How do I change a visa in China?

Hi Maherr， Option 1, you can change to work permit if you get a job offer in china. Option 2, you can have your study permit if you got a study offer from the university. Option 3, marry a chinese, then you can change your visa in china and extend your stay for another 6 months - only 6 months - then you have to go out and go in again to renew another 6 months stay. Option 4, if you can't have the above options, pls go out and come back to china to renew your stay if your visa still in the period of validity. Hope it help you, any question, please do not hesitate to let me know. Regards, ghgw

Hi Maherr

Requirements for visas changed in 2013 but all indications still seem to be that you will need to travel outside of China in order to get another visa. Unfortunately, the F type visa can't be transferred or "changed" into another kind, so the process more or less has to be started again.

Officially speaking, it is best to apply for a new visa from your home country, but this might not be practical. Hong Kong seems to be a popular destination for expats looking to get a different type of visa for mainland China. While many expats have done this, there is the chance it may not work. So I can advise that you be prepare for this possibility.

In the meantime, have a look at our Visas for China page to get a better idea of how the Chinese visa system works. 

Good luck!

Xavier

Thanks for your Reply which was very helpful and I want to ask if an international expat could have a bank acount in China with an F visa ?? Thanks

Yes you can have a bank account with a F Visa

Hello, I want to ask if is it really possible to change my F visa into a student visa or working visa without going out of china ??? and if yes how can I do it. Thanks

You have to depart China