Was sent the recent UK Update, and it appears that clarifications have been made now.

I should tell you that I have sent out several emails to AMCHAM, US Consulate, and US China Business Council. I have not heard back from the later 2, and AMCHAM is still working to get clarification. So. Before doing anything, call ahead.

Second to that, if you are working for a company who has a China presence, and you are either planning on being here on a permanent basis, at least 180 days, or think you will be in and out quite a bit, make your life easier and get the Z visa.  You will need 4-6 weeks, and a trip to the hospital for color blind exam, lung x-ray, blood work, and ultrasound, but honestly,  it is worth it.

That is just my 2 cents.

After the break is the email from Ian Crawford of the British Chamber of Commerce

Chinese Embassy websites now makes clear that the following documents should be supplied to apply for F-visas:
(1) A valid original passport. There must be blank visa pages in the passport. Pages for endorsements or amendments can not be used as a visa page. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months;
(2) One completed Chinese Visa Application Form signed by the applicant.
(3) One recent passport photograph affixed to the visa application form. Life photos, copied photos and digital photos printed on ordinary paper are not acceptable.
(4) Visa Notification Form issued by the relevant department of Chinese government or the government-authorized company;
(5) A copy of Chinese hotel booking;
(6) A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking;

For documents required to submit for L visa, X visa, Z visa, J-1 or J-2 visa, G visa, please visit: http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/ceuk/eng/lsyw/chivisa/t424261.htm

According to our information, in Shanghai there are two “relevant department of Chinese government”

1. Shanghai Foreign Economic Relation & Trade Commission.
The invitation letter is available to apply online www.smert.gov.cn/visa (the website is in Chinese). The procedure is as below:

Step I: logon www.smert.gov.cn/visa
Step II: fill out your “Company Name” and “Organization Code” and then press “enter” button.
Step III: follow the sign and fill out the “Basic Corporate Information”.
Step IV: fill out the application letter, print it out and chop it. Then proceed according to the word instructions listed at the back of the application form.
Step V: the progress of the application is shown online.

If it does not show “Complete” after the time is overdue (usually 3 days), please call 6275 2200 *265; When it shows “Complete”, the invitation letter is available to be picked up from “Shanghai Foreign Economic Relation & Trade Commission”. Please make sure you bring the printed application letter (chopped) and a copy of your business license with you.

Shanghai Foreign Economic Relation & Trade Commission
Tel: 021-62752200 * 265

Address: 11th Floor, No 55, Lou Shan Guan Lu

2. CCPIT.

For rep offices / other organizations who may not have the “Organization Code” therefore could not do this online, you may contact the CCPIT.

Contact person: Ms. Qian
Tel: +86-21-53060228 * 519
Fax: +86-21-63878454
Address: No. 28 Jin Ling Xi Lu

Note: this lady only works in the morning.

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