Tsunku Posted January 8, 2005 at 07:18 AM Report Share Posted January 8, 2005 at 07:18 AM If anyone can help me out on this, it would be fantastic. I'm at my wits end when it comes to my visa. The school I am currently working for is not approved as of yet to issue visas to foreigners. The tourist visa I picked up in HK 3 months ago has been extended twice. I need visa options, soon! Does anyone know of any agencies in HK which will issue 6 month F visas to Americans? I've also heard of some Americans getting visas in Shanghai. Anyone know the deal on that? I am reluctant to shell out the tuition required to get a student visa when I'm not even sure I'll be have the time or the motivation to actually attend classes. However, my options are running low ... I'm actually considering a marriage of convenience (which, in reality, is probably not all that convenient)! As you can see, I'm getting desperate. Anyone have info? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danski Posted January 9, 2005 at 08:17 AM Report Share Posted January 9, 2005 at 08:17 AM Don't know if it's any help, but I was just clearing out a whole load of crap and found a business card for a visa service I used in HK. Sunrise International Travel Phone: +852 2890 9698 www.chinavisa.com.hk No harm in giving them a call. They got me a next day one-year multiple entry F visa - bit expensive (HK$2500), but it saves a trip back for a year. Also, if you look at the practical advice forums on www.asiaxpat.com for SH & BJ you might find some advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunku Posted January 9, 2005 at 09:20 AM Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2005 at 09:20 AM Thanks Danski I'll give them a call and see what they say. It has been hard for Americans to get visas because of silly visa pissing contests between the US and China. Maybe that will change soon, maybe not. I found a service in Shanghai that can get me a 6 month visa for 1400 RMB, but it will require going to Shanghai, which will also be an expense, but I think I will do that rather than fork over tuition money for a student visa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunku Posted January 10, 2005 at 12:52 PM Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2005 at 12:52 PM Just got new info that seems to suggest that Americans can now get the 1 year F visa in HK again. If so, this would be a great relief for many of us Americans here in China. Here's the news: Friday January 7, 16:48 PMUnited States, China relax visa requirements for business and tourism BEIJING (AFP) - The United States and China have agreed to a reciprocal visa arrangement with both sides offering 12-month multiple-entry business and tourist visas. The long-awaited move will greatly facilitate travel between the two countries, the embassy said in a statement. US embassies and consulates "will begin issuing to otherwise qualified Chinese citizens, who wish to visit the United States temporarily for business or pleasure, visas that are valid for 12 months and multiple entries," the embassy said. Americans would enjoy the same privileges on visits to China, it added. Diplomatic notes on the agreement were exchanged by the two sides in December. The agreement goes into effect on January 15. "The embassy believes this mutual extension of visa reciprocity will be a significant benefit to frequent travelers between China and the United States," the statement said. "The longer validity of visas means these frequent travelers will not have to renew their visas so frequently, saving time and money and making travel more convenient." Both sides reserved the right to limit the issuance and validity of the visas on a case by case basis, it said. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the US implemented higher visa requirements which made it much more difficult for Chinese businesspeople, students and tourists to travel to the United States. China reciprocated with increased restrictions on travel by Americans. Among the most vocally opposed to the tougher visa requirements were US businesspeople, who complained of difficulties in getting their Chinese business partners and associates into the US and their US-based people into China. If this does indeed mean I can again get my 1 year visa in HK like the rest of the Westerners here, my troubles are over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scholar Rock Posted February 15, 2005 at 05:40 PM Report Share Posted February 15, 2005 at 05:40 PM I noticed that you're living in Kunming. Do you know who to contact regarding short-term accommodations for two to three weeks for two of us? Maybe an ex-pat who wants to sub-let? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
website Posted February 16, 2005 at 08:20 AM Report Share Posted February 16, 2005 at 08:20 AM Chinese visas for Americans are hard to get. You can get a one year visa for China, but you must leave the country every 30 days. Leaving China once a month can be inconvenient and expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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