@indosailor: thanks for this news - thru a Hong Kong agent? Do you have any details concerning how/when/why he was charged with visa fraud (e.g., passing thru immigration?)? Also from the US? Anyway, the person I know who did it hasn't been hassled.

That's why I asked if the OP was planning to do this outside of China. Using agents outside like in HK experience very few issues. On the other hand, if an agent in China can promise that kind of visa to you within China and furthermore says you won't have to exit/enter, then that requires a corrupt official somewhere in the chain.

In the end i used a Visa Agency in Guangzhou that I have been introduced by a friend..They looked also very professional...my second choice was a well known visa office in Hong Kong called Hong Hong forever bright,,,maybe next time will be safer to do it from Hong Kong as some of you suggest!

@indosailor do you have more details about the visa fraud?

Forever Bright has good reputation, they know what they're doing, have been at it a long time.

so what visa did you manage to get?

12months multi entry M visa through the usa route, it costed me 6800 yuan with rush service, i found other cheaper agencies they ask 6000 but i prefer to pay a bit more and relay on a professsional agency...hk forever bright was asking 7200 hkd..a bit cheaper than the others but I had to post my passport

it works only with american passports or also with european ones?

please note if you are on a tourist or buisness visa and go to Hk for a new L or M visa they will not give it to you (they will give you 14 day tourist visa)

if you are changing to a student or work visa they will give it to you provided you have the proper documents to do so