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Q: Z Visa....is there an expiry date?
In the past few months that I've joined echinacities, I noticed many questions about Z visa expiry. My own experience has been this: I got my Z visa two years ago and assuming it has a one year validity, how is it that I could get my RP now, based on a Z visa issued two years ago, plus I've also got my FEC as well? According to the exit/entry people here, my Z visa is for life. How is it that so many people are doing the HK VIsa run when they've already gotten it in the first place? The exit/entry people said that having a Z visa is already acknowledgement that you are here to work. There isn't a need to get a new Z visa each time you renew your contract or change employer. Do note that my initial contract, RP and Alien Working Permit expired Sept 2013. I am now with a new employer but using the same Z visa. Anyone with the same experience? Or am I asking a frivolous question?
10 years 2 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
According to my experience to date:
towards the end of my 1st (legal) RP was for 1 year - there was an expiration date on it (2012).
as i stayed for my second year with the same Uni, I got a new RP with a new expiration date (2013). This was renewed in May last year while i was still in China.
as i changed my employer last August, i was sent the 'Z' visa documentation when i was at home and arrived on a new 'Z'. this was processed into an RP with an expiration date for this year (2014).
so for 3 years work, i have 3 RP's
essentially you have a 1 year's RP which has to be renewed or changed every year.
The 'Hong Kong' run (which is now ) was for those who came in on an 'F'
you latest RP in your passport should be dated for this year.
NOTE: this is my experience - anyone any different ?
louischuahm:
Ok, you've got 2 employers with 2 Zs. What baffles me is that I have only 1 Z but 2 different employers, 2 RPs and 2 work permits. Has the regulations changed? Or was it that my current employer pulled some strings to get it through? Strange.
sorrel:
i actually had 3 RP's
one for each year of work
definately you should have a different RP for each employer
icnif77:
When I moved from Yingkou to Dalian, Liaoning in Dec 2011, I had RP valid till June 30, 2012. Dalian PSB said come back to PSB 2 weeks before expiration. So, I worked for 2 employers (in the same Province) with same RP.
I resigned Dalian School, and came to Xinjiang. RP was cancelled 2 weeks before expiration. I had to do new Medical, and present RP was issued.
louischuahm:
Sorrel@ Yes, I have 2 different RPs for 2 years of work for 2 different employers. Issue is I have only 1 Z. And that Z is 2 years old which was used to enter China to work for the first employer in 2012. My current employer didn't need a new Z to get my new RP. Odd isn't it? I asked the PSB here and they said it wasn't required and further added that my Z is still valid. I'm confused.
sorrel:
it could be that my RP's were tied in closely with the academic year, coinciding with me being out of the country during summer, hence 1 for each year of work
louischuahm:
Sorrel@Oh well, so long as I am legal. Who's to know how PSB and exit/entry work anyhow? Thanks for your input. Have a fun weekend! Whatever's left of it.
bill8899:
My experience mirrors Sorrel's. Regardless, Louis, whatever works in Chongqing works in Chongqing. So I would not worry about it. You know things are not always exactly the same here.
louischuahm:
Bill@ Yup, you're probably right. So long as everything's legal, it should be okay. Thanks.
As I understand Z visa get replaced by RP in 30 days after entry. Then, you should keep extending/replacing RP.
If you fail to extend RP, you must apply for new Z, and repeat everything with RP.
I got 2 Z visas:
- 04Mar2011 enter before 04Jun2011; marked with pen over '01 Entry', replaced by RP, issue date 12Apr2011, valid until 31Dec2011 - I was unable to extend it, because 'surprised' no Contract extension, and inability to find new sponsor in 30 days L.
- 07Dec2012 enter before 07Dec2013; (HK) same pen mark, replaced by RP issue date 10Oct2012 , valid until 30Jun2013; red stamp Cancelled 2013-06-12; new (extended in Xin) RP issue date 14 Jun 2013, valid until 03 May 2014.
My present Contract expire on the same date. As I understand, present School will get me 30 days L, and I'll travel to the new School, which will extend RP. However, I didn't make any contact with new sponsor yet. I forwarded CV to few Schools, but I didn't sign new Contract.
icnif77:
It wasn't simple to write my reply
. My book is almost full! I have off whole next week! 'Trees planting week', Schools are closed in Fuk.
Technically, a "Z" visa expires 30 days after you enter China automatically. Within those 30 days (and before you begin to work) you must complete your FEC and obtain work permit from Work Bureau, then to PSB for the residence permit.
It is the RP now that takes over your expired "Z" visa, and will in reality function as your "visa" while in China
The residence permit s issued normally for the lengh or duration of your work contract if less than one year, or one year. It is renewable for as long as you continue as an employee of said employer, since both the work an the residence permits are tied to your place of employment.
If you quit your employment, PSB will give you a 30 day "L" visa to close your affairs and leave China.
If you change employers, you have 10 days from our last day of work to go to Work Bureau and PSB with release letter from former employer and documentation from new one and get new work and residence permits under the name of new employer. If not done in 10 days, may need to get a new Z visa.
louischuahm:
Thanks for the detailed explanation. I am not sure it applies to me. I have a Z visa issued when I was employed with another company in Shunde in 2012, which was used to get the then RP and work permit. While I quit my first job (Shunde) end of 2012, I remained in China till last month. I have 15 days visa free entry which means I need to get out and come in every 2 weeks. Now, in 2014, the PSB in Chongqing (new employer) accepted the same visa (2012) and issued me a new RP and FEC. Does that makes sense?
ironman510:
Thats a new one for me, never heard of this situation before, all I've ever done was walk in with a Z visa for 30day's limit and get a RP.
louischuahm:
Ironman@ Yup, it's odd but hey, so long as it's legal who's to say how they do it. The sticker in my passport says I'm legal and the FEC is in my bag. Anyway, thanks for the note.
