijiazhuang should submit a medical certificate of hospitalization or medical service from a county-level or grade-2 hospital or above, valid for over six months.
A expat applying for an extension of his or her residence permit shall submit an application to the exit and entry administration office of the public security bureau 30 days prior to the expiry of the validity period of the residence permit, together with supporting documents relating to the subject matter of the application. If, upon examination, the reasons for the extension are reasonable and sufficient, the extension of the period of stay will be granted. If the extension of the period of stay is not granted, the expat shall leave China as scheduled.
Application for Replacement of Residence Permit
In the event of any change in the registered particulars of a expat’s residence permit (such as name, original purpose for residence, number of passport or other international travel documents), the expat shall, within 10 days as of the date of the change in the registered particulars, apply to the Exit and Entry Administration Authority of the Public Security Authorities for the replacement, and with reference to the foregoing provisions, submit the supporting materials relating to the change in the basic information of the individual and the reason for his or her residence, so that he or she may be able to replace his residence permit.
Application for Reissue of Residence Permit
If the residence permit is lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen a robbery occurs, the expat shall submit a report for passport loss or a note from their country’s embassy in China, or present the damaged document, along with a new valid passport or any other international travel document, and a certification of police report for loss, being theft or a robbery is issued by the police station of the public security authorities. A residence permit may be reissued.
If a expat in Shijiazhuang City does not hold a valid passport or other international travel documents due to loss, damage, destruction, theft, or a robbery invalidity of the documents, and is unable to obtain a replacement at the embassy and consulate of his or her native country in China, he or she shall submit a loss report of passport or a note from the embassy and consulate of his or her native country in China, or present the damaged or invalidated documents, as well as a temporary identity certificate to be used in place of the passport. A expat’s entry/exit permit with a validity period of no more than 30 days may be issued.
A.Family members: including spouses, parents, spouses’ parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and children’s spouses.
B.Certification of the family members relationship and certification of kinship: marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption certificate, other certifications of kinship and relevant notarization issued by the proper authorities of the countries concerned; and marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption certificate, kinship certifications and certification of change of name and other information issued by the embassy and consulate of his or her native country in China.
C.Marriage certificate, birth certificate, kinship certifications and certification of change of name and other information issued by the proper authorities of a foreign country or by a notary public shall be authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate in that country.
D.Certificate of identity: the certificate of identity for Chinese mainland residents means certificate of local permanent household registration or certificate of residence in the actual place of residence for more than six months and a resident’s identity card. Certificate of identity for overseas Chinese means a Chinese passport and a certificate of residence abroad. Certificate of identity for Hong Kong and Macao residents means a Hong Kong and Macao Resident Permit for Travelling to and from the Mainland. Certificate of identity for Taiwan residents means a Taiwanese Resident Permit for Travelling to and from the Mainland. Expat’s identity certificate refers to the permanent residence permit of expats. Overseas Chinese and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents should also submit certificate of residence at their actual place of residence for more than six months.
The aforementioned relevant foreign language supporting documents should be translated into Chinese.
Approval Period
The Exit and Entry Administration Office of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau may make a decision on whether to grant the visa and the stay permit within 7 working days after accepting the application. A decision on whether to grant a expat’s residence permit will be made within 15 working days after accepting the application.
Applicants, with legitimate reasons, can apply to the Exit and Entry Administration Office of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau to shorten the period of time for the approval of visa documents, the Exit and Entry Administration Office of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau can provide convenience according to the actual situation.
The Exit and Entry Administration Office of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau may not grant visas to expats in accordance with the provisions of Article 21 and Article 31 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law under certain circumstances.
The decision made by the Exit and Entry Administration Authority of Shijiazhuang Municipal Public Security Bureau to deny a visa extension, renewal/replacement,or reissue of permits is considered final.
Expats shall apply for accommodation registration in accordance with the provisions of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China. Exit and entry authorities of the public security authorities can request the applicant to provide the certification of accommodation registration in Shijiazhuang when accepting a expat's visa application.
A expat applying for a visa shall pay the handling fee in accordance with the regulations.
Source: Foreign Affairs Office Of Shijiazhuang Municipal People's Goverment
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