Marrage to a Chinese National

[woliveri]

If a Chinese National and an American get Married then he/she (the Chinese National) can apply for American citizenship.

What I heard in the past is then the Chinese National can hold dual citizenship being good in both China and the US.

Is that still the case?

Also, what happens to the American's status in China after marrying a Chinese National? Do they still need visas to stay in China?

[DrinkDrankDrunk]

Don't know anything about visa status after marriage in China, but I do know for a fact that China do not recognize dual citizenships.

Hope this helps.

[owshawng]

The process for a foreign national married to a US citizen to become a US citizen takes over 5 years from the date the application is filed. And there are several stages to go through. If the application for residency is accepted the spouse is considered a temporary resident for 2 years, after which permanent residency (green card) can be gained. 5 years after filing a residency application that has been accepted, the foreign national can apply for US citizenship. That process takes about a year but is much easier and less stressful then the process to get a green card. I went thru this when I sponsored my wife, but we were in the US at the time. I believe if you live overseas you need to apply through your home state. If you return to the US and move to a different state before you apply, you need to wait 90 days to be considered a residen tof that state before you can apply.

Can't help you with your other questions.

[liuzhou]

China does not allow dual nationality. Period.

Permanent residence for spouses is theoretically possible in China, but is not simple and is, so far, available only in a few major cities. The vast majority of people still need visas.

[johnd]

My experience in Shenzhen is that there is no problem getting renewed tourist visas for as long a you want, because you are married to a Chinese citizen. If you work then you must obtain a work visa on your own merits (not too difficult if you have a degree).

The Chinese version of a green card is relatively new and probably still evolving. As far as I know, you should be resident and have work visas for 5 years, or resident and married for 5 years. Can anyone confirm this?

[liuzhou]

Yes, you have to have been married for five years, but it is still not available in 99.9% of China.

The law is explained here very well. But as we all know there is the law and there is what people actually do!

Unfortunately, local PSBs haven't received the authorisation and therefore can't issue the appropriate papers. Last I heard was that only Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuhan had actually issued the permanent residence cards and very few of them at that.

Sadly. it seems to be just another publicity stunt.

Remember Strawberry Fields - Nothing is real.

[twoming]

Assuming one who's married to a Chinese national doesn't want green card status, what's the alternative? Can you get a one year visa or go month to month on an "L" tourist visa? Confusing.

[amo]

Hi.

I am married to a Chinese and I have a one year visa (tourist), however no single stay can be longer than 90 days. That was the clausul for getting 1 year and not 6 months.

[twoming]

Still unclear on this. If I marry a Chinese national and want to live in China, let's say half the year, can I get a vise for that long or longer...or do I need to go in and out of the country every 90 days on a visa? I've asked at the PRC Consulate in Chicago and all they say is "no problem" but are pretty vague otherwise.

[md1101]

you could always enrol in a chinese course somewhere. you can then apply for a 1 to 3 year multiple entry visa without any requirements of leaving every 90 days. its up to you whether you decide to attend the classes or not as well. try a university offering chinese.