I got my permit last year after I got married. Since I don't live in China and I am American, I use it primarily as a inexpensive visa to visit my wife's family, up to twice a year. We plan to visit about 2 weeks before it expires so I have a couple questions for those of you who are familiar with the regulations.
After I arrive in China, do I have to get a new permit before it expires or can I wait 2 weeks before we leave? We am staying in Kunming at least 1 to 2 months.
Last time, the permit was good for 1 year, can I now get a longer permit on my 2nd one?
Any useful information would be appreciated.
Don't know about regs - - but when I went to renew mine - - said one year renewal only plus had to go to Police Station and get document verifying I have lived here (KMG) at least six months!!
Not sure even where to find regs without just going to Visa Office on Beijing Lu.
From my limited understanding of the regs. The residence permits are for 12 months only. After you have been both married to a Chinese citizen, and been residing in China for a cumulative 5 years you can apply for a permanent residence permit. However, the permanent residence permits are only issued for 5 or 10 year periods, they are not truly permanent.
From my experience of dealing with Chinese bureaucrats, you should get your paperwork renewed before it expires. If you don't you risk at least a fine. Be aware that there has been a recent high profile clampdown of 'illegal foreigners' driven by central government in China.
JJ & J, did you get a permit based on marriage? Apparently 6 months was not a requirement for me since I was in China that year 1st time for 2 1/2 months and the 2nd time at the time I got my permit was in China about 2 months.
I certainly plan to go to the PBS office when I arrive to ask them but I was hoping to get some definitive answers here about getting it after it expires.
My wife (Chinese) is a US citizen but also has Taiwan ID. Her visa is 5-year (due to Taiwan ID). My Residence Permit is tied to "visiting" with her. The "6-month" requirement from Visa Office was a first this time. We went to Police Station in Bei Chen - - they said they didn't understand requirement but gave us anyway.
Visa Office then said if I brought in "financial responsibility proof" I could also get 5 years (Note: we own several properties in KMG - - purchased before rule change limitation)
My impression is that every individual can be/is treated differently and everything is open to interpretation.
If you go to Visa Office and say - - well, so-and-so got this and that - - they will likely quote you a different regulation.
By the way - - we were in Hong Kong last week and were told totally different regulations.
GOOD LUCK!!
