Changing L to X, and traveling on a one-way ticket

[Flying Pigeon]

Hi,

I'm an American living in Japan. I will be moving to Beijing this July. I'd like to enroll in a language program, but haven't selected a school yet. I'm considering BLI (Boomerang Language Institute). Is it possible to come over on a tourist visa, check out some schools, enroll and then switch to a student visa?

I'm assuming I would need an onward ticket if I enter on a tourist visa. Not interested in a return ticket to Japan. I'm wondering if I could get an open ticket to America, to be used next year. I'll check with the airlines, but thought I'd ask here.

Thanks.

Dean

[roddy]

This comes up pretty regularly - ie here.

Basically, yes, but the institution will need to be a) able and B) willing. So check with them, and then check with them again nearer the time. Private schools generally can't help so much, but may advise on getting L extensions, recommending a visa agent for an F visa, etc.

Return tickets aren't necessary as far as China is concerned, but travel agents and airline check in agents will sometimes tell you otherwise.

[Flying Pigeon]

Roddy, thanks for the info and the link.

[Scoobyqueen]

I am with BLI and can recommend it. There are several mentions of this school on this site also.

[Flying Pigeon]

Thanks again for the info. Made it to China with a one-way ticket and a 30-day tourist visa. No hassles at all.

[woofs]

Hi, I just wanted to confirm that you don't need a return ticket on an L visa even if you're coming from the US. Don't know if rules are different for American citizens... Has anyone ever been rejected at the border?

Thanks!

[Flying Pigeon]

woofs,

I'm an American. Came over from Japan with a 30-day L visa and a one-way ticket. No problems at all.