Flying Pigeon Posted May 30, 2009 at 08:29 AM Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 at 08:29 AM Hi, I'm an American living in Japan. I will be moving to Beijing this July. I'd like to enroll in a language program, but haven't selected a school yet. I'm considering BLI (Boomerang Language Institute). Is it possible to come over on a tourist visa, check out some schools, enroll and then switch to a student visa? I'm assuming I would need an onward ticket if I enter on a tourist visa. Not interested in a return ticket to Japan. I'm wondering if I could get an open ticket to America, to be used next year. I'll check with the airlines, but thought I'd ask here. Thanks. Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roddy Posted May 30, 2009 at 08:57 AM Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 at 08:57 AM This comes up pretty regularly - ie here. Basically, yes, but the institution will need to be a) able and B) willing. So check with them, and then check with them again nearer the time. Private schools generally can't help so much, but may advise on getting L extensions, recommending a visa agent for an F visa, etc. Return tickets aren't necessary as far as China is concerned, but travel agents and airline check in agents will sometimes tell you otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Pigeon Posted May 30, 2009 at 09:27 AM Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 at 09:27 AM Roddy, thanks for the info and the link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoobyqueen Posted May 30, 2009 at 10:16 AM Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 at 10:16 AM I am with BLI and can recommend it. There are several mentions of this school on this site also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Pigeon Posted August 2, 2009 at 04:19 AM Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 at 04:19 AM Thanks again for the info. Made it to China with a one-way ticket and a 30-day tourist visa. No hassles at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woofs Posted August 25, 2009 at 03:05 AM Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 at 03:05 AM Hi, I just wanted to confirm that you don't need a return ticket on an L visa even if you're coming from the US. Don't know if rules are different for American citizens... Has anyone ever been rejected at the border? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Pigeon Posted August 25, 2009 at 09:15 AM Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 at 09:15 AM woofs, I'm an American. Came over from Japan with a 30-day L visa and a one-way ticket. No problems at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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