X-visa, I'm confused

[lerider]

I got my visa today, I should be happy but I'm mostly confused

My visa states: "Duration for each stay: 000 days after entry"

What does this mean? Do I need to register at the school the very same day I get to China?

It also says:"Enter before: 16SEP". The school starts around 10 september, so this wouldn't be a problem if it wasn't for my flight ticket which is booked 24 august, the plan was to travel around for about two weeks and then go to register at the university.

Do I need to change these plans and re-schedule my plane, or can I go as planned? I'm really confused.

[roddy]

This is all normal. Your X visa gives you 30 days to get your residence permit - basically your school will take your passport off you and do everything, all you'll need to do is provide some photos and get on the bus when they take you to do your medical.

However, as you're doing two weeks of traveling prior to turning up at your school, they won't have the full 30 days to deal with it. Depending on how quick they and the PSB are, this may or may not be a problem. Should be ok if you make this clear to the school.

I guess another potential issue is that when you are staying in hotels, etc, your visa may be checked by people who don't understand this and think there is a problem. You may need to be prepared to explain it all.

[imron]

"Enter before: 16SEP". The school starts around 10 september, so this wouldn't be a problem if it wasn't for my flight ticket which is booked 24 august,

I don't see the problem. 24 of August is before the 16th of September. As Roddy said, you've got 30 days from entry to sort out your residence permit, which your school will handle (there should be a note/slip of paper in your passport explaining this). From prior experience, this takes about a week, so you should be fine.

[mr.stinky]

uh, no, not fine. check the dates! flight is booked 24 august, probably arrive in china

25 august. school begins "about" 10 september.

travel around china for a couple weeks, and lerider arrives at school "about" 7 september.

still (maybe) enough time to get the residence permit, but..........

first ask the school....since the 2007 fall semester began 3 september, registration and

testing on 22 august...."about" is when?

[imron]

I did check the dates, and still don't see the problem.

He has 30 days from entry to apply for his residence permit.

Assuming he arrives on the 25th of August, that means he has until September 24 to sort things out, which is plenty of time if school is starting somewhere around the 10th (even if it was starting somewhere around the 20th, it'd probably still be ok).

[lerider]

I just checked with the school. They said everything is fine, I can travel as planned, but they want me to register before 10 September which won't be a problem. I was just confused since the visa said longest duration was 0 days.

It doesn't say anything about a 30 day limit in my passport nor in the visa, but both you guys and the school says there is so I'll trust you. Thanks for the help.