visa questions

[Pravit]

Hi,

I'm planning on traveling to China in late June. I'm applying to UIR and it could take up to a month to get the admission notice, which they suggest to include in the visa application. They also recommend applying for an F visa. Since I'm only going to be in China for around 45 days, I figured that I could just apply for a tourist visa and get it over with early. Do you think this is OK, or should I just wait on the university and get an F visa?

Thanks!

[dougdu]

Ni hao Pravit,

Are you eager to go to China early? Haha, I would like to do it also!

I think it would be wise to wait for the admission notice first, then see if everything is fine and you've been accepted. You wouldn't want to go to China and to find out you didn't get accepted. Besides, if you go to China early, how would you receive your admission notice? They send it directly to your address, but you will be away in China. But if you are eager to go, like me, I believe it'll be okay with you to get the tourist visa early and stay in China for its duration, but you will need to sign some forums and switch visas. I believe you can do that at the school, perhaps the embassy or some sort.

You seem calm about receiving your university's notice. Is it guaranteed for people to apply at the universities automatically get accepted? Because I sent my application to BLCU two days ago and will have to wait 2 months to receive my admission notice. Are you nervous? I am.

[dougm24]

When I first went to China I had the same problem, I was due to start studying a month after my admission to university for 6 months, so I went on a 90 day tourist visa and was able to change it in the country. There aren't any problems with doing this but I think it'll work out more expensive, and it definitely means more time hanging around PSB offices.

Doug

[Pravit]

Hey guys, thanks for your replies!

I'm not planning on going to China early, but I've heard the visa process takes a long time and I want to get it taken care of as soon as I can - especially since I don't know how long it will take to get the admission notice. You're right that it would be wise to wait on that, though from what I've read, BLCU and most Chinese-language programs for foreigners will take anybody who meets all the criteria.

Switching visas is what concerns me. I'm only going to be in country for 45 days, and it seems a 90-day tourist visa would cover that fine. Do I have to apply for an F visa just because I'm a student?

[gato]

t I've heard the visa process takes a long time and I want to get it taken care of as soon as I can

What have you heard? I've gotten both tourist and work visas at the Chinese consulate in the US. In both cases, the turnaround was about 3-4 days.

[dougdu]

The process of receiving a visa doesn't take a long time. If you send your materials to a travel agency, then yes, it would take a quite a bit of time. If you directly apply at the Chinese embassy, the process will be quicker. According to the Chinese embassy, the process will take 4 days along with the fee. For express service, additional fees of $30 for 1 working day processing time. I've received my data from here:

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84247.htm

The Tourist (L) Visa is the one you're considering for a 90-day duration roaming the country freely. Regarding switching visas abroad, I believe it'll be simple because you could go directly to the university and show them your admission notice of acceptance and they should guide you through the process of obtaining a F visa. I would have to agree with dougm24, there will be some fees and more paperwork to sign. But overall, I think it'll be fine for you.

[Pravit]

Hmm, I guess it doesn't take as long as I thought it would. I don't live near a Chinese embassy, so I'd have to do it through a service, but those don't seem to take too long either.

Regarding switching visas abroad, I believe it'll be simple because you could go directly to the university and show them your admission notice of acceptance and they should guide you through the process of obtaining a F visa.

That's my question, though - do I really need an F visa? Can't I just stick with an L visa?

[roddy]

So you are only doing a short course at UIR?

Has UIR commented on this at all? I think they are the only ones who would potentially object - accomodation is unlikely to be an issue.

[dougdu]

No, I don't think you can be enrolled in the university holding the statues of an L visa.

If the university advised you to apply for an F visa, then I would apply for it for they know what has to be done; they had many years of experience.

My reasons regarding why you can be enrolled into the university with an L visa is because you will be accommodated with dormitory and schooling. I think it's mandatory for students to hold an F visa; it may be the requirements to enter the university. The university cannot accommodate foreigners with an L statues, it must be an F or X visa to show them that you're registered with the school. It might result in confusion if you don't meet the visa criteria.

Here's a list for the Chinese embassy locations, just scroll down to the bottom of the page:

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/sgxx/dfzygy/t44338.htm

[Pravit]

Thanks for your help, guys.

So you are only doing a short course at UIR?

I'm doing a short course, then travelling around the country for two weeks. I have a distant relative I'll be visiting in Shanghai.

You mentioned accomodation - I'm not going to be staying in the university dorms. I'm doing a homestay through Lotus Educational Foundation(http://www.lotusstudy.com). I suppose I could ask them about it, though I have e-mailed UIR about it(no reply yet).

I live in New Mexico, and I don't want to go all the way to Houston or LA to do my visa, so I'm thinking of going through http://www.mychinavisa.com/. What do you guys think of this service?

[dougdu]

Hello again,

I'm not too particularly fond of Lotus Study because they include their own fees and services in their overall budget. Plus the weekly accommodation for home stay is outrageously expensive! It’s a huge sacrifice of money and it costs too much for a short duration. I believe there's another forum wandering around aimlessly; I'll search for it. I believe it'll be way cheaper if you apply directly to the university, no doubt at least you'll save a thousand or more. And as for shelter, the price shouldn’t be that much; it’s a con job! Regarding the My China Visa website, it is quite expensive as you mentioned earlier. If you can’t travel to Houston or LA, then it would be recommended for the visa.

[Pravit]

I just finished talking to someone from UIR and I was told I should apply now for a tourist visa, the reason being that I'll be travelling around the country in addition to studying in Beijing.

I think you misunderstood me; I am applying directly to UIR, and I am using the "homestay only" program that Lotus offers. It isn't the cheapest in the world at $165 a week, but I don't know anyone in Beijing, and I'd prefer living with a family than by myself in a dorm.

[dougdu]

I'm so envious

[roddy]

It isn't the cheapest in the world at $165 a week

Ouch. Hope you can come back and tell us how it worked out for you, and I'd be interested to know how that gets split between Lotus and the family. It's hard to see how that price can be justified to be honest, but if you are happy with what you get then fair enough.