Americans and visas

[Tsunku]

If anyone can help me out on this, it would be fantastic.

I'm at my wits end when it comes to my visa. The school I am currently working for is not approved as of yet to issue visas to foreigners. The tourist visa I picked up in HK 3 months ago has been extended twice. I need visa options, soon! Does anyone know of any agencies in HK which will issue 6 month F visas to Americans? I've also heard of some Americans getting visas in Shanghai. Anyone know the deal on that? I am reluctant to shell out the tuition required to get a student visa when I'm not even sure I'll be have the time or the motivation to actually attend classes. However, my options are running low ... I'm actually considering a marriage of convenience (which, in reality, is probably not all that convenient)! As you can see, I'm getting desperate.

Anyone have info?

[Danski]

Don't know if it's any help, but I was just clearing out a whole load of crap and found a business card for a visa service I used in HK.

Sunrise International Travel

Phone: +852 2890 9698

www.chinavisa.com.hk

No harm in giving them a call. They got me a next day one-year multiple entry F visa - bit expensive (HK$2500), but it saves a trip back for a year.

Also, if you look at the practical advice forums on www.asiaxpat.com for SH & BJ you might find some advice.

[Tsunku]

Thanks Danski

I'll give them a call and see what they say. It has been hard for Americans to get visas because of silly visa pissing contests between the US and China. Maybe that will change soon, maybe not. I found a service in Shanghai that can get me a 6 month visa for 1400 RMB, but it will require going to Shanghai, which will also be an expense, but I think I will do that rather than fork over tuition money for a student visa.

[Tsunku]

Just got new info that seems to suggest that Americans can now get the 1 year F visa in HK again. If so, this would be a great relief for many of us Americans here in China. Here's the news:

Friday January 7, 16:48 PM

United States, China relax visa requirements for business and tourism

BEIJING (AFP) - The United States and China have agreed to a reciprocal visa

arrangement with both sides offering 12-month multiple-entry business and

tourist visas.

The long-awaited move will greatly facilitate travel between the two

countries, the embassy said in a statement.

US embassies and consulates "will begin issuing to otherwise qualified

Chinese citizens, who wish to visit the United States temporarily for

business or pleasure, visas that are valid for 12 months and multiple

entries," the embassy said.

Americans would enjoy the same privileges on visits to China, it added.

Diplomatic notes on the agreement were exchanged by the two sides in

December. The agreement goes into effect on January 15.

"The embassy believes this mutual extension of visa reciprocity will be a

significant benefit to frequent travelers between China and the United

States," the statement said.

"The longer validity of visas means these frequent travelers will not have

to renew their visas so frequently, saving time and money and making travel

more convenient."

Both sides reserved the right to limit the issuance and validity of the

visas on a case by case basis, it said.

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and

Washington, the US implemented higher visa requirements which made it much

more difficult for Chinese businesspeople, students and tourists to travel

to the United States.

China reciprocated with increased restrictions on travel by Americans.

Among the most vocally opposed to the tougher visa requirements were US

businesspeople, who complained of difficulties in getting their Chinese

business partners and associates into the US and their US-based people into

China.

If this does indeed mean I can again get my 1 year visa in HK like the rest of the Westerners here, my troubles are over.

[Scholar Rock]

I noticed that you're living in Kunming. Do you know who to contact regarding short-term accommodations for two to three weeks for two of us? Maybe an ex-pat who wants to sub-let? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

[website]

Chinese visas for Americans are hard to get. You can get a one year visa for China, but you must leave the country every 30 days. Leaving China once a month can be inconvenient and expensive.