Archive for the 'visa' Category

Tips, Advice for Getting VISA USA to China (SF Consulate) – NEW RULES

Published on April 29, 2008 in China and visa. 0 Comments

Today, after waiting 3.5 hours in line at the San Francisco Chinese Consulate, I thought for sure I’d get my brother a VISA for our upcoming trip.

I brought his passport, a photo, a copy of his flight reservation, and the VISA application.Apparently, China tightened down on the rules. That’s an understatement.

I was told (in Chinese, btw) that I needed his birth certificate, the hotel he is staying at, and a written letter explaining his relationship to every that he will encounter in China. Allow me to focus on one part of that. We own two houses in China, so when I told them that there is no need for a hotel, she said, “Lemme see your house deed.”

ME: “Can I fax it?”

HER: “No.”

ME: “Can I call a hotel now and make a reser–”

HER: “No. Step aside, too many people!”

So. Just thought I’d write a little “what to expect” at the Consulate. Not to mention that this is my seventh time going to China, and all other times I barely filled out the form with no questions asked. Oh, and the fee for a VISA is now $160 USD (used to be $40 a few years ago.)

Chinese Consulate Embassy Visa Form

In short — everything on the VISA form will be scrutinized, so make sure it is all accurate and bring more information than you think you need.

Extending your Visa in China (one year, residence card, etc)

Published on September 24, 2007 in China and visa. 14 Comments

Cost Extend Visa in ChinaHow much does a one-year visa extension cost? As of July 2007, the price of a visa extension in China nearly doubled to 760 RMB. The price for a half-year extension and a one-year extension is the same (760 RMB). I checked at the Kunming visa center and at my city’s local visa center, and they both confirmed this.

Also, if you are going to extend your visa, you are now required to get a health check, or “ti jian”. Don’t worry, the health check is nothing more than a blood test to see if you have any diseases (HIV, hepatitis, etc). The health check costs anywhere from 0 to 100 RMB and you can go to a local hospital and they’ll give you the results back the same day. They will give your certificate with the doctor’s signature on it, along with your results and your blood type. Then take that back to the visa office and fill out the visa form (don’t forget your picture!)

If you own a house in China and you have the deed to your house (which can take over a year to get after you purchase it), you can apply for a three-year residence card. However, they require that you apply for the one-year visa first, to “show them that you don’t cause any trouble.”

From what I’ve learned, a marriage certificate is not is not enough to apply for a residence card, you must have a house deed with your name on it.

Also, after you purchase your house, get the deed with your name on it, and apply for your one-year visa, it is good for unlimited entries and exits and there are no duration limits (like say, a tourist L visa, which limits you to 30 days after entry).