If you wish to work in China but you are not a Chinese citizen, you will need to obtain a Chinese work visa in order to enter, exit and work in the country. There are many different places you can get a visa. You must know what type you need, when to apply, what documentation will be requested from you, how long the visa will last and how long you will be permitted to stay in China.
Definition
A Chinese work visa is documentation that Chinese authorities require of non-citizens who want to work in China. A visa will allow you to enter, work, move about and leave China. Americans and citizens of most other countries are required to obtain a visa prior to entering the country. According to Chinatour.com, a Chinese Work Visa is called a Type Z visa, and is issued to those hired by Chinese companies to work or teach in China and accompanying family members.
A single entry visa means you may enter China one time, double means twice and a multiple entry visa allows you to enter and leave China as many times as you choose within a designated period of time.
Validity
The China Visa Service Center says a single entry Chinese visa is valid for three months from the issue date. A double entry visa is valid for six months. And a multiple entry visa for one year. You must enter the country before the visa's expiration date. The visa is valid from the date of issue, not the date you enter the country.
Duration
The duration of your stay is printed on the visa. In order to stay longer, you must have the visa extended. Chinatour.com says you are usually allowed to stay in China 30 days after the date you enter. You can ask to stay 60 to 90 days if you make that request on your application. The duration of your stay is at the full discretion of the Chinese Consulate, no matter how many days you request.
As long as you enter the country before the visa is expired, you can stay for your full duration even if the Visa has expired while you are there, according to Chinatour.com. For example, if you enter China on January 1st for a 30-day stay, and your Visa expires on January 10th, you can still stay for the full 30 days. The duration of your stay begins the day you enter China.
Time Frame
The best time to apply for your visa is one to two months prior to your departure date. You can apply for a single entry visa as early as six months before your trip. It is recommended that you obtain your double or multiple entry visa at least two months before you leave. It is possible to get your visa on short notice, if you already have your passport. Assuming there are no discrepancies on your application, it can be processed in as little as one business day. Express and same-day visas will cost you more than those obtained with longer notice.
Application
There are a number of companies which have websites where you can print and fill out your Work Visa application forms and send them in along with the appropriate paperwork. You can also get your work visa from Chinese embassies, consulates, visa offices and the Chinese Foreign Ministry. There are Chinese embassies and consulates located in various U.S. cities and in regions worldwide.
Documentation
Whether you apply in person or send in your application by mail, you will need to provide your original passport (not a photocopy). It must be the original, because your visa will be pasted directly into your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six more months when you apply for your visa. You can send your passport by mail by a traceable courier such as FedEx, UPS, DHL or certified mail. If you are applying by mail for more than one person, you can send all the documentation for each person in the same package.
Required documentation also includes: your completed visa application; a new, professionally taken and printed passport type photo (in addition to the photo on your passport); a photocopy of your work permit which must be obtained by your Chinese employer from the Labor Department or Foreign Experts Bureau; a photocopy of your Visa Authorization Notice, also obtained by your employer; and the appropriate fees. Some online companies also require you to fill out an order form.
