Hello everyone,

I will be coming to Kunming to study at KUST in less than a month. The problem is that I will probably be arriving with a tourist visa, since I am currently working in China and can get this without leaving the country. KUST told me that they can convert the tourist visa to a student residence permit, but they are on holiday until Feb. 25.

However, the latest I can apply for my tourist visa is Jan. 24. The visa is for 31 days, but I'm afraid I won't be able to convert this to a residence permit until KUST reopens after Spring Festival on Feb. 25, which is more than 31 days.

Does anybody know of a possible solution to this problem? Since KUST already gave me all the necessary paperwork for getting a student visa, would it be possible to go to the PSB in Kunming myself to apply for a student visa or residence permit before Feb. 25?

I have tried to contact KUST about this but they are extremely unresponsive. I've sent them a whopping seven emails about it with no reply.

I appreciate any help or advice you can offer.

Thanks.

You will have no reply because they are probably already on holiday. To be honest I have yet to hear of a student department that is helpful anywhere in China.

If you have all of the paperwork, you could try going to the PSB in Kunming yourself, as soon as you get your tourist visa. The PSB may (or may not) be understanding about the situation and help you out. Even though the PSB can be bureaucratic they can be helpful, if you go to see them before the problem (visa expiration) arises.

It is at least one option you can try.