Extending L Visa without leaving China

[syke]

I am from the UK. I will be going to China to get married to my GF.

We had originally planned on me going to work there for a few months and marry on our anniversary.

But circumstances have changed drastically recently.

I have read from the China visa processing website that a Tourist L Visa may be valid for 3 months but only allows entry for 30days.

(http://www.visaforchina.org/LON_EN/visainstruction/250040.shtml)

What I want to know is whether I will be able to extend my stay in China beyond the 30days without leaving China?

I have read about others extending their visas or exchanging it but did not come across something that covers this.

Also, is it better for me to get the "certificate of no impediment" here in the UK before I go, or do it in China?

Thank you in advance for any helpful advice.

[PanShiBo]

I am in China right now and going to extend my L visa which expires in 12 days, never done it before..I am using information from this site, sounds optimistic:

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/extension.htm

Not sure what to expect as I have never done it before..

[zhouhaochen]

we extend L Visas here all the time and there are some basic indicators, but no whatsoever rules

1) usually you get 90 days per stay issued abroad. But not always, it might be 30 days only

2) you can extend the L - Visa twice for 30 days in Beijing

But everything always changes

[roddy]

Is Beijing still doing that proof of funds thing? Or are you going via an agency to avoid it?

[syke]

I'm the OP.

I will be staying with my GF in Anji.

Will Anji have an entry and exit bureau or will I have to go to the closest biggest city (Hangzhou)?

[darumdarum]

how does anyone get visas if the regulations are so unclear? People just fly to China, try and if it doesnt work out go back home? Sounds quite scary...

[driftman]

Is Beijing still doing that proof of funds thing? Or are you going via an agency to avoid it?

yes they are, a friend of mine applied three months ago and needed to bring a letter from a bank saying that he had 25.000RMB in his account.

[PanShiBo]

Here is my own experience extending L visa in Changsha:

- Visa extension costs 160 rmb

- No need to stay in special expensive hotel just to get residency registration (旅馆住宿登记)

- Local Police station issues residency registration, but they don't speak English. Very friendly service: issued residency registration after seeing yesterday's hotel's receipt (no need to have it booked for the next night).

- Prepare to spend some time to locate right PSB office: one office may send you to next, which yet will send you to another.

- PSB office sometimes speaks some English, service very effective and friendly, no lineups.

- Have cash $3000 US dollars ($100/day) on you as prove of funds.

- Passport photo and photocopies can be done on-site.

- Takes five business days to get passport back ( so make sure you converted enough RMB from the bank )