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Posts: 1

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Q: Can I transfer from a L visa to a Z visa in China?

hi, I am currently in China and being offered a job as a programmer. I have an L visa and the company says I have to go back to my home country and apply from there for a Z visa. is it really not possible to switch in country?

5 years 27 weeks ago in  Business & Jobs - Shenzhen

 
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Posts: 827

Shifu

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Not within mainland China. But the company can do the paper work and send you to Hong Kong to get the Z visa.

Hotwater:

Yes they can in Shanghai, a high tech zone in Beijing & I’d heard a nun confirmed runout if GZ soon. 

5 years 27 weeks ago
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5 years 27 weeks ago
 
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You don't necessarily have to go back to your home country but you need to leave Mainland China and apply with an Invitation Letter from your company and a Work Permit. 

 

Good luck. It can be a labyrinth sometimes

Hotwater:

Nope, it's been possible to convert a tourist visa into a work permit/resident permit in Shanghai for about two years now. Also I believe in the high tech zone in Beijing and pissibly soon in Guangzhou.

5 years 27 weeks ago
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5 years 27 weeks ago
 
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Emperor

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The company is probably telling you what the PSB told them.

 

It's China so for every rule there will be someone who comes out and says they had a different experience in city X but if the people doing your visa are saying you need to go home to apply then that is most likely what they need you to do.

 

 

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5 years 27 weeks ago
 
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It is totally possible to change from an 'L' visa to a Z visa while remaining in China.  However, technically speaking, you aren't supposed to start working until the Work Permit is granted.  I was changed from an L (visitor) to a Z while remaining in China.  I kept up with the 60-day HK visits so as not to violate the L stipulation.  

 

The only caveat to this to date, is that China is now requiring a current criminal background check from all person's country of origin, which typically has to be obtained from a person's home country by him or her directly applying for it at home.  Good luck with that.  Shock

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5 years 16 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77