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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: Can I change from a marriage visa to z visa without leaving
Marriage visa to z visa without leaving china?
12 years 12 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
I am sure we have been over this one. One visa type really has nothing to do with the other. I had a spousal/marriage visa but when I went to work I had to get the proper work visa. To my knowledge there is no other way.
One of the biggest problems in China is that we normally use the wrong names for many things here. For example, China does not have a "marriage" visa, or a "spouse/marriage"visa.
It does have an "L" (tourist visa) visa, and with it you go to PSB after marrying a local, and get a resident permit based on your marriage, and that PERMIT takes over and acts as your visa. I will assume that is what you have.
I will also assume that now you wish to work in China, and wisely will request a "Z" work visa. According to Chinese Law, only Emabssies abroad can issue new visas, PSB's within China can not, except if located at a border area, and under very limited instances. But this being China, with the right amount of money and / or "guangxi" you can do many things that you were not supposed to do legally.
So, what are your options ?. You could go to PSB and ask, but I am 100 % sure they will tell you no, must leave country. Or you could contact one of the many visa agencies who advertise in China, and see what they can do for you, and how much they will charge you. I also must tell you that I personally do not trust any visa agency located in China. How can they get a visa inside China if it is against the Law?. I do not take any risks with my stay in China.
Or, you can go to Hong Kong with all required paperwork and apply for the visa there. Or, if you do not wish to travel, search on Internet a visa agency based in Hong Kong and inquire about their services and cost, and if satisfactory to you, mail them all documents and passport, and stay home while without passport. Using overnight delivery will take about 10 days maximum if everything is in order. All of the above, again, is for a visa. You could check if PSB will give you a work permit directly.
Your choice now. But do not forget, a "Z" work visa is good for 30 days after you enter back into China. Must get a FEC, a work permit and a new residence permit within those 30 days.
Do you already have a job lined up, or are you just looking? I'd suggest finding a job first, then have that company go with you to the local PSB and see if they can apply for the working residence permit. This will be after that same company has secured the Foreign Expert's Certificate.
Let's just say I know someone who went directly from an L-tourist visa to a working residence permit, without getting a Z-visa first, and without leaving China.
there is no such thing as marriage visa, but resident permit or permanent residency if you got married with a Chinese citizen. (I believe that you will only be eligiable 5 yrs the marriage registered date)
If you mean from a spouse residence permit (which doesn't' allow you to work) to a working resident permit, I think the answer is yes. I know someone in a similar position, and the company they'll work for said they can have their residence permit changed without leaving the country. You still need to apply for a Foreign Expert Certificate, but the company will help you with this. Good luck!