Visa about to Expire? Here’s the Lowdown

It is now two months since China announced that all foreigners in China would get a 60-day visa extension if their visa was going to expire during the epidemic. Many of us are now wondering what to do next, as that extension is almost over, and leaving China or entering other countries is still not easy. We’ve checked in with the Chengdu PSB to day to give you the most up-to-date information:

If you weren’t aware already, back in March the State Council announced that foreigners in China could extend their stays by up to two months if their visas expire during the period of epidemic prevention and control. Read more about this in our Legal Advice: Job and Visa post.

That means, if the expiry date of your visa was originally in early March 2020, and you already got an extension, your visa will expire soon.

As China is still under the prevention and control period, foreigners with visas that can usually be extended without leaving the country, can extend by following the usual process. Foreigners holding other kinds of visas are unfortunately required to leave China and re-apply.

We have seen other post claiming that ALL foreigners in China will automatically get a second extension during the pandemic, though the Chengdu PSB confirmed to us this is NOT true. After being added 2 months automatically once (only when the pandemic is still ongoing in China), you’ll have to go through the normal procedures for visa/ residence permit extension/ change the next time.

Note that foreign nationals working in China in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship and scientific research may be still able to enter China. More information about this in our COVID-19: China to Ease Entry Ban on Foreigners article.

Foreigners in China can apply for visa extension to the local exit-entry department with supporting materials based on your stay purpose. For example, if you have to stay in China because international flights are suspended due to the pandemic and there’s no way to leave, you need to submit the relevant documents showing the flight suspension and living guarantee.

As of April 24, there’s no further notice about the visa policy and entry restrictions. It is likely to see the entry open to more foreigners soon as China is seeking fast-track travel arrangements with some countries.

We will keep following the issue and post the updates. If you have any new updates, feel free to share with us in the comment area.

Needed documents to apply for visa/ residence permit

1.Your valid passport or other international travel documents;

2.Visa application form;

3.Registration form of temporary residence for overseas residents;

4.One photo that meets the specified requirements and the test receipt of the photo;

5.Other materials related to the purpose of application, as indicated on your application form.

During the coronavirus epidemic, foreigners may login the official website at http://cdcrj.chengdu.gov.cn or add the PSB’s official WeChat account (QR code below, ID: ChengduCRJ) to your contact list, then proceed by selecting “Appointment for Application” module to make and appointment for visa application.

Foreign-related enterprises and universities may arrange liaison person to apply for visas on behalf of their foreign employees or students. For details, please call +86 407067370.

In meanwhile airlines are beginning to reschedule their flights to begin next month.