Changing the length of stay after the visa has been issued

[abcdefg]

Anybody had experience in trying to change the length of stay after the visa was issued? Here’s the problem, and the reason I ask it because I am researching possible solutions. US Passport, L Visa (Tourist.)

Received my China Visa yesterday by FedEx and the Chinese Consulate issued me a one year multiple entry visa, but instead of granting the 90 day length of stay I requested, they gave me 60 days for each entry instead. Been to China quite a few times with no problems. In other words, my record is clean and I suspect a clerical error.

My question is this: Has anybody had experience with going in person to a Chinese Consulate (in the US) to request that the visa parameters be changed or that a new one be issued in its place? I realize an expense might be involved, but I’m willing to bear it.

I plan to be in China 8 or 9 months this time, and exiting for a new stamp every 60 days will significantly interrupt the flow of life. Every 90 days would be much more convenient. I don’t know if such a request is worth a shot or if I just need revise my study and travel plans, grin and bear it.

My visa agent’s office is closed for the Thanksgiving holidays so I cannot ask them for advice until next week.

[fanglu]

Has anybody had experience with going in person to a Chinese Consulate (in the US) to request that the visa parameters be changed or that a new one be issued in its place?

You can't (AFAIK) change Chinese visas, you can only get a new one issued. They will always issue you a new visa (and cancel the old one, and charge you again) if you ask. The issue is whether they will give you the 90 days or not. I don't know the answer to that.

[abcdefg]

Yes, I'm sure you are right. After a bit more Google-ing, I realize that the only thing which has any chance at all of working is to ask the Chinese Consulate to cancel the visa that stipulates 60 day entries and issue me a new one with 90 day entries at my own expense.

In the course of searching, I also turned up the info that 120 day entries do exist, but I don't know of anyone who has ever gotten one. Does anyone know if special conditions must be met to get one of those? -- USA passport; tourist (L) visa.

[xiaoxiaocao]

Have had a student with a 120 day multiple entry before. He was from the US and had been to China multiple times before. It seemed to be just one of those things where he was just issued it, luck of the draw I suppose. www.visarite.com are good for US citizens and if it is possible to obtain a 120 day multi-entry I'm sure they could tell you the requirements.

[abcdefg]

Thanks. Looks like I will have to adapt and play the hand I was dealt. Maybe use a different visa agent next year.

[Meng Lelan]

What visa agent are you using now?

[abcdefg]

Passports Plus (CIBT.) I have used this company before without problems, but have always dealt with the Houston office. This time they suggested I use their Los Angeles office since I needed extra passport pages as well as the China visa. That's where things got fouled up.

I fly out of Dallas tomorrow and out of San Francisco the following day.